Table of Contents
Best CDEGS Alternative (2026): ELEK SafeGrid vs CDEGS Comparison
Looking for a CDEGS alternative? This detailed comparison explains the differences between ELEK SafeGrid and CDEGS for earthing system design, soil resistivity modelling, and safety voltage analysis. That is why ELEK serves as a strong alternative to CDEGS. Engineers use this guide to evaluate accuracy, features, and usability.
About CDEGS
CDEGS (Current Distribution, Electromagnetic Fields, Grounding and Soil Structure Analysis) was developed by SES Technologies in Canada, with its foundations dating back to 1978. It is a comprehensive suite of eight computation modules covering grounding, electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic fields, and transient phenomena. CDEGS is widely recognised in the power systems industry for its broad range of electromagnetic analysis capabilities.
About ELEK SafeGrid
ELEK SafeGrid Earthing Software is a modern alternative to CDEGS, offering accurate multilayer finite element method (FEM) calculations, an intuitive user interface, flexible licensing options, and competitive pricing.
ELEK SafeGrid and CDEGS both perform earthing system design calculations, including grid resistance, touch and step voltages, and ground potential rise (GPR) in multilayer soil models.
The accuracy of ELEK SafeGrid has been benchmarked against CDEGS and produces virtually identical results for grid resistance calculations in multilayer soils.
ELEK SafeGrid is widely used by engineers as an alternative to CDEGS.
About the comparison
ELEK SafeGrid Earthing Version 9.5. Date of release: January 2026.
CDEGS Version 20.0. Date of release: 2025
This comparison is based on internal evaluations and publicly available information for the listed software versions. Capabilities may vary depending on configuration, modules, and updates. Readers should verify specific features with the software vendors.
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Compare
Why choose ELEK SafeGrid over CDEGS?
ELEK SafeGrid offers a modern streamlined interface, providing a more efficient approach to earthing system design.
ELEK SAFEGRID
CDEGS
General
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
|
Multilayer FEM calculations
Both tools use finite element methods to solve for grounding system performance in multilayer soil models.
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Non-equipotential grid analysis
SafeGrid defaults to non-equipotential analysis, the more accurate method that accounts for voltage drops along conductors due to self- and mutual-impedance effects. Equivalent to the CDEGS MALZ module.
|
Yes |
Yes - MALZ module |
| Grid resistance and Ground potential rise (GPR) calculations |
Yes |
Yes |
| Touch, reach touch, and step voltage calculations |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Non-equipotential grid analysis
SafeGrid defaults to non-equipotential analysis, the more accurate method that accounts for voltage drops along conductors due to self- and mutual-impedance effects. Equivalent to the CDEGS MALZ module.
|
2 users at the same time |
1 user at a time |
|
Network licence
ELEK uses flexible software-based protection, not hardware-based dongles.
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Easy-to-use User Interface
SafeGrid follows a logical, step-by-step design workflow that guides engineers through soil modelling, grid design, safety assessment, and reporting. CDEGS requires formal 5-day training courses and offers a three-level certification program (Fundamental, Advanced, Expert).
|
Modern and intuitive user interface with a guided step-by-step workflow. New users can be productive within hours. |
Multi-module environment with a steep learning curve. Requires formal training courses to become proficient. |
|
Multiple languages support
SafeGrid supports 10 different languages.
|
Yes |
Yes |
| Free trial |
Yes - Get a free trial |
No |
|
Transparent pricing
SafeGrid pricing is listed on the website. CDEGS pricing requires a quote.
|
Yes - See the pricing |
No - Quote required |
Soil Resistivity Modelling
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
|
Automatic multilayer soil modelling
SafeGrid automatically determines the optimal number of soil layers and fits a model to the apparent resistivity curve from field measurements.
|
Yes |
Yes - RESAP module |
| Wenner measurement method |
Yes |
Yes |
| Schlumberger measurement method |
Yes |
Yes |
| Dipole-Dipole and Unipolar measurement methods |
Yes |
Yes |
| Horizontal multilayer soils |
Yes |
Yes |
| Vertical multilayer soils |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Spherical/cylindrical/ hemispheroidal soil structures
These advanced soil models are used in specialised research and complex electromagnetic studies.
|
No |
Yes |
|
Finite soil volumes
Horizontal multilayer soils with embedded finite soil volumes.
|
No - Under development |
Yes |
|
Excel data import
SafeGrid supports importing Wenner measurement data from Excel files.
|
Yes |
No |
| Driven probe depth adjustment |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Soil frequency dependency
Modelling of frequency-dependent soil behaviour during lightning events.
|
Yes - Professional edition |
Yes |
|
Seasonal variation analysis
SafeGrid calculates the effects of annual soil temperature and moisture variation on soil resistivity for all days of the year, determines the worst-case day, and corrects the soil model accordingly.
