CANECO in Electrical Network Design: Detecting Problems Before Construction Begins

Modern electrical networks are complex systems where even a relatively small design error can cause significant problems during installation, commissioning or operation.

Incorrect cable sizing, unsuitable protective devices or poor protection coordination may lead to overheating, unnecessary trips, production interruptions or increased risk of electrical failure.

For this reason, INFOCOM uses CANECO software to verify important electrical network parameters during the design stage — before the system is physically installed.

The objective is to develop electrical infrastructure that is technically correct, safe, reliable and optimised for the actual operating conditions of the facility.

Why is an electrical diagram alone not enough?

A single-line diagram shows the basic structure of a power distribution system, but it does not provide all the information required for a reliable design.

Engineers also need to determine:

• current levels in individual circuits,
• required cable cross-sections,
• voltage drops,
• prospective short-circuit currents,
• required ratings of protective devices,
• protection selectivity,
• suitability of equipment for the actual installation conditions.

These parameters require detailed electrical calculations.

What can be verified with CANECO?

CANECO enables engineers to create a calculation model of an electrical network and analyse its key parameters.

INFOCOM uses this approach in several important areas.

Cable sizing

Selecting the correct cable size involves much more than considering the rated current of the connected equipment.

Engineers must also take into account cable length, installation method, operating conditions, voltage-drop limits and coordination with protective devices.

Correct sizing helps prevent overheating while avoiding unnecessary oversizing of the installation.

Short-circuit calculations

A short circuit is one of the most critical operating conditions in any electrical network.

The design must therefore consider possible fault-current levels at different points in the distribution system.

These calculations are essential when selecting:

• circuit breakers,
• fuses,
• switchgear,
• switching devices,
• other protective equipment.

If a device does not have sufficient short-circuit withstand capability, a fault can result in serious equipment damage.

Protection selectivity

When a fault occurs, the electrical protection system should disconnect only the smallest necessary part of the network.

For example, a fault affecting one machine should not unnecessarily shut down an entire production hall or facility.

Proper coordination of protective devices helps ensure that the device closest to the fault operates first whenever technically possible.

This can contribute to:

• smaller outage areas,
• faster restoration of operation,
• higher system availability,
• reduced production impact.

Voltage-drop verification

Excessive voltage drop can negatively affect the operation of electrical equipment, particularly in long cable runs or high-power circuits.

Electrical calculations allow engineers to verify that the voltage available at the final load remains within acceptable limits.

This is particularly important for motors, pumps, production equipment and other technologies sensitive to power-supply conditions.

Selecting suitable protective equipment

The calculation model helps verify whether the proposed circuit breakers, fuses and switching devices are suitable for the actual electrical parameters of the system.

An unsuitable component can therefore be identified during engineering rather than after installation.

Changing a component in the design is considerably easier and less expensive than replacing equipment during commissioning.

Optimisation instead of unnecessary oversizing

Insufficient calculations can also create the opposite problem: an electrical network designed with excessive margins.

Larger cables, oversized protection devices and unnecessarily large switchgear can increase capital expenditure without delivering a corresponding operational benefit.

CANECO helps engineers find an appropriate balance between:

safety, technical performance and cost efficiency.

A problem found in the design costs less than a problem found on site

One of the main benefits of detailed electrical calculations is the ability to identify design problems before materials are ordered and installation begins.

If a problem is found during engineering, the model or documentation can usually be modified relatively easily.

If the same problem is discovered during construction or commissioning, it may require:

• replacing cables,
• changing protective devices,
• modifying switchboards,
• rebuilding part of the electrical installation,
• delaying commissioning.

The cost difference can be substantial.

Accurate electrical calculations therefore provide value not only from a safety perspective but also as part of effective project and investment management.

Calculations as part of the complete engineering process

INFOCOM does not treat CANECO as an isolated software tool.

Electrical calculations form part of the complete electrical engineering process.

Depending on the project, this can include:

• analysis of technology requirements,
• electrical network topology design,
• network calculations,
• switchboard design,
• equipment selection,
• protection coordination,
• preparation of engineering documentation,
• support during installation and commissioning.

This integrated approach ensures that individual parts of the project are based on consistent technical data.

Reliable electrical systems begin with reliable engineering

Many problems that appear during operation actually originate much earlier — during the design stage.

Modern engineering tools make it possible to identify many of these risks before the electrical installation exists physically.

Using CANECO helps INFOCOM design electrical systems that meet technical requirements, support safe and reliable operation and enable more efficient use of investment resources.

A reliable electrical network begins with accurate engineering — not with installation.