Overview of Schematic Creation in AutoCAD Electrical (Part 1)

Topics Covered

• Referencing systems
• Components
• Wiring
• Wire numbers

Introduction to Schematic Creation

• Schematic drawings are created by:
  • Setting up a referencing system
  • Inserting components
  • Drawing wires

Referencing Systems

• Three types supported by AutoCAD Electrical:
  • XY Grid
  • X Zones
  • Ladders
    • Ladders can be horizontal or vertical
    • Ladders can be single or three-phase

Components

• Schematic components are AutoCAD blocks with attributes
• Attributes vary by symbol type:
  • Parent Symbol: Tag1 attribute
  • Child Symbol: Tag2 attribute
• Block Naming Convention:
  • Indicates type of block
• Components Insertion:
  • Use the icon menu
  • Insert devices requiring separate contact symbols as a parent symbol and child symbols
  • Assign a unique tag to the parent symbol upon insertion
  • Assign a catalog number from an extensive database
  • Pin values are assigned based on the selected catalog
  • Child symbol inherits properties when associated with the parent symbol

Wiring

• Wire is placed on a defined wire layer
• Commands:
  • Create/Edit Wire Type
  • Import wire layer definitions from other drawings or templates
• Wire Insertion:
  • Start at a component, another wire, or empty space
  • Automatic breaks across components
  • Wire connection dots added when wires meet
  • Automatic wire gaps when wires cross
• Editing Wires:
  • Trim or stretch wires quickly

Wire Numbers

• Assignment Options:
  • Project-wide
  • Drawing-wide
  • Selected wires
• Each wire network receives a unique wire number
• Wire number format defined in drawing properties
• Numbering can be sequential or based on the referencing system
• Add wire number copies at any location along the wire

Conclusion

• This concludes Part 1 of the Schematic Creation overview.
• Part 2 will cover cross-referencing, source destination signals, and drawing audit.