The term connected is used to describe a relationship between two design features. For example, a conductor that carries current to or from a transformer is connected to the transformer and the transformer is connected to the conductor. Similarly, a segment that runs to/from a vault is connected to the vault, and the vault is connected to the segment.
Point design features can be connected to zero or more line design features, but they cannot be connected to other point design features.
Line design features can be connected to zero or more point design features, but cannot be connected to other line design features.
In the electric domain, two types of connectivity are supported: structural and conductive. In structural connectivity, all the design features are structural. For example, a vault can be connected to a segment, which in turn can be connected to another vault. In conductive connectivity, all the design features are conductive. For example, a transformer can be connected to a conductor, which in turn can be connected to a service point. Note that only segments (trenches or overhead runs) but not ducts participate in structural connectivity.
- Geometric Snapping: Snap to the target feature.
- Geometric Proximity: Click near the target feature. Specify the tolerance distance in Utility Design Options. See General Layout Options.
You can connect and disconnect features by clicking the connection icons in the tooltips as you insert features. You can also edit connections in the Quick Info dialog box and the Feature Info palette. See To Connect and Disconnect Features.
If you move a point feature, any connected line features are moved as well and the connection is preserved. If you move a line feature, the connected point feature is not moved and the connection is broken. You can reestablish the logical connection manually even if you do not restore the physical connection.