As our readers and colleagues know by now, PowerCalc(tm) is committed to innovation.

Our software is covered by a US patent, and won Product of the Year awards in 2016 and 2019 for first and only electrical software in the cloud and with simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram. And we've got even bigger innovations coming your way in 2020 so stay turned. 

But, with the new decade, let's first count the reasons why PowerCalc is currently the leader in electrical design software for buildings.

1.  The Power of the PowerCalc Algorithm.

PowerCalc is based on a new approach. PowerCalc aggregates values from the bottom-up (from the circuit to the power grid) ensuring that all electrical load calculations are actual loads and not estimates. Then, the calculations are integrated as a single, bundled, integrated calculation tied to a proprietary database instead of approaching the calculations one-at-a-time or in segments.  This approach results in exacting accuracy, all in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). PowerCalc Patent

2. The Power of the PowerCalc Panel.

As you know, each engineering company has its own panel schedule. Generally these schedules are completed manually or with simple calculations. In contrast, PowerCalc's panel is the software and used as an "engine" for the calculations. The panel is not just a "placeholder".

3. The Power of the PowerCalc Process.                                    

The user calculates the Branch Circuit with just 3 easy inputs: load kVA, # of poles and load type per circuit. Multiple circuits form a Branch Circuit Panel. The Branch Circuit Panel is then connected to a Distribution Panel and finally these multiple panels are connected to the Main Distribution Panel. Equipment, such as HVAC, pumps, etc., can be connected to any of the panels.

The PowerCalc approach of moving from downstream to upstream, results in an accurate and well-designed Power Distribution System inside the facility. PowerCalc's 7 million+ equations do all the calculations for you....nothing needs to be done manually.

 (a) Instantaneous updates for changes. Then, because all calculations are integrated, any change at any time and for any value is instantaneous. That's instantaneous propagation across the entire power distribution system, including the addition or deletion of loads, voltage, phase, and any engineering value. 

(b) Simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram. And this integration also provides for the simultaneous generation of the 1 Line Diagram...the user can see it build and change throughout the design process. Just like changes in (a) above, the 1 Line Diagram is instantaneously updated for each and every change / new input.

(c) Short Circuit Calculations. This integration with the 1 Line Diagram also results in the short circuit calculation being automatically calculated. When Short Circuit Calculations are completed with results displayed on the 1 Line Diagram, then AIC ratings for equipment are also automatically specified on the panel schedules.

4.  The Power of PowerCalc for NEC compliance.

PowerCalc tabulates loads by type and automatically applies NEC demand factors. The user can manually override demand factors to meet their specific project needs.

Just think, you may never have to open the NEC Handbook again. Inputs / Outputs     Compliance with the NEC

5.  The Power of the PowerCalc Wizard.

Become proficient with PowerCalc in minutes with its Wizard. The Wizard is your guide to entering your project's requirements into PowerCalc. You are minutes away from completing your next project with the PowerCalc Wizard.

6.  The Power of PowerCalc in the cloud.

PowerCalc is in the cloud and can be used anytime, anywhere, on both pc's and tablets. Team members can share work in real time and team managers can control access and privileges for each project.

The cloud makes all the difference because it is the way a team gets together to manage work flow in today’s work place. PowerCalc fits right into your process, but then improves it to make your work easier, faster, more accurate, and more profitable.

7.  The Power of the PowerCalc Experience. 

The best way to understand the power of PowerCalc is to see it in action. View our videos:

Why-powercalc-user-manual

Set Up Your Account

Set up a Project

Set Up Your Panels

Input Branch Circuit Values

Set Up Remaining Panels

Take a look at our User Manual to see for yourself how easy and seamlessly this process works. User Guide

So what's the plan for development in 2020?

Past accomplishments are great things, but PowerCalc's innovations are ongoing.

In 1st Quarter 2020, we will launch our industrial package with more FIRSTS in the industry:  AutomaticTransfer Switches with Generators (ATSs); Motor Control Centers (MCCs); Double Ended Swtichgears; and Unit Substations. All PowerCalc users will have the option to upgrade to the industrial package.

