Electrical Symbols and Symbol Types used within AutoCAD Electrical

Electrical symbols within AutoCAD Electrical consist of an attributed block with required and optional electrical attributes that defined the symbol type. A feature within AutoCAD Electrical called ‘Symbol Builder’ is used to define the symbol and component type, including the block objects and insertion point.

The different symbol types available are:

• Parent Symbols (Horizontal and Vertical)
• Child Symbols (Horizontal and Vertical)
• Terminals (Horizontal and Vertical)
• Panel Footprint Symbols
• Panel Nameplates
• Panel Terminals

The component type list can be adjusted to include/remove specific component types by amending the attribute template files within the specified library path within ‘Symbol Builder’.

An example of an attribute template files for a circuit breaker is shown below:

AT_HP_CB

where AT = Attribute Template, HP = Horizontal Parent and CB = Circuit Breaker

AT_VP_CB

where AT = Attribute Template, HC = Vertical Parent and CB = Circuit Breaker

AT_HC_CB

where AT = Attribute Template, HC = Horizontal Child and CB = Circuit Breaker

AT_VC_CB

where AT = Attribute Template, HC = Vertical Child and CB = Circuit Breaker

Depending on what symbol type and component type is selected, this will provide the user with the specific required and optional attributes.

If the component type description is required for the new component i.e. (PU) Power Distribution Unit. This is achieved by adding the new table to the catalogue database  (Project Tab > Other Tools drop down), select the required catalogue that is being used and within the existing table ‘_FAMILY_DESCRIPTION’, Add the table name and description as shown in the example below:

Once the attribute templates have been set up, they will also be available when saving custom symbols within the symbol builder using the file naming convention in AutoCAD Electrical as shown in the example below:

If you would like further information on the benefits of using AutoCAD Electrical for your electrical design, feel free to contact us at Symetri to arrange a consultation with one of our electrical specialists.

We offer scheduled AutoCAD Electrical essentials training, as well as bespoke training tailored to your requirements to help you work smarter for a better future.

To learn more about AutoCAD Electrical, please visit our product page or contact us by email  info@symetri.co.uk or telephone 0345 370 1444.

Author

Simon Griffin

A manufacturing consultant for Symetri, specialising in helping companies improve productivity with electrical design. With over 10 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry, Simon has implemented a variety of digital solutions in many manufacturing disciplines. He has extensive knowledge in AutoCAD/AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor Professional and Vault.