Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that studies the design and use of equipment, devices, and systems that utilise electricity, electronics, and electromagnetic. It first became recognised as a distinct profession in the later part of the nineteenth century, after the commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and the production, distribution, and use of electrical electricity.
Electronics, photovoltaic cells, and optics and photonics are just a few of the fields that fall under the umbrella term "electrical engineering." Computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, photovoltaic cells, and electronics are all included. In fact, many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, covering a wide range of specialisations such as hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics/control, and electrical materials science, to name a few.
Electrical engineers are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in either electrical engineering or electronic engineering. Engineers in practise may have professional qualification and be members of a professional association or an international standards organisation, among other things. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) are among the organisations that work in this area (formerly the IEE).
Electrical engineers operate in a broad variety of sectors, and the abilities needed to do so are as diverse. From circuit theory to project management skills, there is a wide variety of knowledge and abilities. Tools and equipment that an individual engineer may need are also varied, and may range from a basic voltage tester to very complex design and production software, depending on the situation.