Otis Singleton
AutoCAD Electrical allows users to create families by establishing Parent/Child relationships between symbols. This functionality enables users to tie symbols together as siblings, such as linking a switch in a P&ID drawing to an input on a PLC. By setting up these relationships, users can save time and effort in the design, build, and debug phases of their projects. To insert a child component, users need to select the desired child component type and specify the insertion point on the drawing. However, some users have encountered challenges when attempting to insert components as children, particularly when dealing with components that are not listed in the catalog as children. Understanding how to effectively utilize the Parent/Child functionality in AutoCAD Electrical is crucial for efficient symbol management and drawing creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parent/Child Relationship | Symbols can be tied together as "families" with Parent/Child relationships. |
| Sibling Symbols | Symbols can also be tied together as "siblings" to save work in design and build/debug phases. |
| Cross-References | Symbols can be linked to each other, allowing for cross-referencing and "surfing" between components. |
| Component Insertion | When inserting a component, you can specify the insertion point and choose to insert child components. |
| Component Type | Child components can be selected and inserted, even if not explicitly listed as a child in the catalog. |
| Attributes | Attributes can be added to drawings and related back to parent symbols. |
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What You'll Learn
Selecting child objects and insertion points
When working with AutoCAD Electrical, selecting child objects and insertion points is a crucial aspect of creating precise and accurate drawings. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively accomplish this task:
Selecting Child Objects:
Before delving into child objects, it's important to understand the concept of "families" in AutoCAD Electrical. The software allows for Parent/Child relationships, where various symbols representing one component, such as a relay with its coil and contacts, can be tied together. By establishing these relationships, you can create dynamic and interconnected symbols that update simultaneously across multiple drawings.
To select child objects, you must first select the parent object. This can be done by using the "Select" command and choosing the parent object from the drawing. Once the parent object is selected, you can access and select its child objects. Depending on the specific version of AutoCAD Electrical you're using, there might be different methods for selecting child objects. One common approach is to right-click on the parent object and look for an option that allows you to select or manage child objects.
Insertion Points:
Insertion points serve as reference points for accurately positioning objects within a drawing. When you create an insertion point, it acts as a base point for adding shapes to an existing part. It's important to note that only one insertion point can exist per part. These points are identified by a thick cross, and their position and name are displayed when you hover your mouse over them.
To create an insertion point, you can access the menu and select "New Insertion Point" or simply type "INSPOINT" into the program. You will then be prompted to specify the location of the insertion point using your mouse or by typing in the X, Y coordinates. After specifying the location, you will be asked if you want to create a Fixed Point. If you select "Yes," the insertion point will be placed in the drawing but cannot be moved afterward. If you choose "No," you can reposition the insertion point using the "Move" command.
In certain cases, you might need to set the insertion point for attributes within a drawing. You can use Object Snap Tracking to precisely position the insertion point relative to existing geometry. For example, you can set the insertion point of attributes 1 inch down from the midpoint of the top line of a rectangle. This ensures that the attributes are placed exactly where you want them.
By understanding how to select child objects and effectively utilize insertion points, you can create intricate and accurate drawings in AutoCAD Electrical. These tools enable you to build complex relationships between symbols and ensure precise positioning of objects within your designs.
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Adding attributes
When adding attributes in AutoCAD Electrical, you can create "families" of symbols with Parent/Child relationships or "Sibling" symbols. This is useful when symbols are represented in multiple drawings, as it saves time and effort in the design, build and debug phases.
To add attributes, first select objects and an insertion point, then choose a CHILD category and select OK. You can then add your required attributes and select Done from the Symbol Builder tab.
Next, select a path pointing to your custom library or folder for the block and image file. This will enable your symbols to link to each other and carry Device ID, BoM information, and cross-references. Cross-referencing allows you to "surf" between components and utilise the same component in multiple drawings.
For example, a proximity switch shown on a PLC can also be placed on a fluid power schematic. These are, in reality, one component with the same device ID and should be counted once in the BoM. By setting up these symbol relationships, making a change to one symbol will automatically update the other.
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Choosing a path for custom libraries
When creating a custom library in AutoCAD Electrical, you may want to set up a default library using your custom blocks. However, AutoCAD does not currently offer the option to set a custom path as the default.
To work around this limitation, you can consider building upon the existing library options. First, locate the directories of your current library. Then, add a sub-menu icon to the standard menu, allowing you to access a new sub-menu where you can include your custom symbols, blocks, and even additional sub-menus if needed. You can also create a link back to the standard menu for easy navigation.
Another approach is to select objects and an insertion point, choose a CHILD category, and add your required attributes. Then, from the Symbol Builder tab, select "Done." You will then be able to choose a path pointing to your custom library or folder for the block and image file. This method ensures your symbols are set up to link to each other, carrying Device ID, BoM information, and enabling cross-referencing.
When deciding on a path for your custom libraries, consider your organizational preferences and workflow. You might opt for a structure that mirrors the existing library options or create a new hierarchy that aligns with your specific needs. Ensure that your chosen path is easily accessible and well-organized to facilitate efficient symbol usage and management.
By thoughtfully selecting a path for your custom libraries, you can enhance your AutoCAD Electrical experience, making symbol management more intuitive and tailored to your unique requirements.
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Parent/child relationships
To establish a parent/child relationship, users can start by selecting objects and choosing an insertion point. They must then choose the CHILD category and add the required attributes before finalizing through the Symbol Builder tab. This process allows users to set up symbols that can be linked to each other, carrying Device ID, BoM information, and enabling cross-referencing between components.
For example, consider a proximity switch shown on a PLC that is also placed on a fluid power schematic. In reality, these represent one component with the same device ID. By setting up a parent/child relationship, any changes made to one symbol will be reflected in the other, ensuring consistency and reducing the need for manual updates.
The concept of parent/child relationships extends further with the inclusion of "sibling" symbols. This allows users to tie symbols together, even if they are represented in multiple drawings. For instance, a switch in a P&ID drawing can be linked to an input on a PLC. By establishing these relationships, users can streamline their workflow and maintain consistency across their designs.
It's important to note that the specific steps for managing parent/child relationships in AutoCAD Electrical may vary depending on the version of the software and the user's specific needs. However, understanding and utilizing this feature can greatly enhance the efficiency of creating and managing electrical designs.
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Using Sibling symbols
When using AutoCAD Electrical, you can tie symbols together with "Sibling" symbols. For example, a switch in a P&ID drawing can be tied to an input on a PLC. Other examples include hydraulics, pneumatics, single-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
To set up these symbols, first select objects and an insertion point, then choose a CHILD category and select OK. Next, add your required attributes and select Done from the Symbol Builder tab. Finally, select a path pointing to your custom library/folder for the block and image file. Your symbols are now set up to link to each other and will carry Device ID, BoM information, and allow you to show cross-references.
It's important to note that the Enhanced Attribute Editor does not recognize the presence of Electrical in AutoCAD, so it won't update related symbols or write changes to the project scratch database. To maintain data integrity, you must use Electrical commands and the menus provided in the ribbon, such as Project, Schematic, Panel, Circuit Clipboard, Reports, Import/Export, and Conversion Tools.
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Frequently asked questions
When inserting a component from the catalog, you can select the child component type and specify the insertion point on the drawing.
To convert a parent component to a child, select the component and choose a CHILD category. Then, select "OK" and add your required attributes.
You can tie child components together using "Sibling" symbols. This allows you to make changes to one component, which will then update the others.
Child components can be used in various scenarios, such as switches in a P&ID drawing, input on a PLC, hydraulics, pneumatics, single-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
