Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
(OP)
I am in a situation where I am being asked to stamp a drawing set done by another engineer. The drawings are for a large grid tied solar electric system and the utility wants the drawings stamped before they will allow interconnection. The system is already installed and the firm that did the initial design is no longer involved. The electrical contractor is the one seeking a stamp.
My inclination is not to stamp the drawing because I have too many questions that no one has the answer to. The solar modules were custom built and no one has the exact specs. There is a relay no one knows can tell me about. I have 6-7 questions more I can't get answered.
As I understand it, if I stamp a drawing, I am accepting responsibility for everything on the drawing. Would I be completely crazy to stamp a design that isn't mine and that I don't even have enough information to replicate?
Thanks,
John
My inclination is not to stamp the drawing because I have too many questions that no one has the answer to. The solar modules were custom built and no one has the exact specs. There is a relay no one knows can tell me about. I have 6-7 questions more I can't get answered.
As I understand it, if I stamp a drawing, I am accepting responsibility for everything on the drawing. Would I be completely crazy to stamp a design that isn't mine and that I don't even have enough information to replicate?
Thanks,
John





RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
Also, be aware that most states have laws prohibiting the activity you describe. So, you could also lose your license or have it suspended.
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
But if I was you, I would give a call to the original engineer. If they walked away from the job (or so the contractor says), there must have been a good reason for it.
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
As stated - some states have very strict rules about this and yes you might be crazy....
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
Seriously, retroactively PE stamping someone else's engineering drawings would likely violate proper responsible charge requirements. At best, you could offer to review the design and construction and write a letter stating your professional opinion of it, but that is probably not worth the fee garnered given the liability incurred.
Why didn't the original engineer stamp his/her drawings?
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
--Scott
http://wertel.eng.pro
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
RE: Stamping Someone Else's Drawings
Do you have a contract with the contractor? If no, what is your relationship?
If all of your questions could be answered to your satisfaction, would you be willing to become the EOR?
At this point, I would write a report with the findings of your review and give that to the contractor.