ECalPro vs ELEK Cable Pro [2026 Comparison]

ELEK Cable Pro and ECalPro approach cable sizing from different directions. ELEK is a network-level design tool with protection coordination, SLD generation, and a 20,000+ device database. ECalPro is a multi-standard calculation platform covering four major international codes with offline capability. This comparison examines where each tool excels — and where it falls short.

Feature Comparison

Where ELEK Cable Pro Is Better

ELEK has genuine advantages that are worth acknowledging. These are not minor differences — they represent capabilities that ECalPro does not currently offer.

LV Network Design

ELEK's Professional tier (A$650/yr) includes full LV network design with automatic single-line diagram generation and AutoCAD/DWG export. You can model an entire distribution system, not just individual circuits. For engineers who need to produce network studies and SLD drawings, this is a major capability gap in ECalPro.

Protection Coordination

ELEK's 20,000+ manufacturer protective device database enables real protection coordination studies with time-current curve overlays using actual device characteristics. ECalPro calculates fault levels and cable withstand but does not perform device-level protection coordination.

Arc Flash Analysis

ELEK offers five arc flash calculation methods: IEEE 1584, ENA, DGUV, Stokes, and Max Power Transfer — plus DC arc flash. ECalPro implements IEEE 1584-2018 only. If you need multiple arc flash methodologies or work with DC systems, ELEK provides significantly more capability.

Cable Schedule Export

ELEK can export cable schedules to Excel, integrating with project documentation workflows. This is a small but practical feature that saves time on large projects.

Engineering Support

ELEK offers live chat support from qualified engineers during business hours. ECalPro does not currently offer real-time engineering support.

Where ECalPro Is Better

NEC Support

ELEK does not support NEC/NFPA 70. If any of your projects reference NEC Article 310, NFPA 70E, or US conductor sizing standards, you need a second tool alongside ELEK. ECalPro covers NEC alongside AS/NZS, BS, and IEC — eliminating the need for multiple platforms.

Offline Capability

ECalPro's PWA runs calculations in the browser without internet connectivity. For site engineers performing cable sizing in basements, tunnels, or remote locations, this is not a convenience — it is a necessity. ELEK requires an internet connection for licensing validation.

Pricing Accessibility

ELEK's full feature set costs A$650/year, and many useful features are locked behind the Premium (A$290/yr) or Professional tiers. ECalPro gives access to all 27 calculators on the free tier — you only pay for unlimited calculations, branded reports, or team features. ECalPro also offers PPP pricing in 42 countries, making it accessible to engineers in developing economies.

Language Support

ECalPro supports 23 languages with fully localised interfaces and units. ELEK supports 10+ languages. For multinational teams or engineers working in non-English-speaking regions, ECalPro provides broader accessibility.

MV Cable Sizing

ECalPro includes MV cable sizing per IEC 60287. ELEK is limited to LV cables. If your projects include medium-voltage distribution, ECalPro covers this without needing a separate tool.

Team Features

ECalPro offers team RBAC with 4 roles (Owner, Admin, Engineer, Viewer), shared projects, and invitation-based access — available now. ELEK's team features are listed as "coming soon."

Pricing Breakdown

For individual cable sizing calculations, ECalPro's Pro tier at $348/yr is comparable to ELEK's Premium at A$290/yr. The value equation shifts depending on whether you need ELEK's network design capabilities (which ECalPro does not offer) or ECalPro's multi-standard coverage (which ELEK does not offer).

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Australian Engineering Firm (AS/NZS Only)

Both tools work well. ELEK has a longer track record in the Australian market and offers network design at the Professional tier. ECalPro offers offline capability and team RBAC. If you need protection coordination with real manufacturer devices, ELEK is the better choice. If you need offline site calculations or team collaboration, ECalPro is better.

Scenario 2: International Consultancy (Multi-Standard)

ECalPro is the clear choice. ELEK cannot handle NEC projects, so you would need a second tool for US work. ECalPro covers all four major standards in one platform, with 23-language support for multinational teams.

Scenario 3: Arc Flash Study

ELEK is the better choice. Five arc flash methods plus DC arc flash versus ECalPro's IEEE 1584-2018 only. For comprehensive arc flash studies — especially those requiring multiple methodologies or DC system analysis — ELEK provides significantly more capability.

Scenario 4: Site Engineer on a Remote Project

ECalPro is the only option. ELEK requires internet connectivity. ECalPro's PWA works fully offline, syncing results when connectivity returns.

Verdict

Choose ELEK Cable Pro if you need LV network design with SLD generation, protection coordination with real manufacturer devices, multi-method arc flash analysis, DC arc flash, AutoCAD export, or live engineering support. ELEK is the right tool for complex network-level design projects, particularly in the Australian and UK markets.

Choose ECalPro if you need multi-standard support (especially NEC), work on international projects across multiple jurisdictions, need offline capability for site work, work in a multilingual team, or want a free entry point to evaluate before committing. ECalPro is the better choice for multi-standard individual calculations, teams, and globally distributed engineers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ECalPro replace ELEK Cable Pro entirely?

For individual cable sizing, voltage drop, and fault calculations — yes. ECalPro covers all the standards ELEK covers plus NEC. However, ELEK's LV network design, protection coordination with manufacturer devices, and SLD generation are capabilities ECalPro does not offer. If you rely on these features, ELEK remains necessary.

Is ELEK Cable Pro worth A$650/year for the Professional tier?

If you need LV network design, SLD generation, and AutoCAD/DWG export, the Professional tier is the only way to access these features and may justify the cost for firms producing network studies regularly. If you only need individual cable sizing calculations, the Essential (A$99/yr) or Premium (A$290/yr) tiers — or ECalPro's free tier — may be sufficient.

Does ELEK support NEC?

No. ELEK supports AS/NZS, BS 7671, and IEC 60364 but does not include NEC/NFPA 70. For US projects, you would need a separate tool. ECalPro supports NEC alongside all three standards that ELEK covers.

Which tool has better arc flash capabilities?

ELEK, by a significant margin. ELEK offers five arc flash methods (IEEE 1584, ENA, DGUV, Stokes, Max Power Transfer) plus DC arc flash. ECalPro implements IEEE 1584-2018 only. For comprehensive arc flash studies, especially those involving DC systems or requiring multiple calculation methodologies, ELEK is the stronger choice.

Can I use ECalPro offline?

Yes. ECalPro's Progressive Web App caches standard tables locally and runs calculations in the browser without internet connectivity. Results sync automatically when you reconnect. This is unique among cloud-based cable sizing tools — ELEK requires an internet connection for licensing.

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