Engineering (or main engineering) is an area aboard most starships where the ship's engines and power sources are contained and controlled by engineers. Because of the high energy interaction required by most power systems, the engineering section is usually located in a protected area, at a safe distance from crew living areas.
While the bridge controls navigation and steering, the engine room receives orders regarding engine power and speed. When the Enterprise attempted to leave orbit of Talos IV, Spock ordered the engine room to prepare for the effort, and, when ship's controls failed, Spock requested a use of rockets to force the vessel away from the planet. (TOS episode: "The Cage")
On Federation starships, a division is usually designated between the secondary hull where Warp Engineering is, and a primary hull where the bridge and crew quarters are located. In the days of the original Constitution-class starships, the Main Engineering section (or Impulse Engineering) was located at the aft end of the Primary Hull, or saucer section. Warp Engineering was located in the Secondary hull section. Main Engineering was considered to be the Impulse Engineering section, right next to the Impulse Power units. In case of a hull separation emergency, the crew would be able to operate the ship from either Engineering location. (TOS reference: Star Fleet Technical Manual)
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