Electrical Planning Software Compared: ePLAN, hagercad, ProCAD and Alternatives
The choice of electrical planning software is broad: from heavy CAD solutions for industry to lean web tools for trade and homeowners. This comparison shows which programs are worth it for which projects and what to look for when choosing.
Market overview: who does what
The market splits into three camps: heavy CAD packages for industry and plant construction, mid-tier tools for electrical contractors, and lean web tools for building installations and homeowners.
| Tool | Target audience | License | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| ePLAN Electric P8 | Industry / plant construction | Purchase + maintenance | Deep engineering features, database integration |
| hagercad | Electricians / panel building | Subscription | Hager components, switchgear layout |
| ProCAD elcad | Mid-size industry | Concurrent user | Grid connections, schematics |
| WSCAD | Machine building / PLC | Module purchase | ECAD, terminals, cable plans |
| myElectricPlan | Building installation, SMB, homeowner | Web / subscription | Installation plan, schematic, switchgear in one |
What to look for when comparing
Not every feature list matters in everyday work. These six criteria decide whether you'll be productive with the software.
Learning curve
Web tools are productive in hours, classic CAD programs take weeks to months of training.
License costs
Watch for hidden costs: maintenance contracts, concurrent users, module surcharges. Subscription models have more predictable costs.
Symbol library
DIN EN 60617 is required. Check if manufacturer-specific libraries (ABB, Hager, Siemens) are available.
Auto-schematic generation
A good tool generates the schematic from the installation plan automatically — manual duplication costs hours.
Switchgear assembly
Layout plan with DIN rail arrangement, terminal plan, BOM export are standard today.
Exports and interfaces
PDF, DXF, GAEB export, wholesaler integration (Sonepar, Famo) save a lot of typing.
Which software for which company?
Single electricians and 3-10-person shops
Cloud tools like myElectricPlan are usually the fastest and cheapest option here. No IT, no updates, ready to go.
Mid-size electrical contractors
hagercad or ProCAD elcad offer the right feature scope. For lots of panel building, hagercad is particularly worth it.
Industry and plant construction
ePLAN Electric P8 or WSCAD are standard here. Multi-user, database integration, and PLC integration justify the high license costs.
Common mistakes when choosing software
Buying features that are never used
A €5,000 license isn't worth it if you only plan residential installations. Choose by need, not feature list.
Underestimating the learning curve
ePLAN and others require training. Plan this time in or choose a simpler tool if there's no time for training.
No test with a real project
Don't let yourself be shown a standard demo. Test with one of your typical projects from measurement to switchgear.
Conclusion: software must fit the business, not vice versa
Heavy CAD packages are for industry. For building installations and trade shops, modern web tools are almost always more worthwhile. Anyone who switches between private and commercial customers should choose a tool that covers both worlds.
💡 Tip: Test two or three solutions with a real project before committing.
Try myElectricPlan free
myElectricPlan covers installation plan, schematic and switchgear in one tool — browser-based, no installation and no CAD training required.
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