General Project & Technical Questions
Q1. Can you explain your experience with electrical installations in large facilities like airports?
✅ A: “I have hands-on experience in power distribution systems, MDB/SMDB/FDB installations, UPS, generators, and BEMS integration for large-scale buildings. I’ve worked on lighting control systems, fire alarms, CCTV, and access control in complex facilities, ensuring compliance with international standards such as IEC, NEC, and NFPA.”
Q2. How do you size and design the electrical load for airport terminals?
✅ A: “I start with a load estimation study, considering lighting, HVAC, IT rooms, baggage handling, and other systems. Then, I apply demand factors, diversity factors, and safety margins. Software tools like ETAP or Dialux may be used to model loads. Finally, I prepare a single-line diagram (SLD) and select switchgear, cables, and protection devices accordingly.”
Q3. What standards and codes do you follow for airport electrical works?
✅ A: “I follow IEC, NEC, NFPA, IATA, ICAO, and Saudi Building Codes, depending on project requirements. Safety and redundancy are key, since airports are critical infrastructure.”
Q4. How do you ensure uninterrupted power supply in critical areas (IT rooms, check-in counters, FIDS, etc.)?
✅ A: “By using dual-feed MDBs, UPS systems for IT and control rooms, and backup DG sets for essential services. Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and synchronizing panels are also used for redundancy.”
Q5. How do you coordinate between different systems (BEMS, fire alarm, lighting, HVAC, etc.)?
✅ A: “Through BMS integration using open protocols like BACnet/Modbus. This allows monitoring of energy, lighting, HVAC, and safety systems from a centralized dashboard.”
💡 BEMS / Energy Efficiency Questions
Q6. What is BEMS and why is it important for airports?
✅ A: “BEMS (Building Energy Management System) is a centralized platform to monitor and control energy consumption, HVAC, lighting, and safety systems. In airports, it helps reduce energy costs, optimize operations, and meet sustainability goals.”
Q7. How do you reduce energy consumption in airport terminals?
✅ A:
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Motion/occupancy sensors for lighting.
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LED lighting with dimming controls.
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Scheduled HVAC operation through BEMS.
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Smart metering for energy monitoring.
🔔 Safety & Compliance Questions
Q8. How do you ensure electrical safety during installation?
✅ A: “We follow strict Permit to Work (PTW) systems, implement Lockout-Tagout (LOTO), provide PPE to workers, and conduct regular insulation resistance and continuity tests. We also ensure proper earthing and lightning protection systems.”
Q9. How do you test and commission electrical systems before handover?
✅ A: “We prepare an Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) covering megger test, continuity test, load testing, UPS/generator trials, and functional testing of all systems like lighting, fire alarms, and BEMS. After that, we do joint inspections with consultants and clients before handover.”
🤝 Client/Contractor Interaction Questions
Q10. Why should we award this project to you/your company?
✅ A: “Because we bring both technical expertise and practical execution experience. We understand airport environments where reliability, safety, and deadlines are critical. Our approach is to deliver quality installations, energy efficiency, and compliance with international standards while keeping cost-effectiveness in mind.”
Q11. How do you handle project delays or design changes from the client?
✅ A: “We manage through proper documentation (RFI, NCR, Change Orders), transparent communication, and flexible planning. Our priority is always the client’s satisfaction while maintaining safety and compliance.”
Key Project Site Documents
1️⃣ RFI – Request for Information
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Purpose: Used when drawings, specifications, or instructions are unclear.
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Example: “The lighting layout doesn’t specify the type of fixture in the lounge area — please confirm.”
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When: During design, installation, or coordination stage.
2️⃣ NCR – Non-Conformance Report
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Purpose: Issued when work is not done according to approved drawings, specs, or standards.
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Example: “Cables installed without proper fireproofing sleeves — NCR issued.”
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When: During inspection, testing, or QA/QC checks.
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Impact: Contractor must correct the work or provide justification.
3️⃣ Change Order (Variation Order / VO)
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Purpose: Official approval for changes in scope, design, cost, or schedule.
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Example: “Client requests additional sockets in VIP lounge → Change Order raised for extra cost + time.”
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When: After contract signing, if scope changes.
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Impact: Affects budget and timeline.
⚖️ Comparison Table
| Term | Purpose | Triggered By | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFI | Clarify info / design | Contractor → Consultant/Client | Avoids mistakes | Confirm type of light fitting |
| NCR | Report non-compliance | QA/QC or Consultant | Must rework/fix | Wrong cable size installed |
| Change Order | Approve extra work | Client/Consultant | Time & cost change | Add extra DB in baggage hall |
✅ Simple way to remember:
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RFI = “I need more info.”
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NCR = “Work not as per requirement, must fix.”
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Change Order = “Approved extra/change in scope, with cost/time impact.”
