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P8 Basic Training Manual IP

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
91 views202 pages

P8 Basic Training Manual IP

Uploaded by

Sweta Pandey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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EPLAN Electric P8

EPLAN your Engineering


(Professional)
Basic Training Manual
Version 2.2.6338

EPLAN UK
Eplan Competence Centre Braithwell Way, Hellaby, S66 8QY
Telephone 01709 704100 Fax 01709 730285
[email protected] 
www.eplan.co.uk
Copyright Information
Copyright EPLAN UK, 2013, EPLAN Competence Centre. All rights reserved under UK.,
International, and Universal Copyright Conventions. Published in the UK. These materials may be used
only with related printed materials.

In no event will EPLAN UK be responsible or liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting
from the use or application of the materials in this manual.

The examples, diagrams, and charts in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of
the many variables and requirements associated with any particular safety situation, EPLAN expressly
disclaims all express and implied warranties relating to the materials in this manual, including all examples,
diagrams, and charts.

Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of EPLAN
UK is prohibited.

RITTAL® is a registered trademark of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG.


EPLAN®, EPLAN Electric P8®, EPLAN Fluid®, EPLAN PPE®, and EPLAN Pro Panel® are
registered trademarks of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
Windows 7®, Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, Microsoft Windows®, Microsoft® Excel®,
Microsoft® Access® and Notepad® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
CLIP PROJECT® and INTERBUS® are registered trademarks of Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co.
AutoCAD®, Autodesk Inventor® and Volo™View Express are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.
SIMATIC HW Konfig® is a registered trademark of Siemens AG.
InstallShield® is a registered trademark of InstallShield, Inc.
Adobe® Reader® and Adobe® Acrobat® are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.

All other product names, trade names, and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

EPLAN uses the Open Source software 7-Zip (7za.dll), Copyright © by Igor Pavlov. The source code of
7-Zip is subject to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). The source code of 7-Zip and details
on this license can be found on the following website: http://www.7-zip.org

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK i


Table of Contents
Copyright Information.................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... ii
1. Starting and Exiting EPLAN .................................................................................... 5
Starting EPLAN Electric P8 ...................................................................................................................... 5
Exiting EPLAN Electric P8 ....................................................................................................................... 7
2. What is a Project? .................................................................................................... 9
3. Opening and Closing a Project ............................................................................. 11
Open a project ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Close a project ....................................................................................................................................... 12
4. Opening and Closing Pages ................................................................................. 13
Open a page .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Open a page in a new window ............................................................................................................... 13
Close a page .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Save pages ............................................................................................................................................ 14
5. Creating a New Project via a Basic Project ......................................................... 15
6. Creating, Copying, and Deleting Pages ............................................................... 21
6.1. Creating new pages ........................................................................................................................ 21
6.2. Copying pages within the same project .......................................................................................... 23
Delete pages .......................................................................................................................................... 25
7. Editing Page Properties ........................................................................................ 27
8. Showing the Graphical Preview ............................................................................ 29
8.1. Open pages from the graphical preview ......................................................................................... 29
8.2. Close graphical preview .................................................................................................................. 29
9. Selecting and Placing Symbols ............................................................................ 31
9.1. Selecting Symbols ........................................................................................................................... 31
9.2. Placing Symbols .............................................................................................................................. 32
10. Editing Component (Device) Properties ............................................................ 35
11. Inserting Connection Symbols ........................................................................... 37
11.1. Insert Angles ................................................................................................................................. 37
11.2. Insert T-nodes, double junctions, and jumpers ............................................................................. 38
11.3. Insert Interruption Points ............................................................................................................... 40
11.4. Drawing Nodes as Target or Point Wiring ..................................................................................... 42
12. Editing Functions................................................................................................. 43
12.1. Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Schematic Elements ..................................................................... 43
12.2. Moving Elements .......................................................................................................................... 45
12.3. Moving elements using drag and drop .......................................................................................... 46
12.4. Duplicating Elements .................................................................................................................... 47
12.5. Deleting Elements ......................................................................................................................... 49
12.6. Delete areas .................................................................................................................................. 49
13. Displaying Component (Device) Properties ...................................................... 51
13.1. Add New Properties to Display ..................................................................................................... 53
13.2. Display Tab Toolbar ...................................................................................................................... 56

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14. Inserting Text ........................................................................................................ 57
14.1. Insert Text ..................................................................................................................................... 57
14.2. Insert Path Function Text .............................................................................................................. 60
14.3. Find empty texts ............................................................................................................................ 62
15. Inserting Macros ................................................................................................... 63
15.1. Insert symbol macros .................................................................................................................... 63
15.2. Insert window macros ................................................................................................................... 65
15.3. Inserting page macros ................................................................................................................... 69
16. Cross-Referencing Functions ............................................................................. 73
17. Using Jump Functions ......................................................................................... 77
18. Creating Black Boxes ........................................................................................... 79
18.1. Inserting a Black Box .................................................................................................................... 79
18.2. Editing Black Boxes ...................................................................................................................... 81
18.3. Inserting Device Connection Points .............................................................................................. 83
19. Creating Macros ................................................................................................... 85
19.1. Create symbol macros .................................................................................................................. 85
19.2. Create window macros .................................................................................................................. 88
19.3. Create page macros ..................................................................................................................... 91
20. Using a Structure Box .......................................................................................... 93
20.1. Placing a Structure box ................................................................................................................. 93
21. Inserting Dynamic Connection Symbols ............................................................ 97
21.1. Insert dynamic symbols for diagonal connections ......................................................................... 97
22. Selecting Devices ................................................................................................. 99
23. Assigning Parts Data ......................................................................................... 101
24. Editing Project Data in the Device Navigator ................................................... 103
25. Numbering Devices Offline ................................................................................ 105
26. Finding & Replacing Project Data ..................................................................... 109
26.1. Finding Project Data .................................................................................................................... 109
26.2. Replacing Project Data ............................................................................................................... 110
27. Editing Component Data in a Table .................................................................. 113
28. Potential Connection and Definition Points ..................................................... 115
28.1. Draw Potential Connection Points ............................................................................................... 115
28.2. Highlighting the Potentials or Signals .......................................................................................... 117
29. Drawing Connection Definition Points ............................................................. 119
30. Placing Connection Definition Points ............................................................................................. 121
31. Designating Connections ............................................................................................................... 122
32. Deleting Connection Designations ................................................................................................. 126
33. Inserting Terminals and Terminal Strip Definitions ......................................... 129
33.1. Insert terminals ........................................................................................................................... 129
33.2. Define Terminal Definition ........................................................................................................... 131
33.3. Insert terminal strip definition ...................................................................................................... 134
34. Creating and Editing Terminal Strips ............................................................... 135
35. Generating and Editing Terminals .................................................................... 137

