Introduction
This article compares JCalc and Cable Pro Web, two leading cable sizing software products for electrical engineers and electricians. This cable sizing software comparison is intended for electrical professionals in Australian and New Zealand using AS/NZS 3008 standards.
Both software packages have been around for a while: Cable Pro Web has been around since 2009, and JCalc has been around since 2015.
Scope of Comparison
This comparison covers:
- Features and technical capabilities
- Pricing and subscription models
- Standards compliance (especially AS/NZS 3008)
- Usability and support
- Reporting and collaboration tools
Overview of JCalc
JCalc is cable sizing software for Australian and New Zealand engineers and electricians, with a primary focus on calculations to AS/NZS 3008. It supports single-phase, two-phase, three-phase and DC installations, and includes compliance checks such as voltage drop and fault loop impedance.
JCalc supports AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017, AS/NZS 3008:1.2:2017 and and AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring rules) and is intended exclusively for Australian and New Zealand standards. Paid subscriptions unlock calculation reports and project saving. JCalc is a desktop application and cannot be used from multiple devices.
Overview of Cable Pro Web
Cable Pro Web is electrical design and cable sizing software for engineers, electricians and contractors. In addition to cable sizing, it includes voltage drop, fault loop impedance, short-circuit verification, protection coordination, maximum demand, cable schedules, cable pulling calculations and interactive single-line diagram.
Unlike JCalc, Cable Pro Web supports S/NZS 3008.1.1:2025, AS/NZS 3008:1.2:2025 and and AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring rules) as well as multiple international standards (NEC, IEC and BS). Calculations are performed in a web browser without software installation, with projects automatically stored in the cloud for access from any device, anytime.
Cable Pro Web includes a free plan and paid plans, adding advanced calculations, professional reports, project management features and cable sizing in ChatGPT and Claude. Its wider range of electrical design tools and standards support make it a comprehensive alternative to JCalc for both individual engineers and engineering teams.
Cable Pro Web Software is well-known and considered the best alternative to JCalc.
Comparison Table: JCalc vs Cable Pro Web
Cable Sizing Software Features
Here’s a quick overview of how Cable Pro Web and JCalc compare.
| CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Free Plan [100 daily calculations]
(cable sizing, max demand) $99/yr [500 daily calculations]
(advanced cable sizing, max demand) $290/yr [1500 daily calculations]
(advanced cable sizing, harmonics analysis, auto max demand, cable schedule report, voltage rise report, protection coordination + manufacturer database, cable pulling calculator, arc flash calculator, Australian standards access) $650/yr [5000 daily calculations]
(all the above features + LV network calculator) - Monthly plans available
- 50% discount on additional seats
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Free
(no reports or saving) $265/yr
(cable sizing, maximum demand, arc flash) - No monthly plans
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| Features |
- Cable sizing calculator
- Max demand calculator
- Electrical network design with interactive single line diagrams
- Protection coordination
- Cable pulling calculations
- Arc flash calculator
- Voltage rise reports
- Excel cable schedules
- Email reports in the app
- Collaborate with team members on projects
- Harmonics analysis
- Excel add-in
- Step-by-step calculations
- Use on any device
|
- Cable sizing calculator
- Max demand calculator
- Arc flash calculator
- Use on any device
|
| Cable Sizing Calculator |
- Load: Linear and Non-linear loads (with harmonics)
- Insulation: Thermoplastic/PVC, XLPE, Elastomer, Flexible cords, Mineral insulated, Aerial cables
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- Load: Linear loads only
- Insulation: Thermoplastic/PVC, XLPE, Elastomer
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| Standards |
- AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2025
- AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017
- AS/NZS 3008.1.2:2017
- AS/NZS 3000:2018
- BS 7671 – 18th Edition
- IEC 60364-5-52:2009
- NEC/NFPA-70 (2026)
- Arc flash standards
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- AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017
- AS/NZS 3008.1.2:2017
- AS/NZS 3000:2018
- Arc flash standards
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| Additions |
- Database of protective devices (50,000+) from major manufacturers
- Library of electrical standards for download
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- Misc. free calculators for motors, transformers, and generators.
|
| AI Integrations |
- ChatGPT and Claude AI MCP
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- None
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| Customer Support |
- Live chat
- Phone and email support
- Engineering support
- Online documentation
- In-app tours
- Video tutorials
- Trainings
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- Email-based calculator support for paid users
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| Ease of Use |
- User-friendly interface
- Easy sidebar navigation
- Recent calculations and projects
- Search, sort, and archive projects
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- Visual interface
- Slightly confusing layout
- Steeper learning curve
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Create a Free Cable Pro Web account, and see for yourself.