Our industrial package can design the most complex of manufacturing, processing, and operating facilities for any industry.

And remember, we have a free demonstration  on the first Friday of each month: FREE Demo Friday, Feb. 7 at Noon EST,   Hope you will join us!

Thank you for your support!

Way back in 2016, we won Product of the Year Gold for being 1st in the cloud. PowerCalc was not only first in the cloud in 2016, but to this day remains the one and only electrical design software in the cloud.  

We were reminded of the importance of being in the cloud by a user last week.  An electrical contractor with multiple offices called looking for a cloud based design software. His staff in different offices seem to usually have different design results. All of the things made possible by the PowerCalc's cloud platform address his concern: file sharing, access, control, communications, and collaboration. 

Simultaneously with our recollections of transitioning to the cloud, we asked the question:  Why are other softwares not in the cloud?  We don't know... except it is a lot of work. When we moved to the cloud, we re-wrote our 7.5 million Excel equations into computer code over a 12 month time period. This transition not only allows PowerCalc to be in the cloud, but also allows us to develop applications such as our just launched simultaneously generated graphic 1 Line Diagram which won Product of the Year in 2019.

Since it is the end of the decade, this reminder of PowerCalc's accomplishments by our users is appreciated. Of course, there are more reasons why PowerCalc excels:(1) its algorithm, (2) its panel, (3) its process, (4) its compliance with the NEC, (5) its Wizards, (6) its Cloud platform, (7)  its user experience, (8) its 1 Line Diagram, and (9) its energy savings module. Articles are on our website, but we will be re-publishing throughout year-end / year-beginning.  News   

Let's discuss  PowerCalc in the cloud in more detail.

1st in the Cloud: Why?

PowerCalc is the first, and also one and only, SaaS (software-as-a-service) electrical engineering design software in the cloud. It wasn’t easy: over 7.5 million equations were re-programmed in over a year of tireless work effort.

The reason for all of this effort? Being in the cloud changes everything.

1. No software on your systems: no downloads, no installation, no risk to your systems
2. Code: compliance with instant updates and upgrades
3. Access: anywhere, any device, any time
4. Control: over access, authorizations, and responsibilities for projects
5. Up-to-date information: store, share, and sync files for all
6. Communication: at all times
7. Collaboration: at all times
8. Accountability: track each input and change
9. Same page: for every team member
10. All work is available: (i) both current and past projects and (ii) current and past codes
11. Easy, easier, and easiest way to work

PowerCalc’s cloud platform establishes a design procedure to maximize your team’s productivity, communications, and project quality.

You may think that your work is organized now, but just try the cloud for excellent design. 

How it Works

When the company’s account is set up, a Group Administrator is authorized.

The Group Administrator can add Users by simply sending an email invitation.

When inviting a User, the Group Administrator assigns privileges:

Create - User can start a project
View – User can view a project (editing not allowed)
Print – User can print a project
Copy – User can copy a project
Archive – User can archive / un-archive a project

Once privileges are set up, then the Group Administrator assigns access by clicking the “Assign Permissions”. Users can be granted or denied access throughout the design of any project. And a User can be blocked or disabled from any work group, and then re-invited to join again.

Accountability is ensured: never any question as to who is doing what, when, where, and why.

With review ongoing to implement NEC 2020's changes, as construction professionals we cannot lose sight of the NEC's basics. In our last newsletter, we examined the importance of the Total Electrical Load. Importance of the Total Electrical Load   In followup, let's look at a few situations resulting from when the Total Electric Load is miscalculated...one of the most common mistakes in electrical design.

As we all know, crazy things happen at the construction site.  At a recent Blueblook Conference, the General Contractors were talking about gas equipment being specified instead of electrical, an undersized main service conductor specified for a 20 story highrise, 10 same sized transformers instead of just 5. These are costly mistakes ranging from an estimated $250,000 to millions to fix. 

In a peer review, we looked over the  installation of a backup generator at a South Florida country club.The electrical design specified ten (10) 112.5 kVA transformers. That's a lot of transformers easily catching the attention of any seasoned professional. Instead, we advised replacement with ten (10) 30-45 kVA transformers. This change alone resulted in savings of over $2,000,000 for the facility's owner. It is noteworthy that the original design was by a major engineering firm using leading software. 

