Electrical Engineering & Digital Industry
Precise specialised translations for the electrified industry
ISO 17100 · ISO 18587 · DIN EN standard 61439 expertise · Over 40 languages
With an export volume of around €246 billion, Germany's electrical and digital industry is one of the world's largest suppliers of electrical and electronic products. In 2026, it will be back on a growth trajectory for the first time in three years. Behind this figure lies a profound transformation: classical electrical engineering (switchgear construction, drive technology and installation technology) is merging with the digital industry. Sensors are becoming networked, switchgear is becoming IoT-capable and controllers are communicating via OPC UA. This development means that technical documentation is increasing in scope: more languages, more variants and more compliance requirements, from DIN EN standard 61439 to UL and cybersecurity standards such as IEC 62443. Since 2007, COMLOGOS has provided translation services for electrical and digital industry suppliers in the DACH region, offering the same level of precision for classic switchgear as for connected Industry 4.0 systems.
Note: Electrical engineering suppliers face a dual language mandate. Classic switchgear, drives and components still need to be documented precisely and in accordance with standards. At the same time, documentation for connected, software-driven and IoT-capable systems is growing. Both require their own terminology. A translation memory that encompasses both classic electrical engineering terms and digital, embedded, and cybersecurity terminology is the key to efficiency here.
Request a project & receive expert advice
Do you have technical documents that need translating? Send us 1–2 sample files. You will receive a specific recommendation and a quote within 24 hours.
Who we work for in electrical engineering and the digital industry
Control Cabinet Manufacturing & Control Engineering
Switchgear, control cabinets, PLC control systems and operator panels for mechanical engineering companies, plant manufacturers and industry OEMs. We translate circuit and terminal diagrams, commissioning manuals, and operating instructions into the languages of electricians and service technicians in Poland, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and China.
Drive and power electronics
Electric motors, frequency converters, servo drives, power semiconductors and power converters. Electrification is rapidly increasing requirements: higher voltage levels, silicon carbide technology and new EMC standards. We translate data sheets, declarations of conformity and commissioning documentation for manufacturers that are electrifying the European industry.
Sensor technology, measurement and test equipment
Industrial sensors, transmitters, test systems and calibration devices. Linguistic precision is paramount here: a mistranslated specification or tolerance value can cause costly measurement errors or production downtime. We translate data sheets, calibration protocols and application software that are terminologically verified and audit-ready.
Embedded systems and IoT components
Embedded devices, IoT modules, industrial gateways, and connected controllers. This is where hardware, firmware, and cloud connectivity converge. Our team of translators specialise in both classic electrical engineering and modern software development, ensuring the translation of hardware documentation, API descriptions, HMI text, and cybersecurity notices per IEC 62443.
Distinction from neighbouring industries
Electrical engineering overlaps with several industries that COMLOGOS also serves. Each of these industries has its own terminology, standards and workflows. Here’s how we draw the line:
| Area | Interface | Where we draw the line |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Vehicle electronics | Automotive has its own standards (IATF 16949, ISO 26262, VDA 6.x) and language. Electrical engineering is industry-neutral and follows general industrial standards. |
| Mechanical Engineering | Control and drive technology in machines | Mechanical engineering refers to the system as a whole. Electrical engineering describes the electrical components built into the machine. |
| eMobility | Charging infrastructure and wall boxes | eMobility focuses on charging solutions and mobility services. Electrical engineering supplies the components built into wall boxes and charging stations. |
| Battery Technologies | Battery management and power electronics | Battery Technologies focuses on cell chemistry and cell production. Electrical engineering is responsible for the integration and control of battery systems. |
| IT & Software | Embedded software and HMI | IT/software covers pure software products and web applications. Electrical engineering covers hardware-bound software such as firmware, PLC programs and HMI text. |
For the growing volume of documentation in the electrical and digital industries, hybrid workflows are often the most economical solution, offering clear advantages.
