Settings and Configurations

Transcription

1 Chapter 1 Settings and Configurations This chapter describes how to use settings and configuration options to change the appearance and functionality of AutoCAD Electrical to match your company's drawing standards, as well as those of your customers and other projects. You can change everything from component-tagging nomenclature to symbol and footprint appearance to layer placement. Using the hierarchy of default configuration settings, you can establish configuration standards companywide, projectwide, or for just a single drawing. When you execute a command, you have the option of accepting the default values or changing the settings to match your immediate requirements. You can store the settings and configuration options in drawing template files that are used to start new project drawings. Also described are installation options, search path options, and reference files that need to be managed when installing or using AutoCAD Electrical in a shared environment. Objectives After completing this chapter, you will be able to: Create and manage wire types and their properties. Set up and use various ASCII text files that are referenced by a project. Change the default configuration settings to match company standards or project requirements. View and edit the project settings and properties. Create drawing templates. Define and describe how to install and configure AutoCAD Electrical for company specific requirements. Chapter Overview 3

2 Lesson: Creating Wire Types This lesson describes how to create different wire types in your drawings. The wire types you create and assign to wires can be used in wire list reports like the Wire From/To report. Wire types enable you to create easy-to-read instructions for panel wiring and quality control. Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Define a wire in AutoCAD Electrical. Create wire type layers. Rename column headers in the wire type grid. Change wire type layer settings for existing wires, convert lines to wires, and set the default wire type layer override. 4 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

3 About Wires Wires are one of the most common electrical objects, and the wire types convey important information to the assembly floor providing details such as color, gauge, and type. To create the wire types that you require, you need to learn what defines a wire and how they are named. Wires Defined A wire is any AutoCAD line object that is placed on a valid wire layer. A valid wire layer is any layer that is identified in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. A wire type is the descriptive label given to a wire. The name of the layer that a wire is placed on provides the wire type information. For example, a layer named BLK_14AWG identifies the wires (lines) on that layer as color black, 14 gauge, type AWG. Lines that are valid wire types enable: Automatic wire numbering Wire layer reporting Wire layer management You can define an unlimited number of wire types. You can name your wire type layers anything desired. Names can have as many as 255 alphanumeric characters. The primary data to include in a wire type name is the wire color, gauge, and type. You can include one to seven information fields to create your wire types. This information is helpful when creating and editing wire types, inserting wires in a drawing, and extracting reports. For example, common wire type names can be: BLK_14AWG 12_THHN_WHT BK_6_mm^2 GRN WIRES Some reports extract wire-numbering and terminal information and include the layer name for each connected wire. If your wire type (layer) name reflects the wire color, gauge, and type, this information can be deduced from the various reports that include wire layer names. Assign color numbers to wire type layers that match the wire colors. This creates visual feedback in the schematic of the wire types being used. When using a black background, use shades of gray for black wires. If you use any AutoCAD Electrical command to insert wires, rungs, or ladders, the new object is automatically inserted on a valid wire layer. If the current layer is not a valid wire layer, the new objects are placed on the default wire layer as defined in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. To start your drawings quickly and easily, create and save your standard wire types in a template drawing. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 5

4 Example of Wire Types in Reports Your company standard is to list both the wire gauge and color in the wire type name. This information is used in wiring and other connection reports as an aid to the assembly personnel. The following image shows an example of one of these reports. 6 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

5 Creating Wire Types If your drafting standards or drawing documentation requirements dictate different or additional wire types, you must know where and how to create the wire types to ensure compliancy. Create/Edit Wire Type Dialog Box You create, edit, and configure wire type layers with the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. The Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box works similarly to the AutoCAD Layers Properties Manager. You can create new layers from either dialog box. Layers created in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box are automatically set as wire type layers. Wire type layers created outside of the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box, for example, in the Layers Properties Manager, must be set as wire type layers in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. Wire types can also be created by copying data from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 7

6 Command Access Create/Edit Wire Type Ribbon: Schematic tab > Edit Wires/Wire Numbers panel > Create/Edit Wire Type flyout > Create/ Edit Wire Type Menu Bar: Wires > Create/Edit Wire Type Toolbar: ACE:Wire > Create/Edit Wire Type Wire Type Grid Area The grid area in the upper portion of the dialog box is similar to a spreadsheet interface. The current wire type is highlighted with a gray background; selected wire types are highlighted in blue. The columns are used for the following purposes: Cell label Used Wire Color Description An X in this column indicates that the layer name is currently being used in the drawing; a blank indicates that the layer exists, but is not being used. For the %C replaceable parameter that is used in a layer name format. Provides the wire color tag. 8 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

7 Cell label Size Layer Name Wire Numbering User 1-5 User 6-20 Description For the %S replaceable parameter that is used in a layer name format. Provides the wire size tag. For the layer name, which you can create with a layer name format or by manually entering a name. If you do not want wire numbers assigned to wires on a specific layer, select No. The Insert Wire Numbers command follows these rules: If all wires in the network are on layers set to No, no new wire number is inserted. If any wire in the network is on a layer set Yes, the existing nonfixed wire number is updated or a new wire number is inserted. If a wire network already has a nonfixed wire number, it is updated regardless of the Wire Numbering setting. For the %1-%5 replaceable parameters in a layer name format. Cells are for creating custom wire type labels. These cells do not have replaceable parameters assigned to them and are for reference information only. Option Area When you select the Make All Lines Valid Wires option, every layer in your drawing is set to be a valid wire type layer. When it is cleared, only the layers that are listed in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box are valid wire type layers. When all layers in the drawing are set to be valid wire layers, all lines in a drawing are considered to be wires, even those on title blocks and other nonelectrical objects. If you use the Make All Lines Valid Wires option, all wire types are removed from the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. If you clear the Make All Lines Valid Wire option, use the Add Existing Layer tool to add the layers back into the dialog box. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 9

8 Layer Name Format You can use several fields in the wire type grid to automatically create your layer name. The following Column fields and the matching replaceable parameters are available in the wire type grid: Wire Color - %C Size - %S User1 - %1 User2 - %2 User3 - %3 User4 - %4 User5 - %5 Enter the parameters in the Layer Name Format field. You can assemble the parameters in any order required. Static, nonchanging text can also be used as part of the layer name format. Spaces can also be used. For example, if you enter BLK for Wire Color, 14 for Size, and AWG for Type (User 1) in the wire type grid, the following Layer Name Format parameters on the left result in the layer names on the right. Layer Name Format %C_%S %S_%1_%C %C%S%1 Color %C Size %S Type %1 Layer Name BLK_14 14_AWG_BLK BLK14AWG Color BLK Size 14 Type AWG You can use allseven available replaceable parameters to create your layer name, but the maximum length allowed is 255 characters. To have the layer name automatically created, the parameters must be entered in the Layer Name Format field before entering data in the wire type grid. Existing layer names are not changed when the layer name format is changed. Color, Linetype, and Lineweight These options perform the same functions as in the Layer Properties Manager. Each button displays the appropriate dialog box for the setting of that property value. 10 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

9 Add Existing Layer You use Add Existing Layer to select existing layers in your drawing to add to the wire type grid. The Layers for Line "Wires" dialog box has two options for selecting existing layers: You can enter the layer name, either specifically or by using wild cards to select all similarly named layers. You can click Pick. A grid of all layers in the current drawing is displayed for you to select from, one at a time. Remove Layer This option removes the selected layer name from the wire type grid. Even though the selected layer is no longer a valid wire layer, the layer remains in the drawing as an AutoCAD line layer. If multiple layers of one color exist in the drawing, you must select all layers of that color in the wire type grid to activate this button. For example, if there are multiple RED* layers such as RED_AWG18, RED_AWG20, and RED_AWG25, you must select all three layers in the wire type grid to enable the button. Only unused layers in the active drawing can be removed. Mark Selected as Default Use this option to set the default wire type layer for your drawing. Whenever a wire is placed in your drawing, it is always placed on a valid wire layer. If the new wire is not attached to an existing wire, and if the current layer is not a valid wire layer, the new wires are placed on the default wire layer. For example, your CAD Manager might have already created the layers you should use in the standard template. In this case, you use the Add Existing Layer option to import the existing layers. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 11

10 Procedure: Creating Wire Types The following steps describe how to create new wire types. 1. Start the Create/Edit Wire Type command. 2. Enter the desired layer name format. Note: You must change the format before creating a new layer if you want it to affect the layer name. 3. Enter data for the new wire type in the grid. 12 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

11 4. Change the layer properties for the selected layer(s) as desired. Renaming User Columns You can rename the User columns in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box to provide useful information for reports and displays. To take advantage of this functionality you need to know the procedure for renaming these columns. Rename User Columns Dialog Box You can use the Rename User Columns dialog box to rename the column headers in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box of User 1-20 to match your requirements. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 13

12 Command Access To open the Rename User Columns dialog box, right-click the project name in the Project Manager. Click Properties. In the Project Properties dialog box, Wire Numbers tab, under Wire Type, click Rename User Columns. Procedure: Renaming User Column Headers The following steps describe how to rename the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box column headers. 1. Open the Rename User Columns dialog box. 14 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

13 2. In the Rename User Columns dialog box, select the Column Title cell for the User column you want to rename. 3. Enter the new column title. Click OK. The User column titles are project specific. The Used, Color, Size, and Layer Name columns cannot be renamed. Example You can use the user fields to provide useful information during the design process. In the example shown, notice that BU_1_mm^2 is not stocked and needs to be special ordered. You might choose to use BU_1.5_mm^2 instead. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 15

