When electrical and mechanical designs live in different software silos, teams suffer from delays, disjointed workflows, and costly rework. SolidWorks Electrical eliminates those inefficiencies by providing a specialized, unified platform that connects electrical schematics with 3D mechanical models in real-time.
Built for electrical engineers, panel designers, and mechatronics teams, SolidWorks Electrical blends intelligent 2D schematic tools with powerful 3D routing features to support smarter, faster, and more accurate electrical system development.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about SolidWorks Electrical, from core features to 3D integration and real-world applications.
Table of Contents
What Is SolidWorks Electrical?
SolidWorks Electrical is a specialized software suite within the SolidWorks ecosystem that enables:
- Electrical schematic design
- Control panel layouts
- Automated wiring and cabling
- Real-time collaboration between ECAD and MCAD teams
- BOM generation and electrical documentation
Available in both 2D and 3D environments, SolidWorks Electrical bridges the gap between your electrical schematics and physical product assembly.
SolidWorks Electrical Products at a Glance
| Version | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Electrical Schematic Standard | Single-user 2D schematic tools |
| Electrical Schematic Professional | Multi-user collaboration, libraries, PLC management |
| Electrical 3D | Embeds electrical routing in SolidWorks 3D assemblies |
| SolidWorks Electrical Professional | Combines 2D and 3D tools in one unified package |
Key Features of SolidWorks Electrical
1. Intelligent 2D Schematic Design
- Drag-and-drop symbols
- Automated wire numbering
- Real-time error checking
- Circuit reuse and macros
- Built-in symbol libraries for IEC, ANSI, and JIC standards
Why it matters: Engineers can focus on function and logic, while the software handles drawing consistency and accuracy.
2. Real-Time 3D Electrical Routing
Use Electrical 3D to:
- Route wires, cables, and harnesses in 3D assemblies
- Ensure wires don’t intersect or exceed length constraints
- Automatically update 3D routes when 2D schematics change
- Check for bend radius violations and clearances
Why it matters: Prevents costly design conflicts and supports true electromechanical collaboration.
3. Automated Bill of Materials (BOM)
Generate:
- Part Lists
- Wire Lists
- Terminal Strip Drawings
- Cable Summaries
- Connection Reports
Output formats: .PDF, .DWG, .Excel, .XML
Why it matters: No more manual lists—your documentation is live and always accurate.
4. Component Libraries and Manufacturer Catalogs
Access or customize:
- Electrical symbols
- PLCs and I/O modules
- Terminal blocks
- Relays, motors, switches
- Wire types and gauges
Includes real-world data like part numbers, voltage, current, and terminal mapping.
5. PLC and Control System Management
- Auto-generate I/O diagrams
- Assign addresses and channel types
- Insert I/O footprints into schematics
- Validate logic across multiple controllers
Perfect for designing automation systems and smart industrial controls.
6. Cross-Referencing and Real-Time Collaboration
- Symbols automatically reference corresponding terminals
- Show where components exist across multiple sheets
- Use multi-user mode for collaborative design
- Sync changes between electrical and mechanical models instantly
7. Design Rule Checks (DRC)
Run validations for:
- Duplicate wire numbers
- Overloaded components
- Incomplete connections
- Mismatched terminals
Why it matters: Prevents manufacturing errors before they happen.
SolidWorks Electrical vs SolidWorks Routing
| Feature | SolidWorks Electrical | SolidWorks Routing (Mechanical) |
|---|---|---|
| 2D Schematics | ✅ | ❌ |
| Automated Wire Numbering | ✅ | ❌ |
| Manufacturer Part Data | ✅ | Limited |
| Electrical Intelligence | ✅ | ❌ |
| MCAD-Electrical Collaboration | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3D Cable Routing | ✅ | ✅ |
Use Cases for SolidWorks Electrical
| Industry | Application Example |
|---|---|
| Automation | PLC wiring, control cabinets, and logic diagrams |
| Automotive | Harness layout, lighting control, infotainment |
| Consumer Products | Embedded electronics, PCB connections |
| Industrial Machinery | Panel design, motor control systems |
| Aerospace & Defense | Avionics, radar, and navigation systems |
Workflow: From Concept to Electromechanical Design
- Create 2D Schematics
- Place components, assign wires, define circuits
- Generate Reports and BOMs
- Auto-generate panel layouts and lists
- Integrate into 3D Assembly
- Use Electrical 3D to place wires and verify fit
- Check for Errors and Rule Violations
- Run design validation
- Export for Manufacturing
- Create harness drawings, strip reports, and connection tables
Advanced Capabilities in SolidWorks Electrical
- Harness Design: Design, flatten, and document wire harnesses
- Cabinet Layouts: 2D panel arrangement with drag-and-drop components
- Macros: Save circuits for reuse across projects
- Database-Driven Design: Link symbols to real-world parts and catalogs
- Integration with PDM: Manage version control and team access with SOLIDWORKS PDM
FAQs
Is SolidWorks Electrical included in the main SolidWorks suite?
No. It’s a separate add-on product. However, Electrical Professional bundles both 2D and 3D tools.
Can electrical and mechanical teams work together in real-time?
Yes. Changes in 2D schematics update the 3D model and vice versa through shared projects and a common database.
Does SolidWorks Electrical support panel design?
Yes. It includes 2D panel layout tools and cabinet arrangement views.
What file formats can I export to?
You can export drawings and reports in .DWG, .PDF, .XML, and .Excel.
Is SolidWorks Electrical good for large teams?
Absolutely. With multi-user access, PDM integration, and networked libraries, it’s built for collaborative environments.
Conclusion: Power Your Projects with SolidWorks Electrical
SolidWorks Electrical is more than just a schematic tool—it’s a full-fledged electrical design ecosystem. From intelligent 2D schematics to accurate 3D routing and real-time team collaboration, it bridges the gap between concept and reality.
Whether you’re wiring a control panel, integrating a harness into a 3D enclosure, or automating a plant, SolidWorks Electrical lets you design smarter, validate faster, and manufacture with confidence.
Suggested
- SolidWorks Simulation – How to Analyze Electrical Components Under Load
- SolidWorks Electrical Official Product Page