r/powerengineering

Everyone used to say it was the golden ticket. Is that still the case? Are you cooked without it?

Power Engineering 2nd Class

I’m getting ready to write my local 7930 ETIO trade entrance exam number two. I need help with the formulas. I need help with like a cheat sheet with all the formulas and link any links on that would be helpful to help me study from without taking into over information or too much information which I find I’m doing now and I’m losing what I need to in the mix so I need a more direct help like Chi cheats with all the formulas, you know, and all the breakdowns and for the maths and the trade sciences, and the spatial relations is another animal entirely. I got no words for that one if anybody can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

Hey,

I was looking for some opinions on what you guys think is the best steel toe boot with a wide toe box. My pinky toe is screaming. Wore blundstones gave up on them in a month because they’re so tight, tried redbacks they’re a little better but not by much. Brownie points for slip ons. Doing rounds is killing my feet, doing 20k steps a day right now.

Cheers

TSSA legalese is hard for me sometimes. Just wondering if I have this worked out correctly.

I've already got a TSSA account and have written my G3 exam so I'm familiar with that, but it was all booked through school. I want to do 4th class operating engineer and move into that field.

So I book an exam application through the TSSA site, pay the fee $89, and then they send a series of times and places a written in person exam can be done. From there, I would then need 12 months of steam time and I can apply for the official certification correct?

Bonus questions, I've downloaded and started studying the PanGlobal books linked at the top of the sub. Ran through a few practice exams I found floating around to give me an idea of where my weak points are. The pan global 4th class workbook. Anything else i should be looking at to study? I've always been good with Math and Physics

I have my 2nd class and lots of experience. Looking to settle down somewhere in a place I actually like. Ideally I’d like to make $150k. Was wondering if any jobs exist near Kelowna?

Hi, I am studying the possibility of powering a 3-Phase electrical panel with either 3-phases 208V, or a split-phase 240V generator.

The 3-phase input would come from a wall transformer, and the loads would be balanced as much as possible. The only load at 208V can also take 240V as its input, the rest of the loads are powered at 120V.

Then, I would like to use a 240V split-phase generator as a secondary input with an interlock, where a relay would short a 120V phase to the C phase of the pannel, as shown below:

https://preview.redd.it/vr5azy1jab2h1.png?width=1591&format=png&auto=webp&s=05ea753c10ece851f984aa3692bc3bce7cd0c9d0

Is this a decent idea? The generator would see a slight load imbalance between the two 120V phases, but each of the 120V phases can handle the current and the neutral would carry the imbalance current. This idea comes from the fact that a 3-phase generator wouldn't run properly with the UPS, as it represents 50% of the total load and it is a single phase input.

Thank you!

Hello everyone i'm working on induction heating system using permanent magnets i did the simulation using comsol multiphysics but there is problem the plate didn't heat up even it has rotation ( eddy current) can everyone here help? Is it a physics mistake?

So I notice a lot of questions use formulae not listed in the academic supplement. Any tips on how to navigate this? I'm having a hell of a time keeping it all inside my head

People who got their power engineering jobs in Canada in recent few years specially after covid what helped you get job?
Do you still like your job?
What company are you in?
What are your future plans with your experience and study?

I started studying for the 1B1 exam, and this feels quite a bit different than studying for all the other exams. What helped you succeed writing this exam?

I’ve noticed a lot of their job postings are always temporary or fixed term contract. Especially for maintenance techs and operations.

Do these jobs usually lead to full time positions if they like and everything works out?

I would apply but these larger companies track how many jobs you apply for on workday and I don’t want to waste their time and interview and then ask if it can lead to a full time position.

Probably would be hard to find good talent with these job postings. Most people that are good have jobs and wouldn’t leave a full time gig for that.

I was thinking of applying to the power engineering technology program this fall and wanted to ask if anyone is taking the program or has graduated from it. How heavy is the course load, do they get straight into it and how difficult is it?

Hi All,

(Sorry that this is so long and thanks to anybody that actually reads it and offers any feedback)

I’m 29 years old with an extensive back ground in Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and other maintenance related trades. In 2024 I began an entry level position as a helper working at a power plant. The work consists of cleaning filters, repairing diaphragm pumps, draining water off of tanks, operating equipment such as sludge & fuel separators and things of that nature.

