This review continues the search for robust, full-featured, and effective building information modeling (BIM) software for electrical engineering uses.
Design Master Electrical is an AutoCAD-based software product developed specifically for electrical engineering design. The development began in the mid-1990s when it was created as an internal engineering tool. By 2001, it had been refined and made available for sale to other engineering firms, making it a veteran in the field and predating Revit.
For more information on how the 10-point scorecard works, see this video. You can also download a scorecard graphic to help personally score BIM software.
Scoring Design Master Electrical
- Does engineering exist?
- Does MEP exist?
- Does electrical engineering exist?
Design Master Electrical earns “yes” answers for all three questions and comprehensively addresses electrical engineering.
- Can you insert electrical devices?
Yes. Design Master Electrical uses AutoCAD for drafting, allowing users to insert devices directly into drawings.
- Can you create a panel schedule?
Yes, devices are intelligent with load information, enabling the creation of detailed panel schedules that reflect these loads.
- Can you perform panel load calculations?
Yes. Design Master Electrical can perform feeder and service load calculations, using NEC 220. All loads have load types, and the software can calculate the various demand factors for each load type on panels.
- Can you perform voltage drop calculations?
Yes, with detailed device information, locations, and wire sizes, the software accurately calculates voltage drops on both feeders and branch circuits.
- Can you do a fault calculation?
Yes. Using the same data required for voltage drop calculations, the software performs fault analysis, which is essential for ensuring safety and reliability.
Additionally, Design Master Electrical can perform arc flash calculations, leveraging the same data set needed for fault analysis. This added functionality enhances safety planning in electrical engineering projects.
- Can you do a single-line diagram?
Yes. Thanks to the strong drafting capabilities in AutoCAD, the single-line diagram is integrated with other model elements to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Can you do multi-family dwelling calculations?
Yes. This feature is part of the extensive suite of calculations available and showcases the software’s depth. It is designed to handle complex scenarios in addition to basic calculations.
What This Means
Design Master Electrical scores a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Electrical Engineering BIM scorecard. This rating is due to the software’s comprehensive suite of features, improved over two decades of development. The software integrates with AutoCAD, providing a solid foundation for all drafting needs, and extends into advanced calculations that cover every aspect of electrical design.
For those seeking to enhance their electrical design capabilities within AutoCAD, Design Master Electrical stands out as a powerful, reliable option.
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