Editing Electrical engineering (section)

{{Short description|Branch of engineering}}
{{Distinguish|Electronic engineering}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox occupation
| name = Electrical engineering
| image = File:Umspannwerk-Pulverdingen 380kV-Trennschalter.jpg
| caption = A long row of [[disconnector]]s
| official_names = Electrical engineer
<!------------Details------------------->
| type =
| activity_sector = [[Electronics]], [[electrical circuit]]s, [[electromagnetics]], [[power engineering]], [[electrical machine]]s, [[telecommunications]], [[control system]]s, [[signal processing]], [[optics]], [[photonics]], and [[electrical substation]]s
| competencies = Technical knowledge, management skills, advanced mathematics, systems design, physics, science, abstract thinking, analytical thinking, philosophy of logic (see also [[Glossary of electrical and electronics engineering]])
| formation = 
| employment_field = [[Technology]], [[science]], [[space exploration|exploration]], [[military]], [[Industry (manufacturing)|industry]] and [[society]]
| related_occupation =
| average_salary =
}}

'''Electrical engineering''' is an [[engineering]] discipline concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use [[electricity]], [[electronics]], and [[electromagnetism]]. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century after the [[commercialization]] of the [[electric telegraph]], the telephone, and [[electrical power]] generation, distribution, and use.

Electrical engineering is divided into a wide range of different fields, including [[computer engineering]], [[systems engineering]], [[power engineering]], [[telecommunications]], [[radio-frequency engineering]], [[signal processing]], [[instrumentation]], [[photovoltaic cell]]s, [[electronics]], and [[optics]] and [[photonics]]. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, [[power electronics]], [[Electromagnetism|electromagnetics]] and waves, [[microwave engineering]], [[nanotechnology]], [[electrochemistry]], renewable energies, mechatronics/control, and electrical materials science.{{efn|For more see [[glossary of electrical and electronics engineering]].}}

Electrical engineers typically hold a [[academic degree|degree]] in electrical engineering, electronic or electrical and electronic engineering. Practicing engineers may have [[professional certification]] and be members of a [[professional body]] or an international standards organization. These include the [[International Electrotechnical Commission]] (IEC), the [[National Society of Professional Engineers]] (NSPE), the [[Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]] (IEEE) and the [[Institution of Engineering and Technology]] (IET, formerly the IEE).

Electrical engineers work in a very wide range of industries and the skills required are likewise variable. These range from [[circuit theory]] to the management skills of a [[project manager]]. The tools and equipment that an individual engineer may need are similarly variable, ranging from a simple [[voltmeter]] to sophisticated design and manufacturing software.