Wireframe vs Crimp

Wireframe alternative for 12 V diagrams (2026)

Wireframe and Crimp are both full-system diagram builders with automatic wire and fuse guidance. Wireframe pairs templates and safety checks with personal and trade plans. Crimp adds live scenario controls to your connected diagram, so you can explore loads, charging and estimated battery runtime alongside the wiring.

Checked Oct 8, 2026 · 12 V DC planning · your manual wins

Wireframe in 2026

What Wireframe does well.

Wireframe is not limited to prefabricated diagrams. Its current product supports custom boat, RV and campervan systems from a blank canvas or template.

Complete design

Custom diagrams, not static PDFs

You can place components, connect ports, enter lengths and build a full personal or client system.

Guidance

Sizing and safety checks

Wireframe advertises suggested cable and fuse sizes plus checks for missing protection, BMSs, solar and inverter isolation, and grounding.

Starting point

A deep template library

Its public guides open detailed Victron, Renogy, campervan and shore-power arrangements into the builder.

Commercial work

A dedicated Trade tier

The Trade offer includes client and project organization, BOM export, commercial licensing and white-label PDF and PNG output.

We checked Wireframe's scope against its own public pages on Oct 8, 2026. This comparison is independent; Crimp is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wireframe.

Side by side

Wireframe vs Crimp.

Crimp's live simulation is a useful reason to choose it: runtime estimates follow the connected system you are drawing. Wireframe also publishes energy-budget calculators in its guides, so compare the workflow as well as the result.

QuestionWireframeCrimp

Published emphasis: WireframeCampervan, RV and boat templates for personal and trade work.; CrimpBoat, vehicle and off-grid systems built from exact component profiles.
Standards context: WireframeAdvertises sizing to ABYC E-11, BS 7671 / IEC and NEC (NFPA 70).; CrimpComputed wire, fuse and voltage-drop results explicitly use ABYC E-11.
Component model: WireframeGeneric and branded components supported through plans and templates.; Crimp333 published branded profiles with explicit terminal roles, plus custom components.
Live simulation and battery runtime: WireframePublic guides include interactive daily energy budgets, days of autonomy and charging-time estimates.; CrimpChange loads, supported source states and battery charge in your connected diagram; net power and estimated time to reserve or full charge update with the scenario.
Checks: WireframeAdvertised checks for sizing, protection, connection mistakes, BMSs and isolation.; Crimp80+ checks tied to parts and cable paths, including supported battery/BMS compatibility, PV and inverter isolation, grounding, and supported AC source-bonding verification.
Handoff: WireframePaid commercial plan adds BOM and white-label client exports.; CrimpProject file, printable schematic, cable schedule, parts list and live sharing; no white-label claim.

Try the runtime workflow

Start with an overnight load, then change the battery charge or turn a charging source on. Our battery runtime guide explains the estimate, its assumptions and how to explore it in Crimp.

Try a real cable run

Start with a wired fan, then make one change.

Open an editable Maxxair fan starter, set the cable length for your installation and review the resulting cable sizing. Changes save on this device; no account is needed to try it.

Open the editable fan starter

Inspect the component and wiring example or use the wire-size calculator to explore one run. Review the assumptions against your actual installation before using the result.

Which one

Pick the one that finishes your job.

A fair comparison makes it easy to choose the other product when it fits better. So here is when it does.

Choose Wireframe when…

You want a mature template library to start a campervan or Victron design quickly.
Your business needs commercial licensing, client organization or white-label exports.
Your planning workflow needs the BS 7671 / IEC or NEC sizing that Wireframe advertises.

Open Wireframe

Choose Crimp when…

You want to compare battery runtime with different loads and charging states in the same diagram you will build from.
Your system is best understood through named parts and their real terminals.
ABYC E-11 is the required basis for the computed conductor and protection results.
You want a local-first project with system health, cable schedule and parts data kept together.

Open Crimp

Worth saying plainly

Neither product's suggestion is an approval. Crimp flags unresolved BMS controls, isolation and AC bonding; its checks do not establish working shutdown controls, disconnect ratings or internal neutral/earth bonds. Check the exact manuals and get qualified review before you build.

Common questions

Is Crimp a Wireframe alternative?

Yes. The useful answer depends on which feature sent you looking for an alternative in the first place.

Is Crimp a Wireframe alternative for campervans?

Yes. Both can model a complete campervan system. Wireframe has the clearer template and UK/EU trade story; Crimp has the clearer terminal-level product model and ABYC-based calculation story.

Which is better for professional client work?

Wireframe currently advertises a Trade plan with commercial licensing, team seats, client organization and white-label exports. Crimp does not make an equivalent white-label claim.

Do both tools size cables and fuses?

Yes. Both publish automatic or suggested conductor and fuse guidance. Compare the standard, assumptions, derating and exact device data behind any number before you use it in an installation.

Can Crimp estimate how long my battery will last?

Yes. Its live simulation estimates runtime to the modeled battery reserve from your connected loads, supported charging sources and selected state of charge. It holds the current scenario constant; it is not a weather forecast or a promise of real battery life. Wireframe also offers energy-budget and autonomy calculators in public guides.

Keep goingTry one real cable run in CrimpOpen a blank canvas without an account, add the parts you own and see the plan you get before you switch tools.

Sources

Checked at the source.

The Wireframe claims come from its own public pages. The Crimp claims link to the live methodology and component index. Recheck scope and pricing when you choose; both products change.

WireframeBoat, RV and campervan wiring diagramsWireframe's own product and pricing page: diagramming, sizing, checks, templates and exports as they describe them.WireframeWiring diagram guidesWireframe's index of editable templates and installation guides.WireframeElectrical calculatorsThe standalone calculators Wireframe offers around its diagram builder.Wireframe100Ah campervan diagram and energy budget calculatorThis public guide includes interactive daily-load, autonomy and charging estimates; the comparison distinguishes those from Crimp's scenarios on the connected drawing.CrimpBattery runtime and live simulation guideHow Simulate mode estimates runtime from connected loads, charging and starting charge, including its fixed-condition assumptions and planning reserve.CrimpEvery check Crimp runsThe current check list, including supported BMS, isolation, grounding and AC source-bonding coverage and its verification limits.CrimpSizing methodologyThe ABYC basis, assumptions and limits behind every number Crimp shows you.CrimpComponent libraryEvery branded part Crimp ships with, terminals included.

Comparing more than one tool? See the VoltPlan, 12V Sim, Wireframe and Marine Power Designer comparisons together

Crimp for AI agents · public beta

Ask your AI. Check the plan in Crimp.

Connect ChatGPT, Codex or Claude Code to look up components, calculate wire and DC-DC charger sizing, or build a small draft you can inspect and edit. Missing facts and assumptions stay visible.

Use Crimp with your AI

No Crimp account or API key required.