14 Changing, Converting, and Setting Wire Types You use the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box to change wire type layer settings for existing wires and to convert lines to wires. You use the Set Wire Type dialog box to set the default wire type layer override. Change/Convert Wire Type Tool Defined You use the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box to change wire type layer settings for existing wires. The Change/Convert tool also converts existing lines to wires by changing the line layer property to a wire type layer. The wire type grid displayed in the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box appears the same as what is displayed in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. All valid wire type layers in the drawing are displayed. You cannot use the grid in the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box for editing; it is for selection and reference purposes only. The following are the options that are available in the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box. Pick Identifies the wire type layer of a wire in the drawing. Click Pick and select a wire. You return to the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box, and the selected wire type layer is highlighted in blue in the grid. If the selected line is not a wire, an alert is displayed that prompts you to create a valid wire type layer. Change All Wire(s) in the Changes all wires in an associated wire network to the same new wire type Network when changing a wire to a different wire type. Convert Line(s) to Wires Converts a line to a wire if the line is selected. The layer property of the line is changed to the selected wire type layer. If this option is not selected, lines are ignored during the process. 16 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

15 Command Access Change/Convert Wire Type Ribbon: Schematic tab > Edit Wires/Wire Numbers panel > Create/Edit Wire Type flyout > Change/ Convert Wire Type Menu Bar: Wires > Change/Convert Wire Types Toolbar: ACE:Wires > Change/Convert Wire Type Procedure: Changing a Wire to a Different Wire Type The following steps describe how to change an existing wire to a different wire type. 1. Start the Change/Convert Wire Type command. 2. From the wire type grid, select the new wire type layer. Click OK. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 17

16 3. In the drawing, select all of the wires that you want to change to the selected wire type. 4. Notice that all wires in a network are changed to the selected wire type. 18 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

17 Set Wire Type You use the Set Wire Type dialog box to set the default wire type layer override. During any wire insertion command, such as Insert Wire or Insert Ladder, you can enter T and then press ENTER to display the Set Wire Type dialog box. Select the desired wire type layer from the grid. This becomes the acting default wire type layer. All new wire objects are placed on this layer until you set a different default layer or you exit from the drawing. This setting overrides the default layer set in the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 19

18 Exercise: Create New Wire Type Layers In this exercise, you create, change, and set the default for wire type layers. You complete the following tasks: Rename column headers for the wire type dialog boxes. Create new wire type layers and change existing wires to the new wire types. Insert two ladders: one on the default wire type layer and the other on the current wire type layer that you set during the Insert Ladder command. The completed exercise Completing the Exercise To complete the exercise, follow the steps in this book or in the onscreen exercise. In the onscreen list of chapters and exercises, click Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations. Click Exercise: Create New Wire Type Layers. 20 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

19 Rename Wire Type User Columns 1. If the Project Manager is not displayed, on the Project tab, Project Tools panel, click Manager. 2. If Settings_and_Configuration_IEC is the active project, skip to step 6. If it is open but not active, in the Project Manager, do the following: Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC. Click Activate. Skip to step In the Project Manager, right-click in an empty area. Click Open Project. 7. In the Project Manager, right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC. Click Properties. 8. In the Project Properties dialog box, Wire Numbers tab, click Rename User Columns. 9. In the Rename User Columns dialog box, do the following: For User1, Column Title, enter TYPE. For User2, Column Title, enter PART #. Click OK. 10. In the Project Properties dialog box, click OK. 4. Browse to where you installed the exercise files. Select Settings_and_Configuration_IEC.wdp. Click Open. 5. In the Projects list, double-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC to expand the drawing list. 6. Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC_05.dwg. Click Open. Notice that the main power rungs on this drawing are on the default WIRES wire type layer. Create New Wire Types and Change Existing Wires 1. On the Schematic tab, Edit Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Create/Edit Wire Type. 2. In the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box, for Layer Name Format, enter %S%1-%C. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 21

20 3. Do the following: In the wire type grid, in row 15, for Wire Color, enter RD. For Size, enter 2.5_mm^2. For Type, enter THHN. For Part #, enter RD2.5mmTHHN-500. Click Color. In the Select Color dialog box, select Color 1, RED. Click OK. 4. In the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box, click OK. 7. On the Schematic tab, Edit Wires/Wire Numbers panel, Create/Edit Wire Type flyout, click Change/Convert Wire Type. 8. In the Change/Convert Wire Type dialog box, select 2.5_mm^THHN-RD. Click OK. 9. In the drawing, select the two horizontal rungs: wire numbers 03.6 and Select the two vertical wires attached to the power supplies: wire numbers 05.1 and Press ENTER. The wire type layer is created in the drawing. 5. On the Home tab, Layers panel, click Layer Properties. 6. In the Layer Properties Manager dialog box, find the new layer you added to the list. Close the Layer Properties Manager. Set the Default Wire Layer 1. In the Project Manager, right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC_22.dwg. Click Open. 2. On the Schematic tab, Insert Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Insert Ladder. 22 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

21 3. In the Sheet: 22 - Insert Ladder dialog box, do the following: For Width, enter For Spacing, enter For Rungs, enter 8. Click OK. 4. In the drawing, for the start position, enter 30.0, Press ENTER. 8. In the Set Wire Type dialog box, select RD_2.5_mm^2. The default wire type layer is highlighted in gray. The current wire type layer you set is highlighted in blue. Click OK. 9. In the drawing, for the start position, enter 250.0, Press ENTER. Notice that the ladder is inserted on the default WIRES layer. 5. On the Schematic tab, Insert Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Insert Ladder. 6. In the Sheet: 22 - Insert Ladder dialog box, do the following: For Width, enter For Spacing, enter For Rungs, enter 8. Click OK. 7. In the drawing, enter T. Press ENTER. Notice that the ladder is inserted on the default layer RD_2.5_mm^2 that you just set. This completes the exercise. Lesson: Creating Wire Types 23

22 Lesson: Using Reference Files This lesson describes how to use various reference files supported by AutoCAD Electrical to help annotate your drawings. ASCII text files are used as reference files for many different purposes. Only a few of the more frequently used files are briefly explained here. Knowledge of these files and how they are used can help make tasks, such as changing drawing descriptions or mapping title block attributes, easier to understand and complete. WDT file WDL file INST file Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Describe and use description files to insert standard company nomenclature into component fields. Describe and use project LINEx files to map descriptions to the default LINEx values in the Project dialog box. Display the values of the current environment file settings and reset the software to the default wd.env environment file. 24 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

23 Using Component Reference Files When you want to standardize or reuse common descriptions or labels repeatedly in your projects, you need to know the files that are available and how to make them project specific. Component Reference Files Defined Description (wd_desc.wdd), installation (default.inst), and location (default.loc) files are generic ASCII text files that contain either common values or your company's standard nomenclature for these fields. Instead of reentering values for each field, you can select the entry from a list. You can use wizards in the software, or any external text editor, such as Notepad, to edit these files. Example of component reference file wd_desc.wdd Multiple versions of these files can exist. You can make the files project-specific by replacing wd_desc or default with the project name. For example, wd_desc.wdd can also be labeled <projectname>.wdd or default.inst can be labeled <projectname>.inst. First, the project directory, where the project's WDP file is stored, is searched for a file with the same name as the project. If a project-named file is not found, the software searches the project directory for the default file. If a project default file is not found, a default file is found in the support directory. Lesson: Using Reference Files 25

24 Example Use of Project Specific Files You work for a company that completes schematic designs and builds panels for many different companies. Your clients use different nomenclature, and in some cases, different languages for the component descriptions and labels. You create project-specific reference files for each client containing the data specified by the client. You store these files in the same directory as the project file. As you move between projects, the different reference files for each customer are automatically referenced. Procedure: Using Description Reference Files The following steps describe how to use a description reference file. 1. In the Insert/Edit Component dialog box, under Description, click Defaults to display the contents of the description list, such as, for example, wd_desc.wdd. 2. In the Descriptions dialog box, select an entry from the list. Click OK to insert the description into separate description lines as formatted. The OK > Description buttons force all of the selected text into a single description line on the component. Text is transferred into the Insert/Edit Component dialog box. 26 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

25 3. Click Language to select descriptions from the language table. 4. To edit the list, in the Descriptions dialog box, click Add/Edit to display the Add New Entry to Description File dialog box. Lesson: Using Reference Files 27

26 Procedure: Using Installation and Location Reference Files The following steps describe how to use an installation or location reference file. 1. In the Insert/Edit Component dialog box, under Installation Code or Location Code, click Projects. 2. In the All Locations - Project or All Installations - Project dialog box, select the Include External List check box to display the contents of the external list, such as, for example, default.inst or default.loc. 28 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

27 3. Select the desired label from the list. Text is transferred into the Insert/Edit Component dialog box. About Project Description Line Labels Including the generic project description line labels in reports or mapping them to title block attributes can be confusing. This confusion can be reduced by customizing project description line labels. You change the values in an external WDL file to describe its properties more effectively. Project Line Labels Defined Project line description label mappings are stored in a project reference WDL file. These values replace the generic Line 1, Line 2, and so forth, values used in the Project Description dialog box. An unlimited number of lines can be stored in the file. Typically, these values are changed to match the attribute values of the drawing title block, making the title block mappings much easier. They can also be used for many other purposes, including revisions, drawing descriptions, and report information. Generic line labels Custom line labels Lesson: Using Reference Files 29

