Joseph (Joe) Nowikowski, P.E., IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI, CVFI
Senior Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Practice Leader
Background
With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Joe Nowikowski has a diverse background in electrical engineering, construction, and management.
He has B.S. degrees in Mining Engineering and Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA. He is a registered professional engineer in 35 states, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. In addition to his business experience, he was also a part-time College Mathematics Instructor.
Mr. Nowikowski’s forensic engineering experience features extensive experience investigating a variety of solar power installations including utility-owned solar farms, roof-mounted industrial locations, roof-mounted public school locations, and residential installations.
He has investigated fatalities and injuries related to electrical energy.
Mr. Nowikowski has investigated a number of lithium battery failures related to power tools, e-cigarettes, e-bicycles, hobby toys, vehicle jump start battery packs, as well as residential and utility scale battery systems. He has spoken twice at the international lithium battery conference in Washington, D.C., and has presented at multiple local and regional conferences on various electrical topics.
He also has significant experience in cases involving residential and commercial wiring, appliance failures, electrical components for aquariums and terrariums, service entrance systems (SES), portable generators, neon signs and lighting, variable frequency drives, high-end home automation systems, lighting systems, alarm systems, cellular tower fire, and lightning strikes. His work also includes experience in construction defect claims, standard of care for electrical contractors, and a variety of industrial, commercial, and residential fires as well as vehicle fire investigations for recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, farm equipment, forklifts, tractor-trailer, and passenger vehicles.
Education and Certifications
• Mining Engineering, B.S.: The Pennsylvania State University (1980)
• Electrical Engineering, B.S.: University of Missouri Columbia (1984)
• Electrical Engineering, M.S.: University of Missouri Columbia (1985)
• Business Administration, M.B.A.: Jacksonville University (2004)
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator: National Association of Fire Investigators
• Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator: National Association of Fire Investigators
• Certified Fire Investigator: International Association of Arson Investigators
• Registered Professional Engineer: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, Nevada, Nebraska, North Dakota, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
• UL Standards Technical Panel: Electric Aquarium Equipment, UL 1018; Electric Clothes Washing Machines, Extractors and Dryers, UL 2157; Microwave Cooking Appliances, UL 923; Electric Fans and Power Ventilators UL 507; Electric Utility Meters UL 2735; Electric Ballasts and Fluorescent Lamp Starters UL 935