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36. Create terminals ............................................................................................................................. 137
37. Generate multiple terminals automatically ..................................................................................... 139
38. Create terminals with default properties ......................................................................................... 144
39. Edit terminals ................................................................................................................................. 146
40. Sorting Terminals ............................................................................................... 147
41. Numbering Terminals ......................................................................................... 149
42. Drawing Cable Definition Lines or Shields ...................................................... 152
42.1. Draw cable definition lines .......................................................................................................... 152
42.2. Draw shields ................................................................................................................................ 154
43. Editing the Cable Properties ............................................................................. 156
43.1. Edit cable properties in the graphical editor ................................................................................ 156
43.2. Edit cable properties in the cable navigator ................................................................................ 159
44. Assigning Conductors ....................................................................................... 162
44.1. Move connections ....................................................................................................................... 162
44.2. Exchange connections ................................................................................................................ 165
45. Generating Project Reports ............................................................................... 168
46. Exporting Reports/Labeling .............................................................................. 169
46.1. Create a Labeling Scheme ......................................................................................................... 169
46.2. Define Report Header ................................................................................................................. 171
46.3. Define Report Contents .............................................................................................................. 174
46.4. Export Report as a *.txt file ......................................................................................................... 175
46.5. Export Report as an Excel file ..................................................................................................... 177
47. Checking Project Data ....................................................................................... 181
48. Check offline .................................................................................................................................. 181
49. Check online .................................................................................................................................. 183
50. Viewing and Editing Messages ......................................................................... 185
50.1. View messages ........................................................................................................................... 185
50.2. Filter messages ........................................................................................................................... 186
50.3. Edit messages ............................................................................................................................ 187
50.4. Check only completed messages ............................................................................................... 189
51. Exporting Pages as PDF Files ........................................................................... 191
52. Printing Pages .................................................................................................... 193
53. Backing up a Project (Data Saving) .................................................................. 197
54. Restoring a Project ............................................................................................ 200

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK iv


1. Starting and Exiting EPLAN Notes:

Starting EPLAN Electric P8


After the installation of EPLAN Electric P8, you can start EPLAN via the
Windows Start menu or via the EPLAN shortcut icon on your desktop.

Precondition:
Have the required software protection dongle for EPLAN and the
required unlock code.

1. Click the Windows Start button and select All Programs.

2. Open the EPLAN program group and click the icon for your EPLAN
version.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 3


Notes: 3. The EPLAN main window will open. By default EPLAN opens the Tip
of the Day dialog.

Uncheck the Show tips at startup check box if you do not wish for it to
appear every time the program is started.

4. Click [Close].

Notes:
 You can set up EPLAN such that after the program is started, the
most recently opened project, or the most recently opened page,
appears. The settings for this can be changed via the menu items
Options > Settings > User >Display > User interface.

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Exiting EPLAN Electric P8 Notes:

You can exit EPLAN at any time. All of the data and settings, including
those relating to the user interface (i.e. open dialogs, displayed
toolbars, etc.), are saved and used again when the program is
restarted.

1. Select the menu item Project > Exit or use the shortcut key
combination [Alt] + [F4].

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Notes:
2.What is a Project?
In EPLAN, schematics and attached documents such as lists and
overviews are created as pages within projects. Besides the project
pages, a project contains all master data used in the project (symbols,
plot frames, forms, parts data, etc.).

From the EPLAN main window, projects can be created, renamed and
deleted.
Projects can be opened and closed from the EPLAN main window.
You can create project templates and basic projects, and use these for
creating new projects.

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Notes:
3.Opening and Closing a Project
Existing projects can be opened and closed from the EPLAN main
window.

Open a project
Project > Open

1. In the Open project dialog, select a project as specified.

2. Click [Open].

3. Decide whether or not you would like to update the master data.

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Notes: The project is opened. It is displayed in the Pages - <Project Name>
dialog, assuming this dialog is open.

Close a project
Project > Close

1. In the Pages - <Project


Name> dialog, select the project
to close.
2. From the Project pull-down
menu select Close.
3. Your project has been removed
from the Pages dialog.

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Notes:
4. Opening and Closing Pages
Open a page
You have many different ways of opening a page in EPLAN Electric P8.
Use the Pages - <Project Name> navigator to select the pages that
you wish to open in the graphical editor.

1. Select a page.

2. Select the menu item Page > Open.

The page is opened in the graphical editor. The page name is displayed
as a tab below the graphic, assuming that you have activated the
workbook view (View > Workbook).

When you open a second page, this is displayed in the graphical editor
and the first page is automatically closed.

To open a page, you can also double-click it, press the [Enter] key, or
right-click and select Open.