|
Yes |
No |
Earthing Grid Design
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
| Custom grids of any shape or size |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Import and Export from AutoCAD (DXF)
SafeGrid supports import and export from 2D or 3D DXF files.
|
Yes |
Yes |
| DWG import |
No |
Yes |
| KML import/export |
No |
Yes |
|
CAD editor
SafeGrid and CDEGS include a CAD environment for creating grounding grids of arbitrary shapes.
|
Yes |
Yes - SESCAD |
|
Automated grid design optimisation
CDEGS AutoGroundDesign identifies economical configurations meeting user-defined safety criteria with no user intervention between phases.
|
No |
Yes - AutoGroundDesign |
| Above-ground conductors |
Yes - Professional edition |
Yes |
|
Support for extremely large grids
SafeGrid Professional supports grids with 15,000+ conductors.
|
Yes - Professional edition (15,000+ conductors) |
Yes |
| Conductor database |
No |
Yes - Extensive library |
|
PDF overlay tool
SafeGrid allows results to be displayed directly on construction drawings.
|
Yes |
No |
| Multiple conductor type specifications |
Yes |
Yes |
| Short-circuit rating of conductors |
Yes |
Yes |
Try ELEK SafeGrid Earthing for free and see the difference for yourself.
Safety Voltage Assessment
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
| Surface potential distribution |
Yes - 3D and 2D visualisation |
Yes - 3D and 2D visualisation |
|
Permissible body current limits
Determination of fibrillation current limits for safety criteria.
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Safety criteria to IEEE Std. 80
Guide for safety in AC substation grounding.
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Safety criteria to IEC/TS 60479
Effects of current on human beings and livestock.
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Safety criteria to EN 50522
Earthing of power installations exceeding 1 kV AC.
|
Yes |
No |
|
Safety criteria to IEC 61936
Power installations exceeding 1 kV AC.
|
No |
Yes |
| Coating stress evaluation |
No |
Yes |
| Transfer voltage analysis |
No |
Yes |
| Leakage current density |
Yes |
Yes |
| Voltage magnitude display on grid conductors |
Yes |
Yes |
| Metric and Imperial units |
Yes |
Yes |
Fault Current Distribution
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
|
Fault current distribution modelling
SafeGrid includes a fault current distribution module for cable systems and overhead transmission lines.
|
Yes |
Yes - FCDIST / SPLITS modules |
| Cable and overhead line modelling |
Yes |
Yes |
| Single-line diagram creation |
Yes |
Yes |
| Power system fault current modelling |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lightning current modelling |
No |
Yes |
|
EMI analysis
Electromagnetic interference analysis for railways, communication cables, fences, and pipelines.
|
No |
Yes - TRALIN / SPLITS modules |
| Pipeline interference studies |
No |
Yes |
| Cathodic protection analysis |
No |
Yes |
| HVDC electrode analysis |
No |
Yes |
Lightning Protection
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling sphere method |
Yes |
Yes |
| Protection level determination |
Yes |
Yes |
| 3D protected area visualisation |
Yes |
Yes - SESShield-3D |
| Mast and earth wire placement |
Yes |
Yes |
Try ELEK SafeGrid Earthing for free and see the difference for yourself.
Transient Analysis
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
| Transient (time-domain) analysis |
Yes - Professional edition |
Yes - FFTSES module |
|
High frequencies up to 10 MHz
For lightning current analysis.
|
Yes - Professional edition |
Yes - MALZ up to 1 MHz; HIFREQ for higher |
Reporting
| Feature | ELEK SafeGrid | CDEGS |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive PDF reports |
Yes |
Yes |
| Microsoft Word reports |
Yes |
No |
|
PDF overlay on construction drawings
SafeGrid allows earthing results to be overlaid directly on construction drawings for easy review.
|
Yes |
No |
| Customisable report templates |
Yes |
Yes |
| 3D voltage surface plots |
Yes |
Yes |
| 2D contour plots |
Yes |
Yes |
| Grid plots including conductor leakage and longitudinal currents, and conductor voltages. |
Yes |
No |
|
Batch processing and scripting
CDEGS provides automation capabilities through SESBatch and SESScript.
|
No |
Yes - SESBatch / SESScript |
Conclusion
While CDEGS remains a widely used tool for grounding and electromagnetic analysis, ELEK SafeGrid offers a more modern, efficient approach to earthing system design.
With accurate multilayer FEM calculations, comprehensive safety voltage assessment, and a streamlined user interface, ELEK SafeGrid enables engineers to design earthing systems more efficiently while maintaining alignment with established industry standards such as IEEE 80 and IEC 60479.
For organisations focused on earthing system design for substations, solar farms, wind farms, and industrial facilities, ELEK SafeGrid provides a compelling alternative to CDEGS.
