Share
 
 

Workflow: Add a Circuit to Circuit Builder

To add a new circuit to Circuit Builder there are three main tasks:

  • Create the circuit drawing template (an AutoCAD .dwg file).

    On the circuit template wiring framework are positioned special marker blocks. These marker blocks are configured, using attribute values, to tell Circuit Builder that some action or decision is required at the insertion point of each marker block. One marker block might identify where to place he power disconnecting means for the circuit. Another marker block might identify that an underlying wire must be appropriately sized to the motor inserted at yet another marker block on the wire framework of the circuit template.

    The easiest way to create a circuit template is to copy a similar template to a new name and modify the marker blocks on this copied template. For this example you copy the circuit template ace_cb1_FVNR_H.dwg to a new name. It is the main template for a 3-phase, horizontal, full-voltage, non-reversing motor circuit. You modify this template to create a custom circuit template.

  • Add a reference to this new circuit in the ACE_CIRCS sheet in the ace_circuit_builder.xls spreadsheet.

    The ACE_CIRCS sheet in the ace_circuit_builder.xls spreadsheet controls the circuit options displayed on the Circuit Selection dialog box.

  • Create or modify a circuit codes sheet in the ace_circuit_builder.xls spreadsheet.

    Once a circuit is selected from the Circuit Selection dialog box (the CATEGORY and TYPE fields from the ACE_CIRC sheet), the associated circuit template drawing, with the marker blocks, is inserted (the DWG_TEMPLATE field). A related circuit code sheet is ready for reference (the SHEET_NAME field). Each marker block contains a CODE attribute with a value. This CODE value is used to match up with a section in the circuit code sheet which defines what to do at the location of this marker block in the template.

    You can create a sheet or copy an existing, similar sheet. Since the circuit template drawing was copied from ace_cb1_FVNR_H.dwg, it is easier to copy the circuit codes sheet, 3ph_H, and modify it.

Workflow Topics

  1. To Work With Creating the Circuit Template
    Create the Circuit Builder circuit template drawing, an AutoCAD .dwg file that contains the wiring framework for the circuit.
  2. To Add a Circuit to the Circuit Selection Dialog Box
    Edit the Circuit Builder spreadsheet to add the UI elements for the circuit.
  3. To Add the Circuit to the Circuit Codes Sheet
    Edit the Circuit Builder spreadsheet to add the instructions for building the circuit.
  4. To Test the Added Circuit
    Insert the new circuit.

Was this information helpful?