Open a page in a new window


1. Right-click on the page in the Pages - <Project Name> navigator.

2. Select Open in new window.

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Notes: The selected page is opened in another graphical editor window.
A tab is displayed below the graphic for every opened page, assuming
that you have activated the workbook view (View > Workbook). You
can quickly switch between pages by clicking these tabs.

Note:
A schematic page can only be edited by a single user. As soon as a
user opens a page, then it is locked. A second user can only open this
page read-only and receives a message stating this fact.
The message contains the Windows login name and the long name of
the first user, so that the second user knows who has locked the page
and can then discuss this with them if necessary.

Close a page
Precondition:
You have opened a page in the graphical editor or selected pages in
the Pages - <Project Name> in the page navigator.

1. Select the menu item Page > Close.


The current page is then closed.

Note:
In the graphical editor, you can close the current page by clicking on the
standard toolbar , or by clicking on the black X in the upper right
corner , or by pressing the [Ctrl] + [F4] keys at the same time.

Save pages
Changes to a page are automatically saved as soon as you switch to
another page or close the project.

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Notes:
5. Creating a New Project via a Basic Project
When you create a project from a basic project, then the new project
adopts all project-specific settings and the pages of the basic project.
Sample basic projects are located in the Templates directory. You can
save projects to a drive and folder of your choice.

Precondition:
You have access to a basic project.

Project > New

1. In the Create project dialog, enter a


Project name.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 15


Notes: 2. In the Storage location, specify the directory in which the project will
be stored by selecting the […] button. The default directory will be
identified by the text string $(MD_PROJECTS).

3. In the Template, select the […] button and select a basic project
template.

4. Activate the properties Specify creation date and Specify creator


to establish the time and date in which the project is created as well as
the creator of the project.

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Note: These to properties cannot be changed once the project has Notes:
been created.

3. Click [OK]. A progress dialog will appear briefly while the project is
being created.

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Notes: 4. In the Project Properties dialog, define appropriate project specific
properties.

5. Click [OK] to accept the properties.

18 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:

The project is now available in the Page Navigator.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 19


Notes:

20 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
6. Creating, Copying, and Deleting Pages
In the Pages – <Report Name> navigator dialog you can create new
pages and delete existing pages.

6.1. Creating new pages

Precondition:
You have opened a project.

1. Select the menu item Page > New


or right-click in the Pages - <Report Name> navigator and select New.

The New page dialog is opened.

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Notes: Note:
If a page was selected in the Pages - <Report Name> navigator before
creating a new page, its properties are automatically loaded into the
New Page dialog. If a structure level was selected, the properties of the
first page below the level are loaded and only the grid defined in the
plot frame is adopted. Click [Clear fields] if you would like to clear the
data fields of the new page.

2. Select the […] button next to the Full page name and enter the
properties for the new page as specified.

If you would like to create several pages, click [Apply] several times.
With every click on [Apply], EPLAN generates a new page. Your user
code is automatically entered into the Creator field.

3. Click [OK].

The new page is created and displayed in the Pages - <Report Name>
navigator dialog.

22 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
6.2. Copying pages within the same project
Within the same project, you can copy pages using either the page
navigator or the graphical editor. In the page navigator it is possible to
copy individual pages or entire blocks of pages. In the graphical editor
you can copy the current page by selecting Edit > Select > Page and
then Edit > Copy. The page navigator does not need to be open for
this.

Precondition:
You have selected at least one page in the Pages - <Report Name>
dialog.

1. Right-click on a page and select Copy.

The selected pages are copied to the clipboard.

2. Right-click in the navigator and select Paste.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 23


Notes: 3. Define the new page name.

4. Click [OK].

The pages are inserted into the project.

Note:
If the Overwrite check box is selected and pages already exist with the
same name, a query dialog will ask whether you want to overwrite the
existing pages.

24 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
Delete pages
You can delete pages using either the page navigator or the graphical
editor. In the page navigator it is possible to delete several pages at
once. In the graphical editor you can delete the current page by
selecting Edit > Select > Page and then pressing the [Del] key. The
page navigator does not need to be open for this.

1. Select the copied page you created in the last section in the Pages -
<Report Name> navigator dialog.

2. Right-click and select Delete.

3. Click [Yes].

After a security check, EPLAN deletes the selected pages from the
project.

Note:
Placed components are completely removed when the page is deleted.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 25


Notes:
7. Editing Page Properties
In the Pages - <Project Name> navigator
dialog, you can view and edit the properties of
pages.

1. Select the desired page(s) in the tree or list


view.

2. Select Edit > Properties. You can also


right-click on the desired page(s) within the
Pages - <Project Name> dialog and select
Properties.

3. Use the Page properties dialog to change


the desired properties.

4. Click [OK].

The page properties are saved.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 27


Notes:
8. Showing the Graphical Preview
The graphical preview enables you to show a
preview of pages that you have selected in the
Pages - <Project Name> navigator. If you have
selected several pages, these are displayed
above and next to each other in the preview.

If the graphical preview is not displayed you can select the menu item
View > Graphical preview to open it.
A check mark next to the menu item shows whether this is active or not.

8.1. Open pages from the graphical preview


Preconditions:
 You have opened the graphical preview.
 You have opened a project and selected the project or individual
pages in the Pages - <Project Name> navigator.
1. Double-click on a page in the graphical preview.
The page is opened in the graphical editor and the page preview also
remains open.

8.2. Close graphical preview


Precondition:
The graphical preview is open.
1. Select the menu item View > Graphical preview a second time, or
click in the graphical preview.

The graphical preview is then closed.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 29


Notes:
9. Selecting and Placing Symbols
Symbols can be selected from assorted Toolbars and from the Insert >
Symbol menu.