And for all of us involved in construction everyday, we know these types of mistakes are not uncommon. These issues arise from the current electrical design practice of using "rules of thumb", makeshift spreadsheets, and software that "designs" from the top-down (estimating the total electrical load at the start of design), instead of knowing the actual load by adding loads from the circuit to the facility's service entrance (bottom-up). 

Why are these types of mistakes happening so frequently?

Because the electrical design process is complicated. A typical 2-story office building of 10,000 SF averages over 2,000 electrical calculations. And then, the results of these calculations must be checked for compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). As all of you know, the NEC's Handbook has 1000+ pages with endless look up tables. These calculation and code issues need to be addressed by a tool that automates the electrical design process. 

The solution starts with the basics.  Always work with the correct Total Electrical Load. As discussed in our last article, PowerCalc's approach calculates loads from the branch circuit to the service entrance (bottom-up).Importance of the Total Electrical Load   This approach mirrors the NEC's framework. In Article 2 "Wiring and Protection", the NEC's requirements move from design of the Branch Circuit out to the facility's service entrance reflecting a "bottom / up" approach.  

In comparison, guesstimating the size of the electrical load in conjunction with presets of panelboard sizes, transformers, equipment disconnects, feeders and overcurrent protection devices at the start of the project may lead to an inaccurate baseline on which to build the electrical engineering design rather than an accurate Total Electrical Load..

Why is this so important? And what is the outcome of an addition or subtraction mistake? Electrical equipment is either oversized at potentially great cost to the developer or undersized at potentially great risk to safety (fire) for those occupying the building. 

So, the Total Electrical Load drives the success of your electrical engineering design.

NEC Concepts: the Importance of the Total Electrical Load

With review ongoing to implement NEC 2020's changes, as construction professionals we can not lose sight of the NEC's basics. In this newsletter, we look at one of these "basics": the importance of the results of Total Electrical Load calculations being accurate.

At PowerCalc, our approach is to calculate loads from the branch circuit to the service entrance (bottom-up. This approach mirrors the NEC's framework and our "founding" electricals knew a few things about electricity. In Article 2 "Wiring and Protection", the NEC's requirements move from design of the Branch Circuit out to the facility's service entrance reflecting a "bottom / up" approach. 

Why is this important? There should never be an error in the Total Electrical Load for any project. And yet, the miscalculation of the Total Electrical Load is one of the most common mistakes in electrical engineering design.

The proper, and only fail-proof way to do an electrical design, is to add all the electrical loads from the circuit out to the service entrance and then updates for changes are made across the entire design both upstream and downstream (bottom-up approach). This is the same approach indicated in the very structure of the NEC. Ideally, the load downstream should automatically carry over to all upstream panelboards, constantly updating the electrical load. 

In comparison, guesstimating the size of the electrical load in conjunction with pre-sets of panelboard sizes, transformers, equipment disconnects, feeders and overcurrent protection devices at the start of the project may lead to an inaccurate baseline on which to build the electrical engineering design.

This is construction, so changes are the standard in our business. As all construction professionals know  equipment is added and deleted, building layouts changed, room sizes increased and decreased…the one constant is that everything affecting the electrical engineering design is always changing.

How could anyone know the size of the electrical service at the start of a project? No one can guesstimate the Total Electrical Load in conjunction with the factors identified above at project start. But by following the structure of the NEC, that is adding all the electrical loads from the circuit out to the service entrance, the professional can  correctly size and adjust for changes in the electrical load for the project. This is the methodology automated by PowerCalc and an important  reason for the exacting accuracy in its calculations and design of the power distribution system.

Why is this so important? And what is the outcome of an addition or subtraction mistake? Electrical equipment is either oversized at potentially great cost to the developer or undersized at potentially great risk to safety (fire) for those occupying the building. 

So, the Total Electrical Load drives the success of your electrical engineering design.

Join us for a free demonstration and see PowerCalc in action for yourself Friday, November 6th at noon EST. FREE Dem, Friday Dec. 6th

Look forward to working with you.