I’ve very quickly gained an interest in the field and have received many great remarks in regard to my aptitude and overall work ethic. After inquiring with more senior staff around the plant they informed me that the best way set myself up for success long term and be considered for better positions is to pursue my 4th class (and then 3rds eventually and so on.) So with that being said I went ahead and enrolled in the Self Paced, Online 4A course through SAIT.

So I purchased all the necessary PanGlobal books and etc. but I also went ahead and purchased the optional “Prep Math Topics For Power Engineering” as I knew I’d need extensive refreshers on 90% of my more advanced math since I’ve been out of school for so long. (I went straight out of high school into the work force)

Here’s where it’s gotten sticky - My course is active from March 2nd until August 30th and I’m literally just completing the Prep Math book.. I won’t lie, I quickly realized I bit off more than I could chew and was struggling with a lot of the math at first. I even needed refreshers on simple stuff like order of operations. Not to mention I never really did any trig, logarithms etc in high school.

Basically, what I’m getting at is am I screwed? 15 weeks left, give or take and I’m literally just starting Unit A - 1 “Elementary Mechanics & Dynamics”

Last thing to mention, just to add some context: I do work long’ish hours with a lot of OT while also raising a toddler. I study 4 nights a week for around 2-3 hrs and I have two 1hr tutoring sessions a week just to get some extra assistance on difficult concepts or subjects. I also have a longstanding ADHD diagnosis which was able to get me an official letter addressed to SAIT & the ABSA from my psychiatrist that I could use to POSSIBLY get some extra considerations from them such as an extra month or two to complete the course and maybe some accommodations during the actual exam? I’m considering that a last resort as I really don’t like to use my ADHD as an excuse but in reality it definitely does hinder me. Especially considering the nature of self studying and remaining attentive etc.

Thanks for reading!

Hi,

Does anyone know whether or not a new 4th Class Power Engineer can get a job at a FIFO Oil Sands or Mine as a first job? I'd prefer oil sands, but will take mining in Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut. It would depend where they fly. I'd like e facility where I can progress to 3rd class fairly quickly.

Hey guys I was wondering how would I transfer my license for 4th class from MB to ON it's super slow in MB has anyone done it or guide me through it I would appreciate that thanks for the responses

I know this is way too late for this as I have the exam the day after tomorrow. Just want to know my chances. I’ve practiced almost all the example math questions from the pan global books. Gas laws, Thermo, Forces, KE=PE, Mensuration, Simple machines, Density all that sorts of stuff.
to the point where i’m able to literally to mental math and memorize formulas provided in academic supplement.

I haven’t been able to cover
- Calorimetry
- Water Equivalent
- Bending moments (only know how to do easy ones)

The rest i’ve been able to do. I’ve also been utilizing PE101 as well and scoring 84-90s each time. I’ve also looked through most of the theory but not all.

Just having last minute nervousness and do not want to do this exam again. Do you guys think I’ll be fine?

Hi everyone,

I’m almost 40 and recently registered for BCIT’s 4th Class Power Engineering Part A online program.

I come from an engineering + software background, and after spending years in tech, I’m exploring Power Engineering as a possible long-term transition into building operations / industrial systems / infrastructure-related work.

I’ve been reading a lot of mixed opinions online lately. Some people say there’s still demand, while others say the entry-level market has become extremely competitive, especially for people without steam time.

I’m hoping to get some realistic insight from people currently in the program or already working in the field.

A few questions:

• How competitive is it to get into the BCIT Power Lab after finishing the online courses?
• Is there usually a long waitlist?
• How difficult is it to get steam time / the full 4th Class ticket afterward?
• What’s the BC job market actually like right now for newcomers?
• Are employers open to hiring older career changers?
• Do employers care that the theory portion was completed online?
• Is refrigeration/ammonia experience becoming almost mandatory now?

I’m not expecting an easy path — just trying to understand the reality before going too far down this road.

Would really appreciate honest opinions and experiences.

Thanks!

Writing ABSA 3A1 tomorrow, what type of questions should I expect? Thankyou so much