Precondition:
You have opened a project and are viewing a schematic in the
graphical editor.
9.1. Selecting Symbols
A symbol can have up to eight
variants with names from A to H
and a contact image variant. All
variants for a symbol have common
properties. They also behave
identically, and have the same
function. This way they always have
the same number of connection points and are only different in their
graphical configuration of the connection points.
You can select a different variant of a symbol by hitting the Tab key on
your keyboard.

Insert > Symbol

1. In the Symbol selection dialog, select the Tree tab.

2. Navigate through the tree in the library to select a symbol as


specified.

3. Click [OK].

The symbol is attached to your cursor ready to be placed on the sheet.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 31


Notes:
9.2. Placing Symbols
You can place a given symbol once or several times on schematic
pages in the graphical editor, however you cannot select multiple
different symbols for a single placement operation.
Insertion points and connection points pointing in the same direction
may not lie on top of each other. If this occurs, when inserting a symbol,
then an error message is displayed and the action is cancelled.

(Exceptions to this are symbols containing opposing connections laid


on top of each other at the same point, e.g. T-connections.)

1. Click on the schematic and place the symbol as specified.

32 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


2. Define the properties of the symbol as specified. Notes:

2. Click [OK].

Component properties, Device Tag and Connection Point


Designations, are displayed.

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Notes:
10.Editing Component (Device) Properties
In the first tab of the Properties (components): General Device
dialog, you can delete properties assigned to the selected function. The
tab is labeled with the function category of the corresponding function
definition, e.g., "Switch / pushbutton", "NO contact", "Safety fuse", etc.
The most important properties are entered into the fields in the top of
the tab, e.g., the displayed or the full DT, the connection point
designation, the function text, etc. In the table at the bottom of the
Properties dialog box, you have the option of determining additional
properties.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC 35


Notes: Preconditions:
 You have opened a project.
 You have selected a component in the
graphical editor or one or more functions in a
navigator.

Edit > Properties

1. In the Properties dialog, select the first


tab.

2. Define Connection point designations:


as specified.

3. Define Technical characteristics: as


specified.

4. Define Function text: as specified.

5. Click [OK].

36 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
11.Inserting Connection Symbols
Connection symbols are managed in the “SPECIAL_en_us.slk”
symbol library. They represent the flow of connections and have no
function definitions. Connection points of components or symbols will
automatically be connected when they are placed precisely opposite
one another. When inserting and moving symbols, a preview of the
auto-connect lines are shown.

11.1. Insert Angles


There are four angle
variants. An angle always
has a 90° "bend".

Preconditions:
You have opened a project
and are viewing a schematic
in the graphical editor.

Insert > Connection symbol

1. From the submenu select the appropriate Angle variant to insert.

The Angle hangs on the cursor.

2. Hit the Tab key to switch between the variants.

3. Place the Angle connection on the page as necessary to make the


appropriate connecitons.

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Notes:
11.2. Insert T-nodes, double junctions, and jumpers
Preconditions:
You have opened a project and
are viewing a schematic in the
graphical editor.

Insert > Connection symbol

1. From the submenu select the


appropriate T-node variant to
insert.

The T-node connection symbol hangs on the cursor.

2. Use the Tab key to select the desired target-specific variant.

3. Place the T-node connection on the page as necessary to make the


appropriate connections.

38 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


4. To modify a placed T-node connection, double-click on the T-node Notes:
and select the appropriate variant from the dialog.

Select the Draw as point check box if the connection symbol should be
drawn as point wiring.

3. Click [OK].

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 39


Notes:
11.3. Insert Interruption Points
Interruption points symbolize the continuation of auto-connect lines
across pages or through multiple columns of the schematic. They are
used where certain potentials or signals must be spread over multiple
schematic pages.

Insert > Connection symbol

1. From the submenu select Interruption point.

2. Place the Interruption Point symbol on the schematic as specified.

3. Enter a name for the Displayed DT as specified.

4. Click [OK].

40 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


5. The Interruption Point symbol is still attached to your cursor. You can Notes:
place another Interruption Point on the schematic if need be.

6. Hit the [Esc] key on your keyboard to end the action.

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Notes:
11.4. Drawing Nodes as Target or Point Wiring
There is a series of user-specific settings regarding the drawing of
connection symbols.

Options > Settings

User > Graphical editing > Connection


symbols

1. In the Draw connection junctions as box in the Settings:


Connection symbols dialog specify how the connection symbols
should be drawn in the graphical editor.

2. Select the Connection symbols with prompt check box if a prompt


dialog regarding the wiring should be shown when drawing connection
symbols. (If you have selected the Target or Point wiring option in the
Display connection junction as group box, this check box is
automatically selected and grayed out.)

3. Click [OK].

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Notes:
12. Editing Functions
12.1. Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Schematic
Elements
EPLAN supports the familiar Windows
commands for copying, cutting, and pasting of
elements.

Precondition:
You have opened a page, form, plot frame or
symbol.

1. Select one or more elements on a page


and select Edit > Copy, type Ctrl + C, or
right-click and select Copy.

The selected elements are copied into the Windows Clipboard. When
copying, the selected elements stay in their original position: while
during cutting, they are removed (deleted) from their original position.

2. Select the menu item Edit > Paste, type Ctrl + V or right-click and
select Paste. The graphic stored in the Windows Clipboard hangs on
the cursor.

Note:
If you work with multiple clipboards, then EPLAN opens the Paste
dialog. Select the desired element and click [OK].

Copyright 2013 EPLAN UK 43


Notes: 3. Move the cursor to the position of the copied functions.

After hitting [Enter] the Insertion mode dialog is active. Here you must
decide to number the copied functions.

4. Click [OK].

The contents of the Clipboard are pasted into the currently open page.

Notes:
Each call to Copy or Cut overwrites the current contents of the
Clipboard, if you are only working with one Clipboard.