AI-assisted translations with post-editing: Your efficiency lever
Where AI-assisted translation with plays to its strenghts
Where AI-assisted translation with plays to its strenghts: AI translation with post-editing is ideal for extensive documents with a high degree of repetition, such as circuit diagrams, operating manuals and service handbooks. We also secure quality for safety-critical content (such as declarations of conformity, safety and warning notices, and cybersecurity documentation in accordance with IEC 62443) through classic specialised translation under the four-eyes principle in accordance with ISO 17100. We will advise you on the most suitable workflow for each document type.
Documents we translate for you
Circuit diagrams and design
- • Circuit and terminal diagrams (e.g. from EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical)
- • Design and manufacturing drawings
- • Parts lists, and assembly instruction
Operating and service instructions
- • Operating and commissioning manuals
- • Service manuals and maintenance instructions
- • Training material
Safety and compliance
- • Safety and warning notices
- • Declarations of conformity (CE, UL, IEC standard)
- • Risk analyses and test reports
Product and data sheets
- • Technical data sheets and product specifications
- • Calibration and measurement reports
- • Product brochures and catalogue data
Software, firmware and HMI
- • HMI and UI texts for operator panels
- • Firmware strings and embedded software
- • API descriptions and interface documentation
Sales and marketing
- • Data sheets and technical specifications for sales
- • Trade show communication and sales materials
- • Web content and press releases for global markets
Formats and tools we work with
| Format / tool | What we use them for |
|---|---|
| EPLAN / AutoCAD Electrical | Circuit and terminal diagrams, preserving symbol and cross-reference logic |
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Operating instructions, training material, data sheets, test reports, with full layout fidelity |
| InDesign / IDML | High-quality service manuals, product brochures and trade show materials, including a layout check |
| FrameMaker / MIF | Structured technical documentation for complex devices and assemblies, with variables and cross-references kept fully intact |
| XML / DITA / CCMS | Modular documentation from your content management system (Schema ST4, COSIMA and TIM-RS) ideal for device and component families |
| Software and HMI strings | XLIFF, JSON, PO and RESX for localising user interfaces, firmware and apps |
| PDF (reference) | Legacy content that can be used as a reference for terminology and consistency |
Why COMLOGOS for electrical engineering and the digital industry
At home in electrical engineering since 2007
COMLOGOS has been translating for electrical engineering and electronics suppliers from the DACH region since 2007, including specialised manufacturers such as KE Elektronik (electronic components). Over this time, a verified industry terminology has been developed that is immediately available for every new project and remains consistent across classic and connected product generations.
Translation memory for the classic and digital world
Every client gets their own maintained translation memory and a central terminology system. For electrical engineering clients, we deliberately bridge the gap between established electrical engineering terms and the new language of digitalisation, the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems. This reduces follow-up costs by 30–70 % and ensures consistency across all product lines.
Native specialised translators with an electrical engineering background
Our translators are native speakers of the target language and have technical training or several years' experience in electrical engineering, electronics or embedded development. They understand the distinction between switchgear documentation and HMI text, and between traditional data sheets and cybersecurity notices. If requested, a translator and an independent subject-matter editor will work together according to the four-eyes principle as defined in ISO 17100.
Familiar with electrical engineering standards
We are familiar with the requirements of DIN EN standard 61439 (low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies), the IEC standards family for industrial electronics, IEC 62443 (cybersecurity for industrial automation). We also have experience with CE and UL certification from our daily project work. Our own workflows are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certified
Related expertise from COMLOGOS
Control Cabinet Manufacturing & Control Engineering
Power circuit diagrams, terminal diagrams and PLC documentation, with consistent technical language, fully aligned with EPLAN and audit-proof for all target markets.
Learn more
Automotive
IATF 16949, ISO 26262, VDA 6.x — the language world of the automotive industry with its own family of standards and supply-chain logic.
Learn more
Plant Engineering
EPC-proven documentation packages, multi-supplier terminology and consistent language across all subsystems of a large-scale plant.