28 Either a project-based mapping file or a default mapping file can be used for this purpose. You name these files <projectname>_wdtitle.wdl or default_wdtitle.wdl, respectively. The software searches first for a file that matches the current project name. If a file is not found, the default file is used. A wizard is not provided to edit this file; therefore, you must create the file manually, using any ASCII text editor. The entries do not have to be in order and line numbers may be skipped. The file should contain one line per label in the format LINEx=label as shown in the following examples: LINE1=Proj Title LINE2=Dwg Title1 LINE6=Date Example of Customizing Project Line Labels Your company has a standard title block that is used for all electrical drawings. You create a WDL file with line references that match the title block attributes, such as Title, Drawing Number, and so on. You name this file default_wdtitle.wdl and save it to your User directory. This file is used by default for all project line description labels. 30 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

29 About Environment Reference Files The overall settings for a project environment are stored in an external ENV file. You use this file to configure settings and paths that are more oriented to company file structure and are not typically stored in the project file. To set up the software to match your company environment, you need to know what an environment file is, what it contains, and where to find it. Environment Reference Files Defined An environment reference file (ENV) stores the project file search paths and program directories. Many default settings are stored with the file. For example, paths to support files, default project folders, user directories, and so on are stored within the file. The ENV file is read when a project is first activated. To access the Current Settings dialog box and view these settings, right-click the project name in the Projects list. Click Settings. Lesson: Using Reference Files 31

30 Guidelines for the Environment Reference File Each project can have a unique environment reference file assigned to it. ENV files have an.env extension. Project-specific ENV files are named.env. If a project-specific environment file does not exist, the default file, wd.env, is used. Follow these guidelines for a project's environment reference file: The Current Settings dialog box displays only the contents of the wd.env file. You can use an external ASCII text editor to change the file's contents. After editing the file, you must reactivate the project to read the new settings. It is strongly recommended that you store all environment files in the following folder. This is the primary search path for this type of file in a default installation: Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\Acade {version}\aedata Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\Documents\Acade {version}\aedata 32 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

31 Lesson: Drawing Properties This lesson describes how to configure the drawing properties for different design environments. You can configure a drawing for a specific design style independently of other drawings in the project. Configuring a drawing in this way enables you to easily change how design requests are processed on a drawing-by-drawing basis. Example of two different drawing formats and the Drawing Properties dialog box Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Describe what Drawing Properties are used for and where you access the Drawing Properties dialog box for changing the settings. Change drawing settings and values, such as description lines and sheet values. Create custom component-tagging formats using replaceable parameters. Create custom wire number formats using replaceable parameters. Create custom cross-reference formats using replaceable parameters and setting the display style to text, graphical, or table. Set the default insertion style for arrows, PLCs, and Fan In/Out markers, as well as setting the insertion styles for wire crossings and connections. Set the default settings for the insertion of ladders, referencing formats, and component layers. Describe the wd_m.dwg block file, what it is used for, and when it is automatically inserted into a drawing. Lesson: Drawing Properties 33

32 About Drawing Properties Individual drawings in a project may require different settings to reflect the structure of the drawing, such as, for example, three phase ladders on one drawing and a single phase on others. To change the properties of a drawing to match design requirements, you must learn where and how to make those changes. Command Access Drawing Properties Ribbon: Schematic tab > Other Tools panel > Drawing Properties flyout > Drawing Properties Project Manager: Right-click the drawing name > click Properties > Drawing Properties Menu Bar: Projects > Drawing Properties Toolbar: ACE:Drawing Properties > Drawing Properties Drawing Properties Dialog Box You enter the drawing-level configuration default settings using the Drawing Properties dialog box. Under the Drawing File area on the first tab, the drawing descriptions and reference setting are stored in the project file. All other settings established in the dialog box are stored on the WD_M.dwg block. You could think of the Drawing Properties dialog box as a very specialized attribute editing tool. It edits only one block, WD_M.dwg. Settings made in the Drawing Properties dialog box are for the current drawing only. Each drawing in the project could have unique settings. Usually most of the drawings in a project have the same general settings. The contents of the first tab are unique to the Drawing Properties. Contents on other tabs are duplicated in the Project Properties dialog box and stored in the project file. Settings from the Project Properties can be transferred into the Drawing Properties to help make your project drawings more consistent. 34 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

33 Most configuration settings are default settings only. For example, these are the values that appear in dialog boxes when a command is started. You have the option of changing or overriding them during the command execution. Lesson: Drawing Properties 35

34 Drawing Settings You use the Drawing Settings tab on the Drawing Properties dialog box to edit information about the drawing file and how it relates to the project. 36 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

35 Drawing File You edit drawing file information on the Drawing Settings tab, under Drawing File. You can enter up to three lines of description about the drawing. These description values are stored in the project file, not in the drawing. Description values can be used as values for title blocks, displayed in the project drawing list, and incorporated into report headings. Drawings marked as Reference Only are not processed during automatic updating functions, including component retagging and wire numbering. Reference Only drawings are not listed in the Drawings to Process dialog box during the drawing selection portion of these tools. The drawings remain a part of the title block updating and plotting procedures. IEC - Style Designators Under IEC - Style Designators, you set the project, installation and function, and location codes for the drawing. The following codes are used to set replaceable parameter values for the drawing: %P = Project Code %I = Installation Code %L = Location Code The variables are used in creating component, wire number, and cross-reference tags. You can click Drawing for a list of all values entered so far in the current drawing or click Project for a list of values entered in the current project. Lesson: Drawing Properties 37

36 Sheet Values Under Sheet Value, you can set sheet and drawing numbers as well as the section grouping values. The following codes are used to set replaceable parameter values for the drawing: %S = Sheet %D = Drawing %A = Section %B = Sub-Section The Sheet code can be renumbered sequentially during projectwide retagging operations. This variable can be used to update title block fields. An example is sheet 3 of 25, where 3 is the sheet value assigned to the drawing. The Drawing code is a fixed value for the drawing. Though the Drawing code can be edited during projectwide retagging, all drawings that are edited have the Drawing code set the same. Section and Subsection codes are primarily used to group drawings together. These groupings can be used as filters for reports, plotting, and so on. For example, you might create an Infeed section code that is assigned to all drawings that pertain to the infeed portion of the project. Components Introduction to Components You use the Components tab on the Drawing Properties dialog box to configure the tag names for symbols and footprints using variables, or replaceable parameters, combined with static text. This is also where you set the type of numbering, either sequential or by line reference. If the line reference style is chosen, the suffix format for multiple component references can be configured to meet your project requirements. 38 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

37 Component Tag Formatting The component tag format string must contain the %F (family) and %N (number) codes at a minimum and can include string constants as part of the format. For example, "%F%N-%S" can result in CR100-04, where the "-" is a string constant. If the format includes the sheet number (%S parameter) or the drawing number (%D parameter), you need to enter the appropriate values on the Drawing Settings tab. In the example shown, a single ladder rung, reference 1, has two push buttons. Suffix letter A is added to the second -06S1/B push button component tag to keep them unique. If you are using reference-based numbering and the %X (suffix) position is not specified, the suffix is automatically placed at the end of the tag. For a complete list of replaceable parameters see AutoCAD Electrical Help. On the Index tab, enter parameters. Lesson: Drawing Properties 39

38 Suffix List for Reference-Based Component Tags Dialog Box You use the Suffix Setup button to display the Suffix List for Reference-Based Component Tags dialog box. The boxes correspond to the component position in the reference line. The first box value is the suffix for the first component reference; the second box is for the second component reference; and so on. Any values (numbers, letters, or a combination) can be entered. The options at the bottom of the dialog box supply default settings for the edit boxes. If the %X (suffix) position is not specified in the component tag format string, the suffix is automatically placed at the end of the tag. If you select PLC address-based tagging, a search is conducted for a connected PLC I/O module's I/O point when a component is inserted. If an I/O point is found, the I/O address is substituted for the %N part of the format. Address-based tags are moved to a fixed layer, preventing the address-based tags from being updated during automated retagging operations. The Search For I/O Address on Insert option signals the software to search for a connected PLC I/O module every time a component is inserted. Consequently, the searching process may slow the Insert Component command performance. 40 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

39 Example of Component Tags The following shows two examples of component tag formats. For relay number 50 on sheet 2: %F%S/%N = CR2/50 %F%N = CR50 %F-%S-%N = CR-2-50 For three push buttons on line reference 101 using reference-based tagging: %F%N = PB101, PB101A, PB101B %N-%F = 101-PB, 101-PBA, 101-PBB %N%X%F = 101-PB, 101A-PB, 101B-PB Wire Numbers Introduction to Wire Numbers In the Drawing Properties dialog box, on the Wire Numbers tab, under Wire Number Format, you can configure the tag names for symbols and footprints using variables or replaceable parameters combined with static text. Just like component tagging, wire-numbering formats combine replaceable parameters, or variables, with static text to create the tag names used for wire numbers. Using this flexibility, you can number wires in a variety of ways. For example, you might want numbers to replace the suffixes added to wire numbers, or you might want to predefine the hot and neutral bus wires with wire numbering based on a circuit breaker number. Wire Number Formats The wire number tag must contain at least the "%N" (number) parameter. It can also include string constants as part of the format. For example, W%N might result in W423, where W is a string constant. If reference-based numbering is used, a suffix variable is required. This variable is used to keep wires on the same reference line, or in the same reference zone, unique. In the example shown, a single ladder rung, reference 403, has three wire numbers. Suffix letters A and B are added to the second and third wire numbers to keep them unique. Lesson: Drawing Properties 41