If you press [X] or [Y] when inserting, the elements will be positioned
horizontally or vertically aligned with the original.

44 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
12.2. Moving Elements
Precondition:
You have opened a page, form, plot frame or symbol.

1. Mark the desired elements and select the menu items Edit > Move,
type the V key or right-click and select Move.

The graphic hangs on the cursor.

2. Move the cursor to the position where you want to place the
elements and click the left mouse button or press [Enter].

The elements are inserted at the appropriate position and deleted from
the original position.

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Notes:
12.3. Moving elements using drag and drop
The moving of elements can also be performed using the Windows-
compliant Drag and Drop technique.

1. Select the elements to be moved.

2. Hold down the left mouse button, pull the elements to the new
position, and release the mouse button.

The elements are inserted at the appropriate position and deleted from
the original position.

Note:
If you drag and drop while pressing [Ctrl], the selected elements are
not just moved, but are also copied.

46 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
12.4. Duplicating Elements
Using the Duplicate command, you can insert
multiple copies very easily at the same time.
Duplication only works within a single page, not
between pages.
Precondition:
You have opened a page, form, plot frame or
symbol.

1. Select the element(s) to be duplicated, and select the menu item Edit
> Duplicate, type the D key or right-click and select Duplicate.

2. Place the first copy to set the distance between duplicates.

3. In the Duplicate dialog, enter the total number of elements to be


created.

Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC 47


Notes: EPLAN automatically creates the specified number of copies and
places each of them using the clearance selected for the first copy.

4. Click [OK].

5. After hitting [OK] the Insertion mode dialog is active. Here you must
decide to number the duplicated functions.

6. Click [OK].

48 Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service LLC


Notes:
12.5. Deleting Elements
Precondition:
You have opened a page, form, plot frame or
symbol.

1. Mark the desired elements and select the


menu items Edit > Delete, press [Del], or
right-click and select Delete. The elements
are completely deleted. Unlike the Cut
command, it is not possible to insert deleted
elements into the page again, because they
are not stored in the Clipboard.
You can, however, use the Undo command
to reinsert the elements.

12.6. Delete areas


1. Use the mouse to drag the frame around the elements.
Selected elements are displayed in a different color.

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Notes: 2. Select the menu item Edit > Delete, press [Del], or right-click and
select Delete.

The elements within the area are completely deleted.

Notes:
It is possible to select the Delete command before selecting the
elements to be deleted. In this case, select the elements by using the
mouse to drag a frame around them.

If you want to delete the entire page contents, use [Ctrl] + [A] to select
all elements on the page and then press [Del]. All components and
graphical elements will be deleted. Update the display if necessary
using View > Redraw.

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Notes:
13. Displaying Component (Device)
Properties
In the Display tab of the Properties dialog you can control what
properties should be displayed around a symbol on the schematic.

Preconditions:
 You have opened a project.
 You have selected a component in the graphical editor or one or more
functions in a navigator.

Edit > Properties

1. In the Properties dialog, select the Display tab.

2. In the list of properties, select the DT (displayed) property for which


you would like to define the display settings. (The default values for the
individual fields are taken from the Default settings).

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Notes: 3. Click the pull-down for text Alignment: and select a text alignment.

4. Change the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the text. These X


and Y coordinates are relative to the base point of the symbol.

5. Click [OK].

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Notes:
13.1. Add New Properties to Display
Many properties are available to be displayed around a symbol.
Properties can also be moved freely to any position around the symbol.

1. In the Properties dialog, select the first tab.

2. Type a value for property Remark.

3. In the Properties dialog, select the Display tab, again.

4. Select the New button in the Property arrangement: area.

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Notes:
5. Find and select the property name “Remark” and click [OK].

The property name “Remark” is now in the Property arrangement list


of displayed properties.

In order to move this property freely around the symbol it needs to be


undocked from the properties above it. Click on the Undock icon to
undock the property and a docking icon will be displayed next to the
property.

6. Click [OK] in the Display tab.

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Notes:

7. Right-click on the new text and select Text > Move property text

8. Take the mouse cursor and click on the text, move it to the right of
the displayed properties and release the mouse button.

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Notes:
13.2. Display Tab Toolbar

1 2 3 4 5 6

“1” is used to select New properties that will be displayed around a


symbol.

“2” is used to Delete properties from the list that no longer need to be
displayed.

“3” and “4” are used to move properties Up or Down through the list of
displayed properties.

“5” and “6” are used to Dock and Undock displayed properties
together.

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Notes:
14. Inserting Text
14.1. Insert Text
Insert > Graphic > Text

1. In the Text tab of the


Properties dialog, enter
the text to be displayed. Right-click to further edit the text, use the
functions cut, copy, and paste, insert line breaks or special characters.

Note:
Line breaks can also be entered by pressing [Ctrl] + [Enter].

The Multilingual input… function allows you to provide language


translations for the text string entered into the Text window. (The
translation module must be licensed in order to display multiple
languages.)

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Notes: 2. On the Format tab, you can specify text properties such as size,
color, and alignment, along with the layer on which the text is stored.

Scrolling down the window allows you to define Border properties such
as whether the text is placed within an alignment box and how it fits into
the alignment box.

3. Click [OK].

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4. Place the text on the page. Notes:

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Notes:
14.2. Insert Path Function Text
Path function text eases documentation because you don't have to
enter a function text for each component. They can be positioned
arbitrarily within a path and are evaluated when generating PLC cross-
references, in terminal diagrams, and in bills of materials.
1. Insert text directly in line with the components to which you want to
assign function text, as described in the previous section.
Note:
The path function text can only be correctly adopted when the insertion
point of the component and the insertion point of the path function text
are directly in line with each other. Unless the property Extend path
function text on the schematic path is enabled within the project
settings. This property is located within the dropdown menu

Options > Settings

Projects > “Project Name” > Graphical editing


> General

When this property is enabled the insertion


point of the Path function text simply needs
to be within the same logical path within the
schematic page. You can view the logical
paths within the schematic page by going to
View > Paths.

