Control panel design software

Working on control panel design? Software tools can help with design, documentation, bill of materials, circuit diagrams, component placement, and more.

July 6, 2011

Control panel design software helps system integrators, panel designers, machine builders, and others more efficiently layout and specify a panel that meets application needs. Using software also helps with related challenges, including appropriate documentation. Software can speed design of future panels and helps with redesign, retrofits, or upgrades.

Panel design considerations can include selection of a suitable cabinet, appropriate design and layout, energy distribution, power and control wiring and isolation, modules and devices, sub-assembly selection, bill of materials (BOM), short circuit current ratings (SCCR), and related diagrams and documentation.

One example of such software is Panel Design Configurator 3.0, for planning and design of electrical distribution systems and switchgear by Striebel & John, a member of the ABB Group.

Documentation tools include parts lists, design, and circuit diagrams. Panel Design Configurator – Basis is a free basic version for drawing, producing front views, and more. It includes more than 5,000 graphical symbols.

Projects can be managed clearly folders following Microsoft Windows conventions, with direct access to parts lists, circuit diagrams, and plan views. Projects can be displayed and processed in the parts list or in the front view. Easy-to-use product navigator allows selection and drag-and-drop pasting of items, according to Striebel & John.

Add-on modules expand capabilities of the basic software package.

Panel Design Configurator-SLP is for drawing circuit diagrams. This module upgrades and replaces the StrieCad program, carrying over functions while adding the simple, modern interface used in Panel Design Configurator with additional functions for compiling circuit diagrams. Another 1,500 symbols are contained in this module.

Panel Design Configurator-EXP can be used to export data to various applications and other programs. Offers, parts lists, circuit diagrams, and front views can be transmitted in various formats. Circuit diagrams and front views are exported in DXF format. Offers and parts lists are exported in Acrobat PDF, RTF, Word, Excel or text formats.

Panel Design Configurator-GEN can generate user-defined symbols beyond the more than 5,000 offered in the basic version, and the 1,500 additional symbols added in the Panel Design Configurator-SLP module. 

Panel Design Configurator-TPS is for planning and designing switchboards from 1250 A up to 4000 A. Use this software to plan a layout and calculate a project quickly and effectively, including calculations for the incoming circuit breaker, outgoing breakers, or fuse switch disconnectors. This add-on allows configuration according to project requirements, and it provides front views and parts lists accordingly.

More about Panel Design Configurator 3.0 is available at

https://www.striebelundjohn.com/en/content/panel-design-configurator-30

Separately, EDS PowerCon configuration software for TriLine PowerModules helps with planning and calculating within enclosures.

https://www.striebelundjohn.com/en/node/142385

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com