Summary: Which Cable Sizing Software is Best for AS/NZS 3008 Standards?
JCalc provides cable sizing for Australian standards and is suitable for users who primarily need AS/NZS 3008 calculations.
However, if you need a broader range of features, support for multiple standards, and advanced tools such as LV network design, arc flash, cable pulling calculations, enhanced reporting, premium support and cable sizing in ChatGPT and Claude, Cable Pro Web is the better choice. Cable Pro Web is also more cost-effective, offering a free plan and flexible paid options to suit your needs.
Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your specific project requirements, the standards you must comply with, and the range of features you need for your electrical design workflow.
Detailed Cable Sizing Software Comparison
JCalc vs Cable Pro Web: Features
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
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Auto size - active and earth
Jcalc auto size earth only based on table 5.1
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Manual size selection
Jcalc cannot specify earth size if active size is set to auto.
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1ph, 2ph, 3ph and DC supply
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Accurate AC/DC voltage drop
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Voltage rise calculations
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| Short-circuit performance check |
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All cable types
Both CPW and Jcalc include XLPE, PVC, fire cables. CPW has additionally flexible and aerial cables. Jcalc also has high temperature cables.
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Aerial cables
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Specify earth conductor as copper or aluminium
Jcalc cannot specify earth size if active size is set to auto.
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| All installation methods |
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| Fault loop impedance |
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| Conduit size |
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| Derating Wizard |
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| Protective devices - Simple |
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| Protective devices - Manufacturer with time-current curves |
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| Direct to Excel cable schedule reports |
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Maximum Demand Calculator
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| Single domestic |
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| Blocks of living units |
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| Industrial installations |
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| All load groups and load types from Standard |
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| Different supply voltage levels |
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| Custom diversity factors |
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Easy-to-use User Interface
This is a very useful and time-saving feature.
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LV Electrical Network Design
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| Supply sizing - Transformer & generator sizing |
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| Multiple switchboards & loads |
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| Cable sizing for all cables |
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| Auto maximum demand for switchboards |
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Fault level calculations as per IEC 60909
Jcalc has separate calculators for calculating transformer and generator fault current
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| Accumulated voltage drop of each network path |
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| Fault loop impedance of each network path |
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| Power factor correction (capacitor bank sizing) |
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| Manufacturer protective devices database |
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| Validation of network design |
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| Single line diagram with CAD file exporting |
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| Protection coordination study |
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| Arc flash |
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| Harmonics (coming soon) |
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Create a Free Cable Pro Web account, and see for yourself.
Protective Device Selection & Coordination
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| Time current curves |
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| Manufacturer Protective Devices Database |
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| Coordination criteria & sequence of operation |
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| Detailed device settings and reports |
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Cable Pulling Calculations
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| Tension calculation |
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| Sidewall pressure calculation |
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| Range of cable pulling sections |
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| Checks for clearance and cable jamming |
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| Identifying the requirement and location of rollers and push/pull machines |
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Arc Flash Calculations
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
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Standards (IEEE, ENA NENS, DGUV, Stokes, Maximum Power)
Jcalc uses IEEE 1584 method. Additonally has the Ralph Lee method which CPW does not have.
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| Arc flash calculations for DC |
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| Arc flash and incident energy analysis |
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PPE Category
Jcalc considers only NFPA 70 PPE categories.
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| PPE requirements |
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| Arc Hazard labels |
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Reporting
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed PDF reporting |
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| Includes references to Standards |
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| Print all reports in a project (single click) |
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| Include your Company Logo |
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| Custom report fields |
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| Email report within the app |
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| Cable Scheduling |
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| Voltage rise reports |
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Cloud
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| No installation |
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| No licence activation |
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| Access on any device via browser |
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| Always up-to-date with the latest Standards and features |
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| Saves calculations |
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| Projects and Calculations sharing |
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| Company accounts (coming soon) |
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Other Calculations
| Feature | CABLE PRO WEB | JCALC |
|---|---|---|
| Motor current |
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| Motor speed |
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| Motor torque |
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Transformer Full load current
CPW calculates this in the LV Networks module
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| Transformer fault current |
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Generator Full load current
CPW calculates this in the LV Networks module
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| Generator fault current |
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| Battery sizing |
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| Full load current |
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| Three-phase power |
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