Design Assist

Collaborative engineering for partial designs. You bring what you have. We fill the gaps, complete the design, and build the panel.

Who This Service Is For

• Engineering teams with partial designs who have process knowledge but need electrical panel schematics from P&IDs or functional descriptions
• System integrators who need layout optimization for an existing schematic set — ensuring components fit, wire routing is practical, and thermal management is adequate
• Anyone who needs SCCR calculation review — a common pain point where an existing design may not meet the required short-circuit current rating

What Is Included

• Design review of all provided documentation
• Gap analysis identifying what is complete, what is missing, and what needs revision
• Component recommendations (alternatives for long-lead-time or discontinued parts)
• Layout optimization for wiring efficiency, thermal management, and serviceability
• SCCR calculation per UL 508A Supplement SB (new calculation or verification of existing)
• Completed schematics and panel layout
• Full panel build: procurement, fabrication, wiring, testing, labeling, documentation

Process Timeline

Common Scenarios

"I have a P&ID but no electrical schematics."

This is the most common Design Assist engagement. You provide the process and instrumentation diagram. Sterling Made creates the complete electrical schematic set: power distribution, motor branch circuits, I/O wiring, control logic, and communication architecture. We select the PLC platform, specify the I/O modules, and design the panel layout.

"I have schematics but need layout help."

Your electrical design is complete, but you want a second opinion on component placement for serviceability and thermal management. Sterling Made reviews your schematics, creates or revises the panel layout, verifies wire duct sizing and spacing per UL 508A, and confirms the enclosure size is adequate.

"I need someone to verify my SCCR calculations."

SCCR errors are the most common finding in UL 508A audits and AHJ inspections. Sterling Made performs an independent SCCR calculation per UL 508A Supplement SB and identifies any components that limit the panel's overall SCCR. We recommend specific component swaps to achieve the required rating if needed.

"I have an older design that needs updating."

Discontinued components or outdated standards compliance. Sterling Made reviews the original design, identifies obsolete components, recommends current equivalents, and updates schematics with new parts.