40 In the example shown, a single ladder rung, reference 1, has three wire numbers, two of which are located in the same area. Suffix letter A is added to the second wire number to keep them unique. For a complete list of replaceable parameters see AutoCAD Electrical Help. On the Index tab, enter parameters. Suffix List for Reference-Based Wire Numbers Dialog Box The Suffix Setup button displays the Suffix List for Reference-Based Wire Numbers dialog box. 42 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

41 The boxes correspond to the wire number position in the reference line. The first box value is the suffix for the first wire number reference; the second box is for the second wire number reference, and so on. You can enter any values (numbers, letters, or a combination). The options at the bottom of the dialog box supply default settings for the boxes. If you do not specify the %X (suffix) position in the component tag format string, AutoCAD Electrical automatically places the suffix at the end of the tag. Example of Wire Number Formats The following is an example of wire number formats. For wire number 50 on sheet 2: %S/%N = 2/50 %N = 50 W-%S%N = W-250 Wire Number Placement On the Wire Numbers tab, you can configure the placement of the wire numbers above, below, or inline with the wire. On vertical wires, the Above option places the wire number to the left of the wire. The Below option places the wire number to the right of the wire. Lesson: Drawing Properties 43

42 Cross-References Cross-reference tags indicate where linked components are located throughout your project. Cross-Reference Formatting In the Drawing Properties dialog box, on the Cross-References tab, under Cross-Reference Format, you can configure the data and display formats for cross-references between components. The cross-reference tag uses replaceable parameters to create the tag format. The %N parameter, representing the reference number, must always be present. You can specify different formats for on-drawing and interdrawing references or use the same format for both. Cross-Reference Display Under Component Cross-Reference Display, you can determine how the information is displayed on your drawing. 44 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

43 Cross-Reference Styles There are three different cross-reference display format styles for you to choose from: Style Text Description Displays the cross-reference as a text string, using the format defined with replaceable parameters and defined text strings. Graphical Displays the cross-reference using a graphical font, displaying each reference on a new line. Table Displays the cross-reference in a table object. You can define the columns to display. The table can be placed in any location on the drawing. Lesson: Drawing Properties 45

44 Styles You use the Styles tab on the Drawing Properties dialog box to set the default appearance style that is used for various components. 46 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

45 Component Styles The Arrow, PLC, and Fan In/Out Marker styles are default only. The selected setting here is used as the initial setting for each command. You can also change the style settings during the execution of the command. Each of these style settings has several display options that are available. Each setting also has some placeholders that you can use when you are creating a custom display style. Functionally, each display style within a group works very similarly, displaying the same information, but each has a different graphical representation to match your preferences. Lesson: Drawing Properties 47

46 Wiring Styles AutoCAD Electrical automatically uses the Wire Style settings for wire crossings and wire tee connections during wiring commands. Although AutoCAD Electrical does not change the settings during the command, you can use separate commands to change the state of selected options. For example, you can flip wire loops from one wire to another and cycle wire tees between any of four available representations. Gap Loop Solid Wire tee options In addition to the representations shown, angle 1 and angle 2 can be toggled to the mirrored image after insertion. 48 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

47 Drawing Format You use the Drawing Format tab of the Drawing Properties dialog box to set the defaults for ladder insertion and referencing, drawing scale, tagging order, and component layers. Lesson: Drawing Properties 49

48 Ladder Defaults You use ladder defaults to set the default values for inserting a ladder. As defaults, you can change these settings during an insertion procedure and include the width, rung, and multiwire spacing. You can change the ladder orientation of vertical or horizontal positioning only in the Ladder Defaults area. You cannot change it when you use the Insert Ladder utility. By selecting the Default: Insert New Ladders Without References check box, you can set the default for the Insert Ladder command so that new ladders you insert do not have line reference numbering. Format Referencing If you want to cross-reference locations of components in the schematic drawings, each drawing has to have a referencing system used to identify the position of the components. Three different styles of location referencing are available: X-Y Grid Reference X Zone Reference Line Reference X-Y Grid Referencing X-Y Grid referencing uses a reference system similar to that used in geography maps and is commonly used with point-to-point or wiring-diagram style drawings. The location reference is derived from the horizontal reference location at the top of the drawing and the vertical reference location from the side of the drawing. 50 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

49 The reference origin for each drawing is not on the schematic itself, but it is usually located on the border of the drawing in the upper-left corner. Click Setup to display the X-Y Grid Setup dialog box where you set the horizontal and vertical reference location, spacing, and designations. X Zones Referencing X Zones referencing is commonly used with IEC style drawings. The location reference is derived from vertical columns in the drawing. Multiple insertions of the same component types are uniquely identified using the suffix tag. Lesson: Drawing Properties 51

50 The reference origin for each drawing is not on the schematic itself, but it is usually located on the border of the drawing in the upper-left corner. Click Setup to display the X Zones Setup dialog box where you set the reference location, spacing, and designation label. Reference Numbers The Reference Numbers style is commonly used with JIC style drawings. The location reference is based on the rung number of the ladder. Multiple insertions of the same component types are uniquely identified using the suffix tag. 52 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

51 The Reference Numbers option changes the display of the rung reference numbers of the ladder insertion in the drawing. Click Setup to display the Line Reference Numbers dialog box where you set the reference annotation style. If you choose a ladder-referencing style that includes the sheet number and want the component and wire number tags to match, you need to use the %S (Sheet) replaceable parameter in the component and wire number tagging formats. Scale As with any CAD drawing, you usually want to maintain a one-to-one, or full scale, ratio for all drafting requirements. The most common exception to this rule is when combining both imperial- and metricscaled components in a single drawing. Default scaling options are given to cover both the insertion of metric-scaled components in an imperial-scaled drawing and imperial-scaled components into a metric-scaled drawing. Lesson: Drawing Properties 53

52 Tag/Wire Number Order You can also set the default wire-numbering sort for the active drawing. When choosing a sort override option you can set sorting on a per-drawing basis. For example, you can set the wire numbers to go in reverse order from the I/O point on a PLC I/O drawing but have the wire numbers going from left to right for non-plc I/O drawings. Component and Wire Number Layers The layers you set on the Drawing Format tab determine the automatic placement of the components you insert. No matter which layer is current, components are always placed on the defined component layers, and wires numbers are placed on the defined wire number layers. On the Drawing Format tab, under Layers, click Define to set your desired layer preferences. 54 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

53 Component Layer Settings You use layers extensively to control the appearance and functionality of drawings. For example, when you place lines on a layer defined as a wire layer, the lines are automatically designated as wires. You control component layers with the settings in the Layers area in the Drawing Configuration dialog box. The different objects of a component block are automatically placed on the specified layers: Nonexistent layers are created automatically. You use the AutoCAD Layer Properties Manager to manually create layers and to specify layer colors and linetypes. You control a layer's visibility by selecting the F box next to each object, which freezes the layer and makes it invisible. A blank layer name indicates that the current layer is used for that category of graphics or text. If desired, you can enter the same layer name in multiple boxes. Lesson: Drawing Properties 55

54 About WD_M Block Files AutoCAD Electrical stores most of the drawing properties settings in a block file named wd_m.dwg. This continues the standard of storing drawing information in blocks and attributes. WD_M Block Defined The wd_m.dwg block file is inserted at the 0,0 location of every AutoCAD Electrical drawing. This block is the only thing that differentiates an AutoCAD Electrical drawing from an AutoCAD drawing. The wd_m.dwg block file is invisible and contains no graphical information. When a command is started, AutoCAD Electrical checks for the existence of this block in the drawing and reads the configuration settings for the command from the attributes. If the block file does not exist in the drawing, AutoCAD Electrical prompts you to automatically insert it before the command is executed. In addition to the wd_m.dwg block, panel layout drawings also have another invisible block inserted at the 0,0 location. This block is named wd_pnlm.dwg, and it stores the drawing configuration settings specifically for the panel drawing properties. 56 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

55 Whenever you are prompted to insert the wd_m.dwg block file in a drawing, you also have the option to overwrite the default drawing properties with the active project properties. Clear the Force This Drawing check box to turn this option off. Partial listing of attributes contained within the WD_M block Each AutoCAD Electrical drawing should contain one and only one copy of the wd_m.dwg block file. If multiple wd_m.dwg block files are present, the configuration settings may not be stored and read consistently. Use a template with the wd_m.dwg block file already inserted so that you avoid being prompted to inser it each time you create a drawing. Lesson: Drawing Properties 57

56 Exercise: Change the Drawing Properties In this exercise, you change several drawing properties, changing the default wire-numbering format and changing the cross-reference display option. After completing the changes, you update the current drawing to see the effects of the changes. The completed exercise Completing the Exercise To complete the exercise, follow the steps in this book or in the onscreen exercise. In the onscreen list of chapters and exercises, click Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations. Click Exercise: Change the Drawing Properties. 2. If Settings_and_Configuration_IEC is the active project, skip to step 6. If it is open but not active, in the Project Manager: Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC. Click Activate. Skip to step In the Project Manager, right-click in an empty area. Click Open Project. 1. If the Project Manager is not displayed, on the Project tab, Project Tools panel, click Manager. 58 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

57 4. Browse to where you installed the exercise files. Select Settings_and_Configuration_IEC.wdp. Click Open. 5. In the Projects list, double-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC to expand the drawing list. 6. Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC_06.dwg. Click Open. 7. Zoom in to the lower side of the ladder, rungs On the Schematic tab, Insert Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Wire Numbers. 13. In the Sheet 06 - Wire Tagging dialog box, click Drawing-wide. Notice that the drawing location code is appended to the wire numbers. 8. On the Schematic tab, Other Tools panel, click Drawing Properties. 9. In the Drawing Properties dialog box, on the Wire Numbers tab, under Wire Number Format, for Format, enter %L-%S.%N. 14. Notice that the numbers change because of the addition of the Location code to uniquely identify wires on this drawing. 15. On the Schematic tab, Edit Components panel, Component Cross Reference flyout, click Component Cross-Reference. 10. On the Cross-References tab, click Text Format. 11. In the Drawing Properties dialog box, click OK. 16. In the Component Cross-Reference dialog box, click Active Drawing (All). Click OK. Lesson: Drawing Properties 59

58 17. If prompted, in the Qsave dialog box, click OK. 18. In the Error/Exception Report dialog box, click Close. 19. Notice the text formatted cross-reference representations. This completes the exercise. 60 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

59 Lesson: Project Properties This lesson describes how to make projectwide configuration settings and change symbol library and icon menu paths. You can control the behavior of a project using project properties and library search paths. These settings are a part of the hierarchy of default configurations. Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Open the Project Properties dialog box and make projectwide configuration settings. Edit the symbol library and catalog look-up preferences. Edit component tag options, primarily for IEC style drawings. Edit wire number options, such as wire format per wire layer, and add wire numbers on a per-wire basis. Edit cross-reference options, such as Peer to Peer and Real Time Signal and Cross-Referencing (updating). Compare and transfer property settings between the Project Properties and the Drawing Properties. Lesson: Project Properties 61

60 About Project Properties As you work on different projects, different settings and properties may be required to match the project specifications. To establish these settings you must know where and how to make those changes. Project Properties and Drawing Properties Project files contain projectwide default properties and settings. Project properties include part catalog and cross-reference options, and component and wire number tagging settings. While many of the project properties are duplicated as drawing properties, each drawing maintains its own drawing properties. Changing the project properties does not automatically override or change an existing drawings properties. The icon in the heading of each option listed in the Project Properties dialog box indicates whether the option is onlyfor the project or is duplicated as a drawing property. Project Only Property Project and Drawing Property There is only one way to access the Project Properties dialog box. In the Project Manager right-click the active project and click Properties. Project Properties Example You have been assigned to work on the project for the BruTec Corporation. You change the Project Properties settings to match the BruTec design standards. Some of the settings include a custom component tag format, and the path to a custom symbol library provided by BruTec. Using the New Drawing function, you start a new drawing for your project. All drawing settings including the component tag format are copied into the new drawing. As you insert schematic components, the symbols are inserted from the clients symbol library and are tagged as the client requested. As you are working on the project an urgent change request is assigned to you for an existing project 62 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

61 for ACME Corporation. When you activate the ACME project, the symbol libraries are automatically changed to those used stored in the existing project file. After completing the change request you reactivate the BruTec project and are switched back to the custom BruTec symbol library. Each time you activate a project, the project search path is restored. Project Settings The Project Settings tab of the Project Properties dialog box is where you edit the path options for the symbol libraries, icon menus, and part catalog preferences to be used by the project. Lesson: Project Properties 63

62 Procedure: Editing the Search Paths The default installation of the software includes multiple libraries of schematic and panel symbols. You can also add your own custom symbol libraries. When you use the software to insert a symbol, it searches a specified sequence of paths to locate the symbol. Use the following steps to edit a search path. 1. Right-click the active project. Click Properties. 2. On the Project Settings tab, click the plus sign (+) to expand the category for the search path change. 3. To add an additional path to the listing, click Add. 4. Either enter a path name, or browse to select the additional path. 5. To manually edit an existing path, click slowly twice on the path listing. The first pick selects the listing; the second pick activates it for editing. 6. To edit an existing path by browsing, select the existing path. Select Browse. Note: This functionality is the same as when setting the AutoCAD search paths. Click Default to return the library paths to the default installation settings. Search Path Guidelines Use the following guidelines when establishing paths to your symbol libraries: When you select a component for insertion, the software looks for the component definition first in the drawing itself, next in the user folder, and then in the active project folder, and finally in the project's library path. If a drawing already contains the block definition for a symbol, then any additional copies of the same block name also match the existing block definition. Multiple paths can be added to the list. The software searches for a component in the library path order from top to bottom. If the component is not found in the first folder, the software looks in the next folder, and so on. When you want to add custom symbols to replace the supplied ones, place the new symbols in a separate directory at the top of the library search paths. Name the new symbols with the same name as the existing ones. The software finds and uses the custom symbols before it finds the standard ones. The active project search path is always the one being used, even if the active drawing is not part of the active project. 64 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

63 Catalog Lookup File Preference Under Catalog Lookup File Preference, you can refine the catalog searches you want to use to find component part numbers. You can do the following: Search for the component name as the catalog table. Search only in the MISC_CAT table. Search the MISC_CAT table if not found in other tables. Define secondary catalog look-up files to be used for searches. Options The Real Time Error Checking option performs real-time error checking on the project, monitoring wire numbers and component tags for duplication. If an error is detected, you are prompted to resolve the problem with either the Duplicate Component or Duplicate Wire Number dialog box. Although the Tag/Wire Number Order option is displayed here as a project-only setting, it is also a drawing property. Lesson: Project Properties 65

64 Components The Components tab in the Project Properties dialog box is where you define the component tag format and tag options. Component Tag Options The Combined Installation/Location Tag Mode option is used most frequently when following the IEC standard for schematic drawings. This standard and others use the installation and location codes as part of the unique tag identifier. 66 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

65 When the Combined Installation/Location Tag Mode option is selected, two components can have the same tag identifier, but each are identified uniquely because of each component's location. For example, two separate cabinets, Panel_1 and Panel_2 can both have a relay labeled CR403. Because the installation and location codes are combined with the tag, they are each uniquely identified as +Panel_1-CR403 and +Panel_2-CR403. Description Text Upper Case Option This option automatically forces all description text to uppercase letters. This option is applied when you click anywhere outside the description box. Item Numbering Setup Options The Item Numbering option displays the Item Numbering Setup dialog box in which you set the Item Numbering mode and the item assignments options for the project. Accumulate Project Wide Reset with Each Drawing Per-Component Basis Per-Part Number Basis Totals all quantities of the item throughout the project. When a Bill of Material report is created, all components within the project will be included. Resets the item quantity on each drawing. When a Bill of Material report is created, only the components on a single drawing will be included. Assigns items on a per-component basis. Only one item number is assigned for each component insertion, even if the component is an assembly containing several part numbers. Assigns items on a per-part number basis. Each catalog entry on a component is assigned an item number. The main catalog part number and any multiple catalog part numbers are included. Assemblycode combinations are ignored. You cannot assign item numbers to part numbers based on ASSYCODE combinations. Lesson: Project Properties 67

66 Wire Numbers The Wire Numbers tab of the Project Properties dialog box is where you define the wire number tag format and placement options. Other miscellaneous wire number options are also set on this tab, including wire number format overrides based on wire layer and wire-number-per-wire basis. Only two of the wire number options are detailed here. For more information on other options, see AutoCAD Electrical Help. On the Index tab, enter Project Properties, Wire Numbers Tab Dialog Box. 68 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

67 Based on Wire Layer Option You use the Based on Wire Layer option to create wire number format overrides that are based on the layer that the wire is assigned to. For example, wires for audio in your schematic might be formatted with the prefix A, and video wires with the prefix V. You place the audio wires on the Audio layer, the video wires on the Video layer, and define both as wire layers. Then create wire number overrides for these two layers using the format codes of A%N and V%N. Lesson: Project Properties 69

68 On Per Wire Basis Option The default mode is a single wire number placed on each wire network. You select the On Per Wire Basis option to add a unique wire number to every wire segment. This effectively forces a wire number change as the wire passes through components, such as terminals, that would not otherwise cause a wire number to change. Circuit wire numbers without the On Per Wire Basis option selected 70 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

69 Circuit with wire numbers with the On Per Wire Basis option selected Rename User Columns Option The Rename User Columns option displays a dialog box that you use to rename the User1 to User20 header columns in the Wire Type dialog boxes. Lesson: Project Properties 71

70 Cross-References The Cross-References tab in the Project Properties dialog box offers some additional cross-referencing options for projectwide components. 72 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

71 Cross-Reference Options See the table for descriptions of the available options. Option Real Time Signal and Contact Cross-Referencing Peer to Peer Suppress Installation/Location Codes Description Automatically updates cross-referencing across project drawings. If this option is not selected, you are prompted to approve the process or add it to the task list. Cross-reference-related components on different styles of drawings. For example, the coil on the schematic drawing is updated to the solenoid on the pneumatic drawing. Does not display the IEC-style prefixes. Comparing and Copying Properties If you want to transfer project property settings to the drawing properties, or copy the drawing properties settings to the project properties, you need to know where and how to make those changes. Transferring Settings The duplicated drawing settings are stored in the project file to help maintain consistency. Storing the settings in the project file enables you to copy the properties between the project and the drawing. Lesson: Project Properties 73

72 You use the Settings Compare tool to compare and copy properties between the project and the drawings. When you use the New Drawing command to create and add a drawing to your project, all project and drawing properties are automatically copied into the new drawing as its drawing properties. Command Access Settings Compare Ribbon: Schematic tab > Other Tools panel > Drawing Properties flyout > Settings Compare Project Manager: Right-click a drawing, click Properties > Settings Compare Menu Bar: Projects > Settings Compare Toolbar: ACE:Drawing Properties > Settings Compare 74 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

73 Procedure: Comparing and Copying Properties The following steps describe how to compare the differences in the project and drawing properties as well as how to copy the settings from one to the other. 1. Start the Settings Compare command. 2. In the Settings Compare dialog box, click Show All to display all properties or Show Differences to display only the settings that are different between the project and the drawing. Lesson: Project Properties 75

74 3. In the Settings Description column, select the property you want to change. 4. Click Match Project to change the project property to match the drawing setting. 76 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

75 5. Click Match Drawing to change the drawing property to match the project setting. Existing components are not automatically updated to the new settings by this operation. They will be changed during the next update, retag, or resequence operation. Lesson: Project Properties 77

76 Exercise: Change Project Properties In this exercise, you make changes to several project properties, changing the component tag format to combine the installation and location codes with the tag and changing the wire numbering to a per-wire basis. After completing the changes, you update the current drawing to see the effects of the changes. The completed exercise Completing the Exercise To complete the exercise, follow the steps in this book or in the onscreen exercise. In the onscreen list of chapters and exercises, click Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations. Click Exercise: Change Project Properties. 1. If the Project Manager is not displayed, on the Project tab, Project Tools panel, click Manager. 78 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

77 2. If Settings_and_Configuration_IEC is the active project, skip to step 6. If it is open but not active, in the Project Manager, do the following: Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC. Click Activate. Skip to step In the Project Manager, right-click in an empty area. Click Open Project. 8. In the Project Properties dialog box, Components tab, under Component Tag Options, do the following: Select Combined Installation/Location Tag Mode. Select Format Installation/Location into Tag. Clear all other options. 9. On the Wire Numbers tab, under Wire Number Options, do the following: Select On Per Wire Basis. Clear all other options. Click OK. 4. Browse to where you installed the exercise files. Select Settings_and_Configuration_IEC.wdp. Click Open. 5. In the Projects list, double-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC to expand the drawing list. 6. Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC_06.dwg. Click Open. 7. In the Project Manager, right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC. Click Properties. 10. In the IEC Tag Mode Update dialog box, click Active Drawing (All). Click OK. Lesson: Project Properties 79

78 11. If prompted, in the Qsave dialog box, click OK. All drawings in the project referenced by components on the current drawing are updated to match the current standards. Notice how the tag names now have the location code imbedded in them. 14. Notice the wire numbers are changed and added as set in the On Per Wire Basis option. 12. On the Schematic tab, Insert Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Wire Numbers. Note: In the image above, the location code is embedded in the wire number format of the Drawing Properties. This completes the exercise. 13. In the Sheet 06 - Wire Tagging dialog box, click Drawing-wide. 80 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

79 Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates This lesson describes how to create drawing templates. By creating drawing templates, you save time with every new drawing that you create. When you use a drawing template, the settings in the drawing template are carried over to each new drawing that you create. In the Template Options dialog box, you can change the measurement units, add a new description, and select a new layer notification. Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Describe drawing templates. Identify various options of drawing templates. Create drawing templates. Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 81

80 About Drawing Templates Drawing templates are extremely helpful in situations where you need to create your drawings with predefined drawing standards, such as layers and drawing properties. Using drawing templates enables you to save the time that you would have to otherwise spend in setting the required standards every time you begin a drawing. In organizations, CAD managers create template drawings and make them available for their team. AutoCAD Electrical provides various drawing templates for creating new drawings. Most of the predefined drawing templates are suitable for creating basic drawings. However, you can use these predefined drawing templates to create your own set of templates specific to your drawing requirements. Definition of Drawing Templates A drawing template is a collection of standard predefined settings, such as units, title blocks, layers, text styles, and dimension styles, which you can use for creating many drawings. Drawing template files have a.dwt file extension. Drawing Templates and CAD Standards When you work in a project in which many people are involved in creating a design, you must ensure that all team members consistently follow the same drawing settings. Therefore, to maintain consistency across drawings, you can establish CAD standards by sharing and using DWT files. For creating a DWT file, you define the required drawing settings and save the file as a drawing template. You can also save a DWT file as a drawing standard (DWS) file. You can then use a DWS file to check and map a drawing with a drawing template for any violation of the set standards. Preset Drawing Graphics Templates can also include partially completed or preset drawings. These are useful when a drawing or part of the drawing is a standard component that is frequently used in your company design projects. After creating a drawing that is based on a DWT file, if you modify the new drawing, the changes do not affect the DWT file. 82 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

81 Example of Drawing Templates The following illustrations show various examples of electrical drawing templates. An electrical drawing template that includes a title block and a ladder An electrical drawing template with a title block, basic circuits, and a ladder Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 83

82 Drawing Template Options When creating drawing templates, you can save all or some of the template properties and settings based on the type of drawings that you can create with a new template. You can modify these properties later, if required. Template Properties and Settings You use drawing templates to provide a starting point for all the new drawings that you create. In most design environments, your drawings share some common properties and settings. When you save a drawing template, you can save all the drawing commonalities, thereby eliminating the need to create or adjust properties and settings each time you create a new drawing. AutoCAD Electrical Templates For templates created for use with AutoCAD Electrical, it is recommended that you have the wd_m.dwg block inserted and the drawing properties set to match the template purpose. You can include wire layers, ladders, partial circuits, symbols, and other graphical information to provide a preset starting drawing that matches company standards or commonly used designs. The following are some of the properties and settings that you can save in a drawing template: Drawing properties settings for electrical configuration. Wire Layers, colors, and names. Snap, grid, and Ortho mode settings. Dimension, text, and table styles. Title blocks and borders. Blocks, such as symbols or other objects, that you commonly use in your drawings. Ladders, circuits, and other graphical entities. 84 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

83 Storage Location of Drawing Templates Before you create your drawing templates, you need to specify their storage location. You specify the path to the DWT files on the Files tab of the Options dialog box. A path on the local hard drive may work if you are working in a single user environment. However, if you are working as a part of a design team, you should set the path to a network location where all project drawing templates are consolidated. The path that you specify as the file location of drawing templates controls the default location that appears when you select the Drawing Template (*.dwt) format in the Files of Type list in the Save Drawing As, Select Template, and the Select File dialog boxes. Template Options Dialog Box By using the Template Options dialog box, you can set the drawing units to either imperial or metric, provide a description for the template, and control new layer notification. To access the Template Options dialog box, you select the AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt) option from the Files of Type list in the Save As dialog box. Command Access Save As Application menu: Save As > AutoCAD Drawing Template Command line: SAVEAS Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 85

84 The following illustration shows the Template Options dialog box. Description Measurement New Layer Notification Specifies a description for the DWT file. Determines whether drawings based on this template use English or metric units. Saves all layers as unreconciled or reconciled. When you save a DWT file with unreconciled layers, the layer baseline is not created; therefore, the new layer notification is not displayed. When you save a template with reconciled layers, a layer baseline is created; therefore the software notifies you of any new layers in the drawing. Note: All the layers in a DWT file are saved as unreconciled by default. 86 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

85 Creating Drawing Templates Creating drawing templates saves time, enabling you to start a drawing with the required predefined settings of layers, linetypes, and dimension styles. You can also import settings from other templates into the current drawing to create a new template. Procedure: Creating Drawing Templates The following steps describe how to create a drawing template. 1. Create a new drawing by using an existing template or by using the no template options. 2. Modify the drawing to include the required layers, styles, layout settings, title blocks, and set drawing properties. Starting any AutoCAD Electrical command, such as Drawing Properties, automatically inserts the wd_m.dwg block. Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 87

86 3. Adjust the Drawing Template File Location path in the Options dialog box, if required. 4. On the Application menu, click Save As > AutoCAD Drawing Template. 5. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, verify that AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt) is selected from the Files of Type list. 88 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

87 6. In the Template Description dialog box, enter a description, select the measurement unit, and specify the new layer notification. 7. Open the newly created template and verify that the drawing contains the settings that you created. Store the DWT files that you create at the location that is specified under Template Settings in the Options dialog box. Storing the DWT files at this location helps you control the default location of the drawing template. Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 89

88 Exercise: Create a Drawing Template In this exercise, you create drawing templates that contain wire layers, ladders,a title block, and drawing properties settings. Scenario You are creating electrical drawings and need to have the wire layer settings that match company standards. You decide to specify the required wire layer settings in a template that you can use for all the typical electrical drawings. Next you use this newly created template to create another template that will have two ladders and the corresponding drawing properties settings. You do the following: Create a drawing template containing wire layers and layer color settings. Create a drawing template containing the two ladders and custom default settings. The completed exercise 90 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

89 Completing the Exercise To complete the exercise, follow the steps in this book or in the onscreen exercise. In the onscreen list of chapters and exercises, click Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations. Click Exercise: Create a Drawing Template. 5. In the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog box, in the wire type grid, row 2, do the following: For Wire Color, enter BK. For Size, enter 2.5_mm^2. Click Color. In the Select Color dialog box, select Gray #254. Click OK. Create a Wire Layer Template 1. On the Quick Access toolbar, click New. 2. In the Select Template dialog box, browse to the project directory. Select Title_Block_A3_ACE.dwt. Click Open. 6. In the wire type grid, row 3, do the following: For Wire Color, enter WH. For Size, enter 2.5_mm^2. Click Color. In the Select Color dialog box, select White, #7. Click OK. 3. On the Schematic tab, Edit Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Create/Edit Wire Type. 4. In the Alert dialog box, do the following: Select Force This Drawing's Configuration Settings to Match the Project Settings. Click OK. Note: This automatically inserts the wd_m.dwg block into the drawing. Note: If your drawing background is white, this color box appears black. 7. In the wire type grid, row 4, do the following: For Wire Color, enter RD. For Size, enter 2.5_mm^2. Click Color. In the Select Color dialog box, select RED #1. Click OK. 8. Continue entering more wire type layers as desired. Click OK when finished. 9. On the Application menu, click Save As. Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 91

90 10. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, do the following: For Files of Type, select AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt). For File Name, enter ACE_Wire_Types. For Save In, select the default Template folder. Click Save. 12. Close the ACE_Wire_Types.dwt drawing. Create a Ladder Template 1. On the Quick Access toolbar, click New. 2. In the Select Template dialog box, select ACE_Wire_Types.dwt. Click Open. 3. On the Schematic tab, Other Tools panel, click Drawing Properties. 11. In the Template Options dialog box, do the following: Under Description, enter ACE template with wire types. For Measurement, select Metric. Under New Layer Notification, click Save All Layers As Reconciled. Click OK. 4. In the Drawing Properties dialog box, Drawing Format tab, under Ladder Defaults, do the following: Click Horizontal. For Spacing, enter For Width, enter Click OK. 92 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

91 5. In the Layer Properties Manager, set the current layer to RD_2.5_mm^2. 8. In the drawing specify the start position of the ladder at 70.0, On the Schematic tab, Insert Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Insert Ladder. 9. On the Application menu, click Save As. 10. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, do the following: For Files of Type, select AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt). For File Name, enter ACE_Horizontal_Ladder. Click Save. 7. In the Insert Ladder dialog box, do the following: For rungs, enter 8. Select Without Reference Numbers. Notice the default ladder values transferred from settings you made in the Drawing Properties dialog box. Click OK. Lesson: Creating Drawing Templates 93

92 11. In the Template Options dialog box, do the following: Under Description, enter ACE template with horizontal ladder. For Measurement, select Metric. Under New Layer Notification, click Save All Layers As Reconciled. Click OK. 12. On the Quick Access toolbar, click New. 13. In the Select Template dialog box, select ACE_Horizontal_Ladder.dwt. Click Open. This opens a new unnamed drawing ready for editing. 14. Close the new drawing file. This completes the exercise. 94 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

93 Lesson: Installation and Search Paths This lesson describes how to install AutoCAD Electrical and includes recommended locations of reference files. To install the software to match your company requirements, you need to know how to complete these tasks and where to save the files. Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Describe files and directories that are commonly shared in a multiple user environment. Describe the AutoCAD Electrical search paths and how they are used and edited. Describe what the search paths are, how AutoCAD Electrical uses them, and how to edit them. Describe what the wd.env file is and how AutoCAD Electrical uses it. Describe what the wd.env file is used for and how to edit it. Describe the two different types of installations and the guidelines about how to use them. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 95

94 Shared Files and Directories AutoCAD Electrical uses many types of reference files. In a multiple user environment, many of these files need to be shared with other coworkers to provide design efficiency and avoid redundant work efforts. The following guidelines list some of the most commonly shared files and a brief description of their uses. Reference File Descriptions Reference files should be located in a shared directory or folder when you want to share changes to files with all users for common projects. File Name DEFAULT_CAT.MDB WD_DESC.WDD WD_FAM.DAT FOOTPRINT_LOOKUP.MDB DEFAULT.WDT DEFAULT.WDA DEFAULT.INST DEFAULT.LOC ACE_CIRCUIT_BUILDER.XLS Description This is the part catalog database. This contains preset component descriptions. Family-specific versions of the file can also be created, such as pb.wdd. This overrides the family tag code of the library symbols. For example, changing a push-button family code of "PB" to "K". This is the database for the graphical footprint assignments based on the catalog part number assignments. This is the attribute mapping support file for the Title Block Update tool. This is the reference file for user-defined attributes defined on blocks. This file provides preset values for installation codes. This file provides preset values for location codes. This is the reference file that the Circuit Builder tool uses. You can always override the shared reference files with project-specific files by locating a copy of the reference file in the same directory as the project WDP file. Rename the copied reference file to the same name as the project, for example projectname_cat.mdb. For the detailed listings of all the project-related files, see AutoCAD Electrical Help. The topic is located at the Index tab, enter Project Related Files. 96 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

95 Reference Directory Descriptions Reference directories should be located in a shared directory or folder when you want changes to files or additional files within the directory to be shared with all users for common projects. Directory Description Symbol Libraries Insert Component Icon Menus Icon Menu Slide Images PLC Database and Images Default Location Windows XP: C:\Documents\and\Settings\All\Users\{Shared}\Documents\Autodesk \AcadE\{version}\Libs Windows Vista: C:\Users\Public\{Public}\Documents\Autodesk\AcadE {version}\libs Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application\Data\Autodesk \AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{countrycode}\support Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Autodesk \AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\Acade {version}\aedata\plc Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\Documents\AcadE {version}\plc Only some of the more commonly shared folders are listed here. For more detailed listings of shared files, including recommended edits to the wd.env file, see AutoCAD Electrical Help. The topic is located at the Contents tab > Advanced Productivity > Set Up AutoCAD Electrical for Multiple Users. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 97

96 Search Paths Search paths determine the libraries and reference files that AutoCAD Electrical uses. To take advantage of this functionality, you need to know how the libraries and reference files are used. An example of project search path settings is shown. File Search Paths Whenever the software needs to access a symbol for insertion or a reference file to gather information, the software searches for the necessary file, in order, through the directories listed in the search path. When the file is found, the search stops, and the command operations continues. AutoCAD Electrical uses a longer search path than AutoCAD, inserting its own search paths in front of the standard AutoCAD search paths. If the file is not found in the AutoCAD Electrical paths, the standard AutoCAD search path as specified in the Options is searched. 98 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

97 Main Directory Structures There are several main directory structures that the default installation of AutoCAD Electrical uses for reference and library file storage. The paths listed are only the main paths. Other file types and directories may also be located in the directory or further down in the directory structure. Types of Files Symbol libraries and support files Catalog databases and PLC related files Icon menu DAT files and slide images User directory Directory Structure Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\{Shared} Documents\Autodesk\AcadE {version}\libs C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\{Shared} Documents\Autodesk\AcadE {version}\support Windows Vista: C:\Users\Public\{Public} Documents\Autodesk\AcadE {version}\libs C:\Users\Public\{Public} Documents\Autodesk\AcadE {version}\support Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\Acade {version}\aedata \Catalogs C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\Acade {version}\aedata\plc Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\Documents\AcadE {version}\catalogs C:\Users\{username}\Documents\AcadE {version}\plc Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical {version}\{release}\{country code}\support For the detailed listings of all three search paths, see AutoCAD Electrical Help. On the Index tab, enter Project Related Files. See the Subdirectory Search Sequences at the bottom of the listing. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 99

98 Custom Search Paths When creating any custom symbols, it is recommended that you place the new symbols in a custom directory. Do not place them in the same directory as the standard symbols supplied with AutoCAD Electrical. This makes maintenance of the custom library and migration to new versions of the software much easier. In a multiple user environment this custom directory should be on a shared or network location. Place the custom directory first in the search path in all projects. AutoCAD Electrical searches first in your custom directory for the new symbol. If it is not found, the search continues through the standard search path until the symbol is found. Install the standard symbol libraries on the local drive. Install all custom symbol libraries on the shared or network drive. Add the network path first in your search sequence. This helps reduce the amount of network traffic, because only the custom directories are searched on the network drive. Schematic Symbol Search Path Three slightly different AutoCAD Electrical search paths are used depending on the operation being completed. The following example is the search path used when AutoCAD Electrical is inserting a symbol. The software checks for the symbol in the following order of locations: In the drawing file itself for a previously inserted copy of the symbol. Using a specific file name, using the full path name, if provided. In the AutoCAD Electrical User subdirectory. The User subdirectory, defined in the wd.env file, is a local directory used by AutoCAD Electrical as a working or scratch directory. In the project's subdirectory. This is where the active project's WDP project file is located. In the library selected for the current project. If no project is current, the library is the one pointed to by the WD_LIB setting in the wd.env file. In the directory where the AutoCAD Electrical support files are located. In the current directory. In the AutoCAD file support paths. If the symbol file is still not found, an AutoCAD alert box is displayed. 100 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

99 Example of Custom Search Path First In the example, the Custom Symbols library on a shared directory is placed first in the Schematic Libraries search path. This is repeated for the panel footprint libraries and for other custom libraries as they become necessary. Editing the Search Paths Changes to the search paths are a powerful way to change the configuration and customization of AutoCAD Electrical to match company or project requirements. To use these tools you need to know how and where to make the changes. Command Access Project Properties Project Manager: Project Manager > Right-click {Project_Name} > Properties > Project Settings tab Project Manager (New projects only): New Project > OK-Properties > Project Settings tab Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 101

100 Procedure: Adding a Search Path The following steps describe how to add a search path to the project search paths. 1. In the Project Manager, right-click the project name. Select Properties. 2. In the Project Properties dialog box, Project Settings tab, under Library and Icon Menu Paths, click to expand Schematic Libraries. 102 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

101 3. Click Add. Click Browse. 4. Browse to the directory to be added to the search path. Click OK. 5. With the new search path selected, click Move Up or Move Down to locate the path in the desired sequence location. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 103