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2. Select the check box Path function text in the Properties dialog Notes:

3. If no other function text is entered for a component, the function text


from the path will be used for reports.
Note:
Each component has two properties. The Function text property
contains manually entered function text. The Function text
(automatic) property is automatically generated and cannot be
changed. If function text has been entered manually these two
properties will be the same. Otherwise the path function text from the
schematic is displayed in the Function text (automatic) property.

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Notes:
14.3. Find empty texts
If you accidentally enter empty texts while
inserting text, then you can find and remove
them easily.

1. Select the menu item View > Empty text


boxes in order to toggle on the display of
empty texts.

The empty texts are displayed using the


string "Empty Text".

2. Select the desired empty texts and select the menu item Edit >
Delete.

Note:
Until you turn off View > Empty text boxes, all empty text fields in all
sheets of the project will display the string “Empty Text”.

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Notes:
15. Inserting Macros
Macros can be inserted on project pages as window or symbol macros.
New project pages are created when inserting page macros.
The macros are generally broken up when inserted, but it is still
possible to change data via the placeholder objects.

15.1. Insert symbol macros


1. Select Insert > Symbol macro.

Window macros can also be inserted by right-clicking and selecting


Insert symbol macro.

2. Select a macro. If a selected macro has different graphical variations,


you can use the Variant drop-down list to specify which variant should
be inserted.

3. Click [Open].

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Notes: 4. The macro is attached to the cursor and can be placed on the
schematic by clicking once.

Place the symbol on the schematic as desired.

5. In the Insertion mode dialog, click [OK] to number the new device.

The macro is still attached to the cursor if additional macros need to be


inserted.

6. Press [Esc] to finish the action.

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Notes:
15.2. Insert window macros
1. Select Insert > Window macro.

Window macros can also be inserted


by right-clicking and selecting
Insert window macro.

2. Select a macro. If a selected macro has variables, you can use the
Variant drop-down list to specify which variant should be inserted.

3. Click [Open].

4. The macro is attached to the cursor and can be placed on the


schematic by clicking once.

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Notes:

Place the symbol on the schematic as desired.

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5. In the Insertion mode dialog, click [OK] to number the new device. Notes:

The macro is still attached to the cursor if additional macros need to be


inserted.

6. Press [Esc] to finish the action.

Notes:
 When positioning the macro with the mouse you can also use the
following keys:
[Y] + mouse movement: The macro can only be moved horizontally on
its original position.
[X] + mouse movement: The macro can only be moved vertically on its
original position.
[Y] + [X]: The macro snaps to its original position.

 If
there are variants in a macro, you can select among the different
variants before placing the macro by pressing the Tab key.

 Below the graphical preview of the dialog is a comments field. For


window and symbol macros, the source project from which the macro
originates is displayed here along with the description, if available. For
window macros created from DXF / DWG files this field only displays a
note regarding their source ("DXF" for macros from DXF files; "DWG"
for macros from DWG files).

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Notes: If
the macro box should be inserted with the macro when inserting
window or symbol macros, you have to select the Also insert macro
boxes check box in the settings

Options > Settings

Projects > "Project Name" > Graphical editing > General

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Notes:
15.3. Inserting page macros

1. Select Page > Page macro >


Insert.

You can also right-click within the


Pages - <Project Name>
navigator and select Insert page
macro from the popup menu.

2. Select a macro.

Note:
You can select either window (*.ema) or symbol macro file types
(*.ems) in the Files of type field in addition to page macros (*.emp).

3. Click [Open].

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Notes: 4. Specify the placement of the new pages in the page structure of your
project. Type the new page numbers on the Target side of the dialog.

5. Click [OK].

6. Click [OK] to number devices on the new pages.

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The new pages have been added to the project in the Page Navigator. Notes:

Notes:
 If you return to inserting macros, the most recently selected macro is
selected by default in the Select macro dialog.

 Up to 12 pages are shown for page macros in the graphical preview of


this dialog. The source project from which the macro originated is
displayed below this graphical display in a comments field along with
the description and the number of pages, if available.

 Thespecial property "Macro: Inserted by" is available in the page


properties for inserting page macros (Category: "Macro"). When
manually inserting a page macro, the user who inserted the macro is
automatically entered here.

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Notes:
16. Cross-Referencing Functions
A function can be easily cross-referenced to a device once it is placed
in the Properties dialog.

1. Open a page.

2. Select Insert > Symbol.

3. In the Symbol selection dialog, navigate through the library to select


a symbol as specified.

4. Click [OK].

5. Place the symbol on the schematic as specified.

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Notes: 6. In the Properties dialog click [...] button.

7. In the DT selection dialog select a device as specified.

8. Click [OK].

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Notes:

8. Click [OK].

Cross-reference
Displayed below

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Notes:

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Notes:
17. Using Jump Functions
Jump functions allow jumping to
all cross-referenced "Parts" of a
particular item, where the main
function is always jumped to.

Preconditions:
 You have opened a project.
 You have opened the Device -
<Project Name> navigator.
 You have inserted devices into
your schematic which also have
cross-referenced functions.

1. Select the item to whose


graphical representation in the
graphical editor you would like to
spring to, in the tree or the list in
the Device - <Project Name>
navigator.

2. Right-click and select Go to (graphic).


The graphical editor forks to the page where the main function is
located. The main function is optically highlighted in the process.

