MeteorSpec:

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

WSCAD:

I find WSCAD software is very good, its easy to learn and easy to use! Its not overladed as ePlan and the price is also acceptable, I think.

http://www.wscad.de/de/elektrocad/

Elecdes Design Suite:

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

http://elecdes.com/

http://elecdes.com/support/news#product-news

You can also try Electrical Design Software http://www.elecdes.com by Scada Systems Ltd of Auckland NZ though it does require CAD to generate drawings.

GSN TECHNOLOGIES:

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

ElectraE6:

I would like to recommend Electra E6.It is an easy to use CAD software.http://www.radicasoftware.com

ETAP:

There is a software ETAP for electrical design. However I believe this is for high tension electrical system design can you tell me wha� t electrical softwares are sufficient for planning water treatment plants or any other process plant, where electrical systems are used, but are not primary concern.

E3 WireWorks:

if you are looking at ePlan and AutoCAD Electrical you could also consider Zuken's E3.WireWorks products. Very powerful and is becoming increasingly popular with companies who use Solidworks in their mechnical design departments. There are a number of spots to find information on it. Here are a few.

http://www.zuken.com/e3wireworkshttp://www.javelin-tech.com/main/products/e3wireworks.htm

EPLAN:

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.

Autocad:

The CAD software we and all of our suppliers use is AUTOCAD from Autodesk. They tell us that as of just a few years ago over 85% of all cad work was done using AUTOCAD.

I hope this helps

Idesignoffice:

I agree that 'full' CAD s/w is not always required. If you are looking to produce loop based drawings then there is IDO software (http://www.iDesignOffice.com) that creates loop & termination diagrams without CAD (design). If you need CAD drawings later you can export to AutoCAD.

An engineer can use this very easily since no CAD experience is required. Its just drag & drop. I found it easy to use too.

Beside the fact that it increases efficiency IDO produces accurate drawings reoeatedely because it works on the principle of Write Once Read Many. Therefore it eliminates the confusion between what the designer meant and waht the cad operator interpreted it as.

This results in error free designs and the project built to the design without downtime in construction and red line updates of drawings.

From Glanford Control Systems UK Distributor.Enquiries@glanford.co.uk

Microstation:

Bentley.

There are mostly two universal CAD softwares used, first is AUTOCAD from Autodesk and second is Microstation from Intergraph. Both of these softwares are for all types of Engineering Drafting and require extensive training and application to get good results. Normally, Engineers have other assignments than drafting themselves, therefore services of CAD draftsmen are utilized to get professional results in the shortest time, although through experience and dedication any Engineer can work his way in CAD.

Microsoft Visio:

There is another category of CAD that I call Presentation CAD, Microsoft's Visio is the leader in the field. This is very useful for either beginner or even Experienced Engineers. The learning curve is fast and output graphics are presentable. There are easy to use tools to produce excellent graphics and numerous libraries representing graphics from varoius fields of Engineering. Any Engineer can utilize Visio to produce good results, communicate graphically with others, put his ideas quickly and copy and paste his drawing in MS Office Applications.

My suggestions to all engineers is to start in Programs like Visio and then if really needed progress to full bodied CADs.

E3Schematic:

AutoCad is not an electrical CAD program. You can buy an add-on for electro CAD. Probably the most used electro CAD program is Eplan, but in my opinion Eplan is to expensive.Try E3.schematic from CIM-Team. http://www.e3series.com/e3_series.html

Promis:

Try taking a look at Promis-e http://www.ecti.com

PCSchematic:

You could give a look at "PC schematic" software at http://www.dps.dk/english/index.htm

Radica:

Very easy to use, very fast and economical package based on Visio, http://www.radicasoftware.com

Smartsketch:

made by Intergraph

Elcad:

Elcad (by Aucotec, http://www aucotec.com) is much easier t use then Eplan. Tech support is very good as well.

Engineering base:

Have a look on Engineering Base. This is a new ECAD system from AUCOTEC. It is based on Visio and MS SQL-Server. You will be well prepared for he future!!!

Bentley Products:

Bentley Instrumentation & Wiring for process plant instrumentation design.http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/Bentley+Instrumentation+and+Wiring/?market=Plant

Bentley Promis.e for electrical control system design.http://www.ecti.com/

Bentley Building Electrical Systems for building information models.http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/Bentley+Building+Electrical+Systems?BI=link&V=1%2D8T5RFH

As well these "vertical" applications we also have our platform CAD application MicroStation.http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/MicroStation/Overview.htm

Please review the information found by clicking the links above.

Solutions Electrical:

I have found Solutions Electrical very good, http://www.designelectricalpro.com

It covers the CAD side of things, and the calculation/mathematical side of things too.

Very user friendly and really fast in performing the results. Very good support too.

I am the Regional Manager for Solutions Electrical Software.

Do visit our website for more info on our product offering, features and even view video live demos of the software in use.

www.solutionselectricalsoftware.com

You can also contact me directly for details

SEE Electrical:

SEE Electrical (previous name was CADDY++) is an easy way for electricians who is working in Maintenance Departments in industry. You can test a trial version. www.ige-xao.com.

Smart Plant Electrical:

Try SmartPlant Electrical from Intergraph

Tzviwww.wise-assist.com

Cads Planner:

Very very very good software for making electrical projects, have been using it for years nowhttp://www.cadsplanner.com/products/?page=cads_planner_electric

Electrical Estimating Software:Software for Estimating Electrical projects. Contains online demo.www.electricalestimatingsoftware.com

EasyPower:Software for Arc Flash Analysis and short circuit Calculations, Relay setting coordination and Equipment Sizing. Offers Trial Version.http://www.easypower.com/

Schneider Electric CAD:Software for designing electrical installations in industrial and tertiary buildings. Trial version available. http://www.soft.schneider-electric.com/

OrCad:

I am curious which vendor of PSPICE they provide you at school. When I was in school we had access to a version of OrCAD. It was limited to something like 15 components though.

Pspice:

It might just be the way my school has things set up, but I have a student version of PSPICE that cost me nothing.

suggest that you become familiar with a spice tool like LTSpice

These are the categories of tools that I have used or use:

Schematic and PCB Layout Tool (PCAD and Altium) Spice Simulation tools(Genesys, Microcap, LTSpice) FPGA Development and synthesis tools (Altera’s Quartus and Xilinx ISE Design Suite) Micro-controller development tools Matlab is a mathmatics tool I have come to rely on

Aveva:

Electrical engineering, design, documentation and management for the entire project lifecycle

Powercad: