AutoCAD Electrical 2016 – Overview Of Creating A Symbol / Part / Footprint / Wiring Diagram

By Miles Nicholson 

When creating a new symbol for the schematics, you should also consider creating a new part for the parts database and a footprint for the panel layout. There is always three items as a minimum to consider of which we will go into more detail below:

1. Schematic symbol
2. Part Creation in the default_cat.mdb
3. Footprint association

1. Schematic Symbol 

With schematic symbols you can have different category types meaning that the same component could be shown in two different representations such as a single line schematic and a detailed schematic e.g. motor.

A parametric PLC is also created differently from other symbols. A parametric PLC functionality can be used for channel recorders, BMS, HVAC, Trend, annunciators etc. so don’t be misled by the terminology.

Out of the box, AutoCAD Electrical is supplied with the majority of libraries that you would wish for but you can create your own and your own library categories.

Schematic symbol creation

Single Line diagram symbol creation

Fluid symbol creation (e.g. hydraulic)

Optional attributes used in Symbol Creation

Creating a New PLC Part

2. Part Creation

You can create new parts, assemblies and when defining parts to a symbol assign up to 99 optional accessories in addition to any mandatory parts.

Adding A Part Into The Parts Database

Assigning Mandatory and Optional Accessories

3. Footprint Association

Footprints can be 2D or 3D in AutoCAD Electrical. You can also associate a part with a 3D Inventor part or model. When creating layouts in AutoCAD Electrical, you can either use a footprint representation or a wiring diagram representation.

Assigning Intelligence to a Dumb Footprint

Editing the Footprint Database

Defining Electrical Intelligence to a 3D Inventor Part / Model

3D Layouts inside of AutoCAD Electrical

Wiring Diagram Symbol Creation

Wiring Diagram Symbol Creation Instructions