102 6. When the new search path is located correctly, click OK. WD.ENV Environment File The wd.env file establishes the environment or default configuration for AutoCAD Electrical commands and symbol searches. To configure the software for optimum results in a custom environment, you need to know what the file is, where it is located, and how to customize it. WD.ENV Environment File The wd.env environment file for AutoCAD Electrical provides the default search paths when the software searches for reference files or directory locations. The settings in the wd.env file can be overridden by settings within a project file. For example, changing the symbol library search path in the project properties overrides the settings in the wd.env file. However, clicking Default on the Project Settings dialog box returns the library search paths to the settings from the wd.env file. You can create project-specific wd.env files. To create a project-specific file, copy the wd.env file and rename it to <projectname>.env. Then open the new file, make the desired project-specific changes, and save it. 104 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

103 A sample of the settings available in the wd.env file is shown. To edit the wd.env file you must use an external ASCII editor such as Notepad. There are no tools or wizards for this purpose within AutoCAD Electrical. WD.ENV Location The default installation location for the wd.env file is: Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\Acade {version}\aedata Windows Vista: C:\Users\{username}\Documents\Acade {version}\aedata. The software stores the path to the wd.env file in the wd_load.lsp file, which is located in the Acade directory. In a default installation this directory is located at: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Acade {version}\acade The wd_load.lsp file is loaded every time AutoCAD Electrical is started. If you change the location of the wd.env file, you need to edit the wd_load.lsp file to point to the new location. All environment files, including project-specific files, must be located in the same directory as specified by the wd_load.lsp file. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 105

104 Example of WD.ENV Setting Your company has created a custom symbol library directory located at W:\Custom Symbols. When you click the Browse button in the Insert Component dialog box, the Browse dialog box should open in this directory. Edit the wd.env file, changing the following line: *WD_INSCOMPDLG,x:/some path/,to override starting path for INS SCHEM COMP browse button The new line should read as follows: WD_INSCOMPDLG,W:/Custom Symbols,to override starting path for INS SCHEM COMP browse button Be sure to remove the leading asterisk and be sure to use the forward slash separator in the path name. Simply activate a project to force the rereading of the wd.env file. Now, when the Browse button is selected, the W:/Custom Symbols directory is opened in the Browse window. Editing the WD.ENV File The wd.env file provides the default search paths for many of the reference directories used in the design process. To match these defaults to your company requirements, you need to know how to edit the file. Command Access Notepad Windows Menu: Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad You can use any ASCII editor. Notepad is just one commonly used example. 106 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

105 Procedure: Editing the WD.ENV File The following steps describe how to edit the wd.env file. 1. Start Notepad or your favorite ASCII editor. 2. Open the wd.env file. The default location for the file is: XP Installations: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\Acade {version}\aedata Vista Installations: C:\Users\{username}\Documents\Acade {version}\aedata. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 107

106 3. Locate the reference path to be edited. 4. Edit the line to match the new path name. Remove the leading asterisk to activate the variable. 5. Save the changes in the wd.env file. 108 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

107 6. Reactivate the project to force AutoCAD Electrical to reread the wd.env file. Installing AutoCAD Electrical You can install AutoCAD Electrical in a variety of configurations. Before installing the software, you need to know the benefits of the different types of installations and tools for installation. Stand-Alone Installation This is the default type of installation for AutoCAD Electrical. All files are installed on the local hard drive. You can install the software directly from the installation discs. This type of installation provides the most efficient installation but makes the sharing of data between multiple users more difficult. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 109

108 Network Installation This type of AutoCAD Electrical installation installs shared files in a shared location such as a network drive. Typically, program-related files such as executables are installed on the local hard drive. Databases and other reference files are installed on the network. This type of installation makes it easy to share data between multiple users, but means that computers that do not have access to the network require special arrangements for updating files on the local hard drive. The recommended method for creating a network installation is to use the Network Installation wizard. This wizard creates a custom installation program with the file locations you specify. Process: How a Stand-Alone Installation Works Installing the software in a stand-alone process requires only the AutoCAD Electrical installation disc. The installation program guides you through each step. The following diagram illustrates the general process of a stand-alone installation. Network Installation Deployments You can use the Network Installation wizard to create deployments that are customized installation programs. The process of creating a deployment is very similar to the stand-alone installation process. When creating a deployment, you complete the same configuration tasks as you did with the standalone installation, but you also select shared folder locations for reference files and shared or network drives. The Network Installation wizard then creates a deployment. The deployment is then used for the installation of the software. The deployment completes the entire installation process, and automatically configures the software to your specifications. 110 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

109 Process: How a Network Installation Works The following diagram illustrates the general process of a network installation. Guidelines for Selecting Installation Type The following guidelines describe how to determine which type of software installation you should use. You can perform a stand-alone installation if you are a single user or a small company that does not have a network available to share files, or if you want the most efficient installation possible. You can perform a network installation if you have a multiple user environment and a network location for the sharing of files. If you choose a network installation, use the Network Installation wizard to create a deployment CD that is installed on each of the networked computers. Network login scripts and other update batch files can be useful tools for copying shared directories and files onto a local drive if you need to reduce network traffic or have to leave the network to travel on site. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 111

110 Exercise: Edit Search Paths and the WD.ENV File In this exercise, you edit the search paths and wd.env file, changing the default settings for the software. You complete the following tasks: Add a ladder rung in preparation for inserting symbols from two different search paths. Add a custom symbol directory to the beginning of the search path and insert symbols from two different directories. Modify the wd.env file, changing the default starting directory for the Insert Component Browse command. The completed exercise Completing the Exercise To complete the exercise, follow the steps in this book or in the onscreen exercise. In the onscreen list of chapters and exercises, click Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations. Click Exercise: Edit Search Paths and the WD.ENV File. Add a Ladder Rung In this exercise you add a ladder rung in preparation for inserting symbols using custom search paths. 1. If the Project Manager is not displayed, on the Project tab, Project Tools panel, click Manager. 112 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

111 2. If Settings_and_Configuration_IEC is the active project, skip to step 6. If it is open but not active, in the Project Manager, do the following: Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC. Click Activate. Skip to step In the Project Manager, right-click in an empty area. Click Open Project. 9. Select an insertion point at rung 5, aligned with the PLC input #04. Note: Do not select directly on the horizontal bus. Insert Symbols Using Custom Search Paths 4. Browse to where you installed the exercise files. Select Settings_and_Configuration_IEC.wdp. Click Open. 5. In the Projects list, double-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC to expand the drawing list. 6. Right-click Settings_and_Configuration_IEC_15.dwg. Click Open. 7. Zoom in to rung On the Schematic tab, Edit Wires/Wire Numbers panel, click Add Rung. In this exercise you customize the search path used by AutoCAD Electrical and insert symbols located in two different directories. 1. In the Project Manager, right-click the Settings_and_Configuration_IEC project Name. Click Properties. 2. On the Project Settings tab, expand Schematic Libraries. 3. Click Add. Click Browse. 4. Browse to where you installed the exercise files. In the current project directory folder, select My_Libraries. Click OK. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 113

112 5. With the new path selected, click Move Up as necessary to move the path to the top of the list. Click OK. 10. In the Insert/Edit Component dialog box, click OK. This symbol is from the custom library you just referenced. 6. On the Schematic tab, Insert Components panel, click Icon Menu. 11. On the Schematic tab, Insert Components panel, click Icon Menu. 7. In the Insert Component dialog box, click Push Buttons. 12. In the Insert Component dialog box, click Push Buttons. 8. In the Symbol Preview window, click Push Button NO Momentary. 13. In the Symbol Preview window, click Push Button NC Momentary. 9. Select an insertion point on rung 5 near the upper side, aligned with the other components. 14. Select an insertion point on rung 5, just below the N.O. push button symbol you previously inserted. 114 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations

113 15. In the Insert/Edit Component dialog box, click OK. AutoCAD Electrical did not find the custom symbol in the My_Libraries symbol library. AutoCAD Electrical continued the search until it found this symbol in the standard AutoCAD Electrical symbol libraries. 6. In the Open dialog box, change Files of Type to All Files. 7. Browse to where you installed the AutoCAD Electrical AeData folder. Select wd.env. Click Open. The default location is of the file is: Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings \{username}\my Documents\Acade {version}\aedata. Windows Vista: C:\Users \{username}\documents\acade {version}\aedata. Edit the WD.ENV File In this portion of the exercise you edit the wd.env file, changing the default starting directory for the Insert Component Browse command. 1. On the Schematic tab, Insert Components panel, click Icon Menu. 8. Scroll through the list and find the line that starts with *WD_INSCOMPDLG,x:/some path Click Browse. The last path the Browse command used is presented. 3. Click Cancel. Click Cancel again. 4. In Windows, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad. 5. In Notepad, click File menu > Open. Lesson: Installation and Search Paths 115

114 9. Edit the line by doing the following: Remove the asterisk. Delete x:/some path/ and enter the following in its place. For Windows XP, enter C:/ Documents and Settings/. For Windows Vista, enter C:/ Users/. 14. On the Schematic tab, Insert Components panel, click Icon Menu. 15. Click Browse. The path set in the wd.env file is displayed as the default path used by the Browse command. 10. Click File menu > Save. Close Notepad. 11. In the AutoCAD Electrical Project Manager, right-click the Settings_and_Configuration_IEC project name. Click Close. 12. In the Project Manager, right-click in an empty area. Click Open Project. 16. In the Insert Component (Browse) dialog box, click Cancel. 17. In the Insert Component (Main) dialog box, click Cancel. This completes the exercise. 13. Browse to where you installed the exercise files. Select Settings_and_Configuration_IEC.wdp. Click Open. Note: The last three steps reopen the project, forcing the project to reread settings from the wd.env file. 116 Chapter 1: Settings and Configurations