Switchgear Planning with Software: Layout, Terminal Plan, BOM
A well-planned switch cabinet saves hours during installation and years of frustration during maintenance. Modern software generates the assembly plan, terminal plan and BOM in one go — making panel building predictable.
What a complete switchgear plan covers
Switchgear planning is more than a pretty picture. Three plans belong together.
Layout plan
Mechanical arrangement in the cabinet: DIN rails, devices, terminals. To scale, with device dimensions.
Schematic
The electrical logic: circuits, protective devices, connections. Mandatory document for inspection.
Terminal plan
Which wire to which terminal, terminal labeling. Saves significant time during installation and troubleshooting.
Software features that really matter
Automatic assembly planning
The assembly plan is generated automatically from the schematic. DIN rails are filled, reserve positions reserved.
Manufacturer libraries
Hager, ABB, Siemens, Eaton: real dimensions, part numbers and prices directly in the tool.
Labeling
Terminal and device labels generated automatically, export to labeling systems (Phoenix, Weidmüller).
BOM export
Bill of materials with part numbers, quantities and prices — direct to the wholesaler or into the ERP.
Complete system documentation
All plans as PDF in one file, ready to hand over to building owner and inspector.
Revision management
Changes traceable, old versions accessible, revision stamp automatic.
The typical switchgear workflow
1. Take circuits from the installation plan
The building plan provides the circuits. Software imports them directly — no double entry.
2. Choose protective devices
RCD, MCB, AFDD per circuit. The software suggests matching Hager or ABB components.
3. Generate layout plan
Software places components on DIN rails, you reposition manually as needed.
4. Auto-generate terminal plan
The terminal plan is derived from schematic and layout.
5. Export BOM and order
Send BOM with part numbers directly to the wholesaler.
What often goes wrong in switchgear building
No reserve positions planned
Always plan 20 % reserve in the cabinet. Retrofitting years later is otherwise painful.
Terminal plan missing
Without a terminal plan, installation becomes guesswork. Software creates it automatically — use that.
Labels out of sync
If labels in the cabinet don't match the schematic, every fault search becomes a test of patience.
Conclusion: software makes switchgear building predictable
With the right software, hours of drawing become a 30-minute workflow. Layout, terminal plan and BOM are generated consistently, errors from double maintenance disappear.
💡 Tip: Always plan with real libraries (Hager, ABB) — generic symbols waste time when ordering later.
Plan your switch cabinet online
myElectricPlan generates schematic, switchgear layout and BOM automatically from your installation plan — with real manufacturer components and prices.
Plan switchgear now