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Notes:
18. Creating Black Boxes
18.1. Inserting a Black Box
A black box represents a physical
item composed of several graphical
elements, all of which are within the
black box rectangle. When a black
box is created, EPLAN allocates a
DT to it.

Insert > Box / connection point /


mounting panel > Black box

1. Draw a rectangle representing the box between the Motor Overload


Switch and Motor devices.

Black box

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Notes: 2. Enter the item data in the black box specific Properties dialog.

3. Click [OK].

The black box is inserted into the project with all its properties.

Note:
If grip-snap is switched on (Options > Snap to grid) then a newly
created black box will be exactly on the grid on which it is placed. If grid-
snap is not active, the black box can be drawn at any desired position.

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Notes:
18.2. Editing Black Boxes
1. Double-click the black box that you would like to edit or right-click
and select Properties (in this case you can select more than one black
box.)

2. Within the Display tab change the Property arrangement property


to Top left, outside, 0°. These property arrangements are predefined
property arrangements which can be chosen to displayed properties
about the symbol.

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Notes: 3. Click [OK].

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Notes:
18.3. Inserting Device Connection Points
Insert > Box / connection point /
mounting panel >Device
connection point

1. The symbol for the Device


Connection Point hangs on the
cursor.

2. Hit the Tab key once so the


Device Connection Point points
to the left.

3. Place the Device Connection Point inside the Black Box.

4. Name the Connection point designation in the Properties dialog.

5. Click [OK].

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Notes: 6. Place two more Device Connection Points and define their
Connection point designations.

7. Hit the Tab key twice to point the Device Connection Point to the
right.

8. Place three more Device Connection Points and define their


Connection point designations.

Defined connections

Note:
You may also insert two-sided device connection point symbols which
have predefined internal and external connections. When placing these
symbols, you must place them correctly so that EPLAN can understand
the logic of the schematic.

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Notes:
19. Creating Macros
In EPLAN you have the option of saving certain selected elements or
areas of project pages as window or symbol macros. In addition, you
can save one or more pages as page macros if you have selected them
in the Page navigator. For all these actions, stored image files are
saved along with the macro.

19.1. Create symbol macros


Precondition:
You are in graphical editing and have selected a single device on the
page that contains the element(s) you want to save.

1. Select Edit > Create symbol macro. The


menu item Create symbol macro is also
available as an option in the Right-click menu
after you have selected the elements on the
page.

EPLAN opens the Save as dialog. In the Directory field, the default
target directory is displayed or last directory chosen when saving a
macro.

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Notes: 2. In the File name field, enter a name for the macro.

Click […] button to select a new name and / or another target directory.
If necessary, you can select a different variant designation for the
macro in the Variant field. This is how you create macros with multiple
variants by selecting a different variant each time the macro is saved.
By default, one macro is saved as "Variant A". You can create up to
sixteen variants for one macro under the same representation type and
the same file name. The Representation type field allows you to
define which representation type this macro should be created as.
Each representation type can contain up to sixteen variants.

3. Enter a short description for the macro in the Description field. The
text entered here is displayed in a comments field when inserting
macros.

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4. If the page scale should be taken into consideration when inserting Notes:
macros, you have to select the To page scale check box.

5. Click the Extras > Move handle button to manually determine the
insertion point in the macro.

The Save as dialog will close briefly as it waits for a selection.

6. Move the cursor to the desired position and specify the new location
of the handle with a mouse click.

The Save as dialog will open again.

7. Click [OK].

The macro is saved to the specified directory under the name *.ems
(symbol macros). EPLAN checks whether a variant already exists under
the specified name. If so, you will be requested to decide whether or not
the old macro variant should be overwritten.

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Notes:
19.2. Create window macros

Precondition:
You are in graphical editing and have selected the
symbol on the page that contains the element you
want to save.

1. Select Edit > Create window macro. The menu


item Create window macro is also available as an
option in the Right-click menu after you have selected the elements on
the page.

EPLAN opens the Save as dialog. In the Directory field, the default
target directory is displayed or the last directory chosen when saving a
macro.

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2. In the File name field, enter a name for the macro. Notes:

3. Enter a short description for the macro in the Description field. The
text entered here is displayed in a comments field when inserting
macros.

4. If the page scale should be taken into consideration when inserting


macros, you have to select the To page scale check box.

5. Click the Extras > Move handle button to manually determine the
insertion point in the macro.

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Notes: The Save as dialog will close briefly as it waits for a selection.

6. Move the cursor to the desired position and specify the new location
of the handle with a mouse click.

The Save as dialog will open again.

7. Click [OK].

The macro is saved to the specified directory under the name *.ema
(window macros). EPLAN checks whether a variant already exists
under the specified name. If so, you will be requested to decide whether
or not the old macro variant should be overwritten.

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Notes:
19.3. Create page macros

Precondition:
You have opened the page
navigator.

1. Select the desired page(s) in the Page navigator.

2. Select the menu items Page > Page macro > Create. Page macros
can also be created by right-clicking and selecting Create page macro.

EPLAN opens the Save as dialog. In the Directory field, the default
target directory is displayed or the last directory chosen when saving a
macro.

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Notes: 3. In the File name field, enter a name for the macro.

4. Enter a short description for the macro in the Description field. The
text entered here is displayed in a comments field when inserting
macros.

5. The Number of pages field will specify the number of pages to be


written into the macro. The default in this field can only be changed if
you have only selected one page in the page navigator.

6. Click [OK].

The macro is saved in the specified directory under the name *.emp
(page macros) and EPLAN checks whether a macro with the specified
name already exists. If so, you will be requested to decide whether or
not the old macro should be overwritten.