Learn moreWhat customers say about COMLOGOS
'...thank you for the professional, long-standing collaboration.'
ISO 9001, ISO 17100, ISO 18587, tekom member, LICS certified: independently verified quality for your specialised translation projects in electrical engineering and the digital industry.
Standards, conformity requirements and audit trails are everyday business in electrical engineering and the digital industry. This is why we consistently work in line with certified processes,which means traceable quality, documented procedures and qualified resources for every project.
- • Qualified translators: Native speakers with a technical background in electrical engineering, electronics, embedded development, or industrial automation. They are familiar with DIN EN standard 61439, the IEC standards family and IEC 62443.
- • Documented project management: Traceable workflows and transparent communication at every stage of the project, especially for documentation waves covering entire component families.
- • Four-eyes principle: Revision by a second qualified translator in accordance with ISO 17100. This is particularly recommended for safety-critical content such as cybersecurity documentation and declarations of conformity.
The right services and technologies
FAQ Frequently asked questions about an electrical engineering's translation
Do you have questions about translations for electrical engineering and the digital industry? Here you'll find answers to the most common questions we're asked by clients, covering topics such as costs, translation memory, languages, target markets, EPLAN workflows, and the relationship between classic electrical engineering and Industry 4.0. If you have any questions specific to your project, please get in touch directly. We will respond within 24 hours.
The costs depend on several factors: Language pair, volume of documentation, complexity of the content (for example switchgear diagrams with cross-reference logic and IEC standard safety documentation, calibration reports). They also depend on the reuse rate from existing translation memories. For follow-up projects, costs often drop significantly since identical and similar segments from earlier translations are automatically recognised — typically by between 30% and 70%. The savings effect is especially large for electrical engineering manufacturers with many device variants and product lines. To obtain a concrete estimate, we can prepare a no-obligation quote based on your original files.
Yes. We translate directly from native export formats, such as XML or Excel exports from EPLAN and DWG/DXF text from AutoCAD Electrical. Symbols, cross-references and terminal designations remain unchanged. We work exclusively with the text tables. If you wish, we can also re-import the data into your system or deliver finished, localised diagrams as a PDF.
We deliberately create two parallel terminology worlds for each client: one based on established electrical engineering terminology, and the other based on the new language of digitalisation, including embedded systems, the IoT, OPC UA and cybersecurity as defined in IEC 62443. This prevents terminology drift and ensures that translations remain consistent across both product lines. For components that appear in both worlds (e.g. sensors or controllers), we use cross-referencing within the translation memory.
This depends heavily on the sales model and target markets. Electrical engineering and electronics suppliers from the DACH region typically translate into five to twenty languages. Common ones include: English (as the global language of the industry), French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese (for Europe and Latin America), Polish, Czech and Hungarian (for Central European production sites), and Chinese, Japanese and Korean (for Asian markets), as well as Turkish and Russian. We are happy to advise on the optimal language strategy for your specific markets and supply chains.
For electrical engineering suppliers with tight launch cycles, short turnaround times are often essential. For standard projects, we typically deliver within a few business days. Depending on the language and scope, we can also provide urgent translations within 24 hours. AI-assisted translation with post-editing in accordance with ISO 18587 can further reduce turnaround times without compromising compliance standards. Feel free to get in touch. We will find a suitable solution that fits any timeline.
Ideally: One or two sample files from your current project phase (for example, a circuit diagram excerpt, an operating manual or a data sheet), details of the target languages and country, and your preferred delivery format (for example, Word, EPLAN export, InDesign, XML or CCMS export). If available, please also provide any existing term lists or glossaries.
Your electrical engineering and digital industry project in good hands
Send us one or two sample files from your current project phase, such as a circuit diagram excerpt, an operating manual or a data sheet. We will recommend the right approach and suitable language strategy for your supply chain and prepare a clear, no-obligation quote including a plan for reuse across classic and connected product lines.
Response typically within 1 working day · Confidential handling of your files · Free and non-binding
