What kind of electrical CAD software is most used?

AUTOCAD files just go straight into P8 and some symbols can be made intellegent using a black box. EPLAN is the best CAE I ever used. Dont fall into the trap that AutoCAD electical is like using Autocad its not.
 
Hey,

I have been using EPLAN Electric P8. Already at the time I was generating my drawings in AutoCAD (which is mainly a mechanical tool) I had colleagues that were using EPLAN. That is back in the 90's. They were about 4 times faster then we were. When I started using EPLAN, I realized why... EPLAN is a real electrical CAD since day 1, they started 20 years before AutoCAD even thought about looking into serving the electrical people. You can add whatever you want on a tool, but if the foundation was not correct at first, it is hard to redirect. It is just cumbersome adding electrical features on a mechanical tool. Go right from the start, use EPLAN.
 
J

James Ingraham

> Is EPLAN more expensive than AutoCAD Electrical? <

It depends. When I priced them last, one seat of EPLAN was more expensive than one seat of AutoCAD Electrical. For three seats, it was about the same. Eplan also has several different levels that affect price, and a bunch of different options that can add up.

Both make you buy support for at least a year. Both make you go to training.

One or the other may be willing to negotiate more at a given moment in time.

-James Ingraham
Sage Automation, Inc.
 
We are using PCSCHEMATIC AUTOMATION for the past 5 years and prior to that we had used AutoCAD 2004 for our electrical schematic drawings. But, PCSCEMATIC we found its very user friendly & easy to use for the users in this segment. We had tested more than 3 software prior to procure PCS and decide the best - PCSCHEMATIC.
 
There is a software ETAP for electrical design. However I believe this is for high tension electrical system design – can you tell me what electrical softwares are sufficient for planning water treatment plants or any other process plant, where electrical systems are used, but are not primary concern.
 
G
Hello room,

I just wanted to throw my two cents in on the subject. I've worked for quite a few companies in the electrical field. Of them, the GSN Technologies software stands out the most; in my head anyway. It was a couple of different programs, a suite if you will. Each of them was geared toward a different aspect of the design process. From load design all the way to installation tracking; the software was pretty cool. Here's a link to their website for ease...good Luck.

http://www.gsntechnologies.com

- JustXIt
 
I agree that CADS Planner Electric is smart choice for electrical and automation design. it also have application for electrical installation drawings. Have used it for many years by now and am happy with CADS, also pricing is good.
 
Has anyone tried SCADA Systems, Elecdes Design Suite? I work in the Oil & Gas Industry & use Plant Design Suite. It looks like it pairs well with P3D & AutoCAD P&ID. We are considering making the commitment & are looking for feedback & opinions. Take a look:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/oc/offer/typ?siteID=123112&id=22085258§ion=1

<b>moderator's note:</b> when copying and pasting long URLs, delete any spaces inserted by the forum software.

http://elecdes.com/

http://elecdes.com/support/news#product-news
 
There's AutoCAD plug-in "MeteorSpec" that calculates the specifications of cables.

Program has a Data Library where all the data about the cables you use are saved. Program can generate reports as specifications (summarized lengths per cable type) or as explications (list of all cable with detailed information). Program can be configured to use in any field of design where calculation of total lengths and total areas is needed.

Look at Autodesk Exchange apps or at http://www.meteorspec.com
 
Now the "MeteorSpec" is completelly rebuild.

MeteorSpec LT is software toolkit for electrical designers. The software fully automates all electrotechnical calculations and computations of specifications in low-voltage distribution networks. Easily accessible calculators for electricians significantly speed up your work.

MeteorSpec LT consists of the following components:

MeteorSpec-NETWORK is software for simulation, analysis and calculation of 0.4kV distribution networks;
MeteorSpec-ELECTRIC is collection of various calculators for electrical designers and students;
MeteorSpec-PLINE is totally customizable multipurpose tool for summarizing lengths and areas of any objects that can be modeled >by lightweight polylines.

Look at Autodesk app store or at
http://www.meteorspec.com
 
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