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Notes:
20. Using a Structure Box
Everything inside a Structure box
is allocated to a different Structure
group from that which is defined in
the page properties. The
components then have the same
relationship to the Structure box as
they normally have to the page.
This assumption of the DT also
occurs if only identifier blocks like
installation and location are
entered in a component in the
Structure box.

20.1. Placing a Structure box


Insert > Box / connection point / mounting panel > Structure box

1. Draw Structure box around components as specified.

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Notes: 2. In the Properties dialog, specify a name in the Higher-level
function and Mounting location fields.

3. Click [OK].

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4. Within the Structure identifier management... descriptions can be Notes:
defined for the = Higher-level function and + Mounting location.

5. Within the Identifiers - <Project Name> dialog enter in the


description for the Mounting location.

6. Click [OK].

7. A message window will appear asking whether or not you want to


update the project with the new information. Click [Yes].

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Notes: 8. Open the Properties dialog for one of the motors to view the Full DT
field. Notice the Structure box attributes have been applied.

9. Click [Cancel] to exit

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Notes:
21. Inserting Dynamic Connection Symbols
Dynamic connection symbols are managed in the “SPECIAL_en_us.slk”
symbol library. Dynamic symbols are symbols without fixed graphics.
These include:
 Dynamic symbols for diagonal connections
 Cable definitions
 Shields
 Connection definition points
 Potential definition points
 Potential connection points

21.1. Insert dynamic symbols for diagonal


connections
It is often that a phase rotation (or
twisting) must be generated over
diagonal lines.
Dynamic symbols are used to draw
these connections over diagonal
lines.

Precondition:
You have opened a project and are
viewing a schematic in the graphical
editor.

1. Select Insert > Connection symbol > Diagonal connection.

2. Click to place the starting point of the Diagonal connection line.

3. Once you have clicked to place the Diagonal connection symbol,


press the Tab key to select the variant desired. There are two variants
available for the Diagonal connection symbol; Horizontal for
horizontal connections and Vertical for vertical connections.

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Notes: 4. Click to place the ending point of the Diagonal connection line.

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Notes:
22. Selecting Devices
In Device selection, you assign one device to
another device; the assigned device may
contain one or more parts. The data from the
function definition is assigned to the device.
These are entered in the parts management, in
the function definitions table of the Function
template tab.

Device selection can be called up from different


places:

• From the Properties dialog


• From the Bill of materials navigator

Precondition:
You opened the Properties dialog for a
component and brought the Parts tab to the
front.

1. In the Properties dialog, select the Parts tab.

2. Click Device selection.

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Notes: 3. In the Device selection Function dialog select the desired parts
from the Parts selection window.

The Accessories list shows the accessories of the highlighted part (if
applicable).

4. Click [OK].

The data is adopted into the corresponding fields of the Parts tab,
whereby the Number of units / quantity field is preset to "1".

5. Click [OK].

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Notes:
23. Assigning Parts Data
Parts data can be assigned to the main functions in
the circuit diagram. EPLAN accesses the master
data stored in parts management, making it
possible to select the correct data for the current
device with a parts selection dialog.

Preconditions:
• You have opened a project.
• You have selected a component in the graphical
editor or one or more functions in a navigator.
• The Main function check box on the Symbol /
function data tab is checked.

Edit > Properties

1. In the Properties dialog, select the Parts tab.

2. Click [...] in the Part number field.

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Notes: 3. In the Part selection dialog select the desired parts from the
Component tree. (Multiple selection is possible.)

4. Click [OK].

The data is adopted in the corresponding fields of the Parts tab,


whereby the Number of units / quantity field is preset to "1".

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Notes:
24. Editing Project Data in the Device
Navigator
You can edit the project data
properties in the device
navigator.

Project data > Devices >


Navigator.

1. In the Tree tab, select a function / device as specified.

2. Right-click and select Properties.

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Notes: 3. Make edits as specified.

4. Click [OK].

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Notes:
25.Numbering Devices Offline
You can number devices in the page navigator, the device navigator, or
the graphical editor. Which option you choose depends on which scope
of numbering you need.

Precondition:
You have opened a project.

1. Select a project, pages, functions, or structure identifier layers.

2. Select Project data > Devices > Number.

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Notes: In the Number (offline) dialog, all devices contained in the numbering
range are listed.

3. In the Format column of the Number (offline) dialog, select a


numbering format.

4. Select the Preview of result check box.

5. Click [OK].

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In the Number (offline): Preview of result dialog the devices are Notes:
shown with the new numbering. In this dialog you can edit the DT
numbering.

6. Click [OK].

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Notes:

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Notes:
26. Finding & Replacing Project Data
You can start a search from a variety of different locations:
• from the EPLAN main menu
• from the graphical editor
• from the Pages - <Project Name>
Navigator Dialog
• from the list of results
• and by pressing [Ctrl] + F.

26.1. Finding Project Data


Find > Find

1. In the Find dialog enter the search term in the Find what field.

Note:
You can also use placeholders (such as * or ?) in the search.
It is possible to search for multiple related terms. However, you cannot
search for multiple independent phrases.

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Notes: 2. Click [OK]. The list of results is displayed below.

26.2. Replacing Project Data


After the search, you can select project data and begin replacing the
existing values with other ones.

1. In the Search Results dialog select the entry in the results list
whose value you would like to replace. (Multiple selections are
possible).

2. Right-click and select Replace.

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3. In the Find what: and Replace with: fields specify the values that Notes:
you would like to use to replace.

Use the Match case check box to determine whether upper / lower
case should be taken into account during the search, and whether only
entire texts (i.e. exactly as the text is entered into the input field) will be
searched.

4. Click [OK].

The values have updated in the schematics as well.

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Notes:
27. Editing Component Data in a Table
You have the ability to edit component data (i.e.
properties) in a table.

Pre-condition:
•You have opened a project.
•You have a schematic page