Electrical engineering & digital industry
Precise specialist translations for the electrified industry
ISO 17100 – ISO 18587 – DIN EN 61439 experience – Over 40 languages
With an export volume of around 246 billion euros, the German electrical and digital industry is one of the world’s largest suppliers of electrotechnical and electronic products – and in 2026 it will be back on a growth trajectory for the first time in three years. Behind this figure is a profound change: traditional electrical engineering – switch cabinet construction, drive technology, installation technology – is merging with the digital industry. Sensors are being networked, switchgear is IoT-capable and control systems communicate via OPC UA. Technical documentation is growing with this development: more languages, more variants, more compliance requirements – from DIN EN 61439 and UL to cybersecurity standards such as IEC 62443. COMLOGOS has been translating for suppliers to the electrical and digital industry from the DACH region since 2007 – today just as precisely for classic switchgear as for networked Industry 4.0.
Note: Electrical engineering suppliers are faced with a dual language task: classic switchgear, drives and components must continue to be documented precisely and in accordance with standards - and at the same time the documentation for networked, software-controlled and IoT-capable systems. Both need their own terminology. A translation memory that knows both worlds - electrical engineering classics as well as digital, embedded and cybersecurity terms - is the decisive efficiency lever here.
Request a project & get advice
Do you have technical documents to translate? Send us 1-2 sample files – you will receive a specific recommendation and a quote within 24 hours.
Who we work for in the electrical engineering & digital industry
Control cabinet construction & control technology
Switchgear, control cabinets, PLC controls and operating panels for machine builders, plant manufacturers and industrial OEMs. We translate circuit diagrams and terminal diagrams, commissioning manuals and operating instructions – using terminology that electrical engineers and service technicians in Poland, the Czech Republic, Mexico and China understand immediately.
Drive & power electronics
Electric motors, frequency converters, servo drives, power semiconductors and power converters. The requirements are growing rapidly with electrification: higher voltage levels, silicon carbide technology, new EMC standards. We translate data sheets, declarations of conformity and commissioning documentation for manufacturers who are electrifying Europe’s industry.
Sensors, measuring & testing technology
Industrial sensors, transmitters, test systems and calibration devices. The highest linguistic precision counts here: an incorrectly translated specification or tolerance information can cause expensive incorrect measurements or production downtime. We translate data sheets, calibration protocols and user software – terminologically checked and audit-proof.
Embedded systems & IoT components
Embedded devices, IoT modules, industrial gateways and networked controllers. This is where hardware, firmware and cloud connectivity merge. We translate hardware documentation, API descriptions, HMI texts and cybersecurity instructions in accordance with IEC 62443 – with translators who know both worlds: classic electrical engineering and modern software development.
Differentiation from neighboring industries
Electrical engineering touches on several neighboring industries that we at COMLOGOS also serve – each with its own terminology, standards and workflows. This is how we demarcate the areas:
| Area | Interface | Where we separate |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Vehicle electronics | Automotive has its own standards (IATF 16949, ISO 26262, VDA 6.x) and its own language world – Electrical engineering is industry-neutral and follows general industry standards |
| Mechanical engineering | Control and drive technology in machines | Mechanical engineering describes the system as a whole – Electrical engineering describes the electrical components that are installed in the machine |
| eMobility | Charging infrastructure, wallboxes | eMobility focuses on charging solutions and mobility services – Elektrotechnik supplies the components that are installed in wallboxes and charging stations |
| Battery technologies | Battery Management & Power Electronics | Battery technologies focused on cell chemistry and cell production – Electrical engineering translated for the integration and control of battery systems |
| IT / Software | Embedded software, HMI | IT/software serves pure software products and web applications – electrical engineering translates hardware-bound software such as firmware, PLC programs and HMI texts |
| Measurement technology | Sensors & test systems | Measurement technology is a separate COMLOGOS industry page with a focus on laboratory and testing solutions – Electrical engineering includes industrial sensor technology as part of plant engineering |
Hybrid workflows are often the most economical solution for the growing wave of documentation in the electrical and digital industries – with clear advantages:
AI translation with post-editing - your efficiency lever
Faster with large documentary waves
Up to 50% time savings for large, repetitive documents – such as circuit diagrams for component families, operating instructions for device series or training documents for service technicians.
Economical with many variants
Significantly reduced costs with consistent quality – ideal for manufacturers who have to deliver their components in many variants and languages, such as control cabinet manufacturers and sensor suppliers with global supply chains.
Standard-compliant and audit-proof
Every KI translation is post-edited by experienced specialist electrical engineering translators, terminologically checked and validated for conformity with standards – in accordance with ISO 18587. Audit-proof for CE, UL and IEC tests.
When to use AI translation - and when not?
When is AI translation suitable – and when is it not? AI translation with post-editing is ideal for extensive, repetitive documents such as circuit diagrams, operating instructions or service manuals. For safety-critical content – declarations of conformity, safety and warning notices, cybersecurity documentation in accordance with IEC 62443 – we continue to recommend classic specialist translation with dual control in accordance with ISO 17100. We advise you individually on which workflow suits which document type.
Documents that we translate for you
Circuit diagrams & construction
- Circuit and terminal diagrams (e.g. from EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical)
- Design and production drawings
- Parts lists and assembly instructions
Operating & service instructions
- Operating and commissioning manuals
- Service manuals and maintenance instructions
- Training and education documents
Security & Compliance
- Safety instructions and warnings
- Declarations of conformity (CE, UL, IEC)
- Risk analyses and test protocols
Product & data sheets
- Technical data sheets and product specifications
- Calibration and measurement protocols
- Product brochures and catalog data
Software, firmware & HMI
- HMI and UI texts for control panels
- Firmware strings and embedded software
- API descriptions and interface documentation
Sales & Marketing
- Data sheets and technical specifications for sales
- Trade fair communication and sales documents
- Web content and press releases for global markets
Formats and tools we work with
| Format / Tool | What we do with it |
|---|---|
| EPLAN / AutoCAD Electrical | Circuit and terminal diagrams – with protection of symbol and cross-reference logic |
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Operating instructions, training documents, data sheets, test reports – with full layout fidelity |
| InDesign / IDML | High-quality service manuals, product brochures and trade fair communication – layout check included |
| FrameMaker / MIF | Structured technical documentation for complex devices and assemblies – variables and cross-references remain intact |
| XML / DITA / CCMS | Modular documentation from your content management system (schema ST4, COSIMA, TIM-RS) – ideal for device and component families |
| Software & HMI strings | XLIFF, JSON, PO, RESX – for the localization of user interfaces, firmware and apps |
| PDF (reference) | Legacy documents can be used as a reference for terminology and consistency |
Why COMLOGOS for the electrical engineering & 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 specialized manufacturers such as KE Elektronik (electronics supply). During this time, we have developed a proven industry terminology that is immediately available for every new project – consistently across classic and networked product generations.
Translation memory for the classic and digital world
Each customer receives their own, well-maintained translation memory and a central terminology system. For electrical engineering customers, we specifically map both worlds: established electrical engineering terms and the new language of digitalization, IoT and the embedded world. This reduces follow-up costs by 30-70% and ensures consistency across all product lines.
Native technical translator with a background in electrical engineering
Our translators are native speakers of the target language and have technical training or several years of experience in electrical engineering, electronics or embedded development. They know the difference between control cabinet documentation and HMI texts, between classic data sheets and cybersecurity instructions. If required, translators and independent technical editors can work under the dual control principle in accordance with ISO 17100.
Familiar with electrical engineering standards
We are familiar with the requirements of DIN EN 61439 (switchgear assemblies), the IEC family of standards for industrial electronics, IEC 62443 (cybersecurity for industrial automation), CE and UL certification from our day-to-day project work. Our own workflows are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certified.
Verwandte Branchenkompetenz von COMLOGOS
Schaltschrankbau & Steuerungstechnik
SPS-Code, Klemmenpläne, Schaltschrank-Dokumentation – präzise übersetzt für globale Inbetriebnahme.
Mehr erfahren
Automotive
IATF 16949, FMEA, Lastenhefte – terminologisch gesicherte Übersetzung für OEMs und Tier-1/2-Zulieferer.
Mehr erfahren
Anlagentechnik
Mehrteilige Dokumentpakete, viele Schnittstellen, Multi-Supplier-Terminologie – Terminologiearbeit ist hier der größte Hebel.
Mehr erfahrenWhat customers say about COMLOGOS
"... thank you for the professional, long-term cooperation."
ISO 9001, ISO 17100, ISO 18587, tekom member, LICS-certified - independently tested quality for your plant documentation.
Im Anlagenbau sind Audit- und Compliance-Anforderungen Alltag. Deshalb arbeiten wir konsequent nach zertifizierten Prozessen – das bedeutet für Sie nachvollziehbare Qualität, dokumentierte Abläufe und qualifizierte Ressourcen über jedes Projekt.
- Qualifizierte Ãœbersetzer:innen: Muttersprachler mit fachlichem Hintergrund in Anlagentechnik, Verfahrenstechnik oder Engineering
- Dokumentiertes Projektmanagement: nachvollziehbare Abläufe und transparente Kommunikation in jeder Projektphase
- Vier-Augen-Prinzip: Revision durch eine zweite qualifizierte Ãœbersetzer:in nach ISO 17100
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about automotive translation
The costs depend on several factors: Language pair, scope of documentation, complexity of content (e.g. circuit diagrams with cross-reference logic, IEC safety documents, calibration protocols) and the reuse rate from existing translation memories. In follow-up projects, costs are often significantly reduced as identical and similar segments from previous translations are automatically recognized – often between 30% and 70%. The savings effect is particularly great for electrical engineering manufacturers with many device variants and series. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding quote based on your original files.
Yes, we translate directly from the native export formats (e.g. XML or Excel exports from EPLAN, DWG/DXF texts from AutoCAD Electrical). Symbols, cross-references and terminal designators remain unchanged – we only edit the text tables. On request, we can also take over the re-import into your system or deliver finished, localized plans as PDF files.
We deliberately create two parallel terminology worlds for each customer: the established electrotechnical terminology and the new language of digitalization – embedded, IoT, OPC UA, cybersecurity in accordance with IEC 62443. This prevents term drift and ensures that translations remain consistent in both product lines. For components that occur in both worlds (e.g. sensors or controllers), we use cross-referencing in the translation memory.
This depends heavily on the sales model and the target markets. Electrical engineering and electronics suppliers from the DACH region typically translate into 5 to 20 languages. These frequently include: English (as the global lingua franca of the industry), French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese (Europe and Latin America), Polish, Czech and Hungarian (Central European production sites), Chinese, Japanese and Korean (Asian markets) as well as Turkish and Russian. We will be happy to advise you on the optimum language strategy for your specific markets and supply chains.
Short lead times are often critical for electrical engineering suppliers with tight launch cycles. For standard projects, we usually deliver within a few working days. For rush orders, we can also provide translations within 24 hours, depending on the language and scope. AI-supported translation with post-editing in accordance with ISO 18587 further shortens turnaround times without sacrificing compliance standards. Contact us – we will find a suitable solution for every schedule.
Ideal: 1-2 sample files from your current project phase (e.g. a circuit diagram excerpt, an operating manual, a data sheet), the target languages, the target country and your desired delivery format (e.g. Word, EPLAN export, InDesign, XML, CCMS export). If available, existing term lists or glossaries are also welcome.
Your electrical engineering & digital industry project in good hands
Schicken Sie uns 1–2 Beispieldateien aus Ihrer aktuellen Projektphase – etwa einen Schaltplan-Auszug, eine Betriebsanleitung oder ein Datenblatt. Wir empfehlen Ihnen die passende Vorgehensweise, eine geeignete Sprachstrategie für Ihre Lieferkette und erstellen ein klares, unverbindliches Angebot – inklusive Plan für die Wiederverwendung über klassische und vernetzte Produktlinien hinweg.
Antwort in der Regel innerhalb von 1 Werktag · Vertrauliche Behandlung Ihrer Dateien · Kostenlos & unverbindlich
