Rich, Each state sets its own requirements for "Professional Engineers." Massachusetts is typical of most states. Here, the law is basically that anyone who calls themself an engineer must be a registered professional engineer. The requirements for becoming a PE are not too difficult; e.g., a BS degree, a couple of tests, four years of experience, references, etc. There is an exemption for engineers that work for corporations and that is why there aren't too many registered PE's, at least in hi-tech. Plans for buildings, bridges and other public works type projects have to be signed by a PE. Plans for manufactured products, at least the ones we are dealing with, do not.
In product liability litigation the "professional witnesses" are almost always PE's for obvious courtroom credibility reasons. - Mike >---------- >From: [email protected][SMTP:[email protected]] >Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 1997 12:02PM >To: [email protected] >Subject: Professional Engineers > >Is there any requirement that products for consumers or industries must be >designed or evaluated by a professional engineer? > >I understand that buildings, bridges, etc. would require a professional >engineer, but what about computers, 4-20 mA transmitters, valve actuators, >etc. > >My understanding is that a professional engineer is not required, but if an >accident happens, the plaintiff attorney will have some amunition. > >
