The Hidden Complexity of Electrical Distribution in Buildings

When you walk into a room and flip on the light switch, you probably don’t think twice. The lights turn on, and you move on with your day. But behind that simple action is a system so complex, so carefully coordinated, that it takes entire teams of engineers, electricians, manufacturers, and utility companies working in harmony to make it all seem…effortless.

We sat down with Jonathan Fant, Manager of Electrical Engineering at Schemmer, to get a peek behind the walls and the ceiling tiles at what really goes into electrical distribution in modern buildings. The short version? It’s a lot more than just electrical wiring and outlets.

From Generators to Your Desk Lamp

“Electricity is something we take for granted,” Jonathan says. “It’s always there until it’s not. And when it’s not, things come to a stop fast.”

Power starts at massive generating stations and travels through miles of transmission lines before it ever reaches a building. But that’s just the beginning. Inside the building, electrical engineers design systems that take that incoming power and distribute it safely, efficiently, and effectively to every corner of the space.

Jonathan likens it to a tree: a main trunk (the incoming power) branching out through limbs (panelboards) and into twigs (circuits) that reach your lights, outlets, and equipment.

Designing for Safety and Simplicity

Electrical systems may be out of sight, but they’re never out of mind for the engineers who design them. Jonathan explains that safety isn’t just a line item, it’s baked into every decision from day one.

“Codes and standards exist for a reason,” he says. “Over time, the industry has learned where the risks are, and we’ve developed systems to reduce them.”

From following the National Electrical Code to coordinating with UL-listed products and adhering to life safety and energy codes, Schemmer’s engineers take a meticulous approach to protecting people, buildings, and systems.

And while code compliance is a baseline, Jonathan and his team often go beyond it when the situation calls for it.

Why Early Decisions Matter

Electrical systems are designed to be efficient, but they’re not infinitely flexible. One small change, like swapping in a bigger mechanical unit, can create a domino effect that requires redoing panel sizes, upgrading wiring, and even expanding electrical rooms.

“So those early decisions are the cheapest and most impactful,” Jonathan says. “Once walls are up and drawings are final, making changes gets expensive fast.”

The Power of Collaboration

If electrical systems touch everything, it’s because electricity powers everything.

“We interact with every discipline,” Jonathan says. “Architects, structural, civil, mechanical, the owner, even interior designers all have a role to play.”

Lighting, for instance, isn’t one-size-fits-all. A gym needs different lighting than a conference room. An assisted living facility needs higher light levels than a daycare. And in modern offices? It’s common for Schemmer to design that each private office gets its own dimmer, so people can control their own comfort.

Smart Buildings, Smarter Design

The days of simple on-off switches are mostly behind us. Thanks to the energy code and rising expectations for comfort and technology, modern buildings are full of features like:

• Occupancy sensors that turn off lights when no one’s around
• Daylight harvesting systems that dim lights when the sun’s shining
• Networked data systems that support everything from computers to phones to cameras to building controls

And it’s not just inside. Solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and other technologies are increasingly part of the design conversation from day one.

“I would not be surprised if there will come a day fairly soon, when every single new building will have solar on it. It just seems like something that’s too good to pass up.”

Final Thoughts

Jonathan has seen the industry evolve from hand-drafting with slide rules to real-time 3D modeling in Revit. But even with all the technological advances, one thing hasn’t changed:

“At the end of the day, our job is to design systems that are safe, reliable, and make life better for the people who use the space.”

And that’s exactly what Schemmer’s electrical team does day in and day out, behind the scenes, one wire at a time.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures, it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With eight offices across five states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

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• Architecture
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At Schemmer, we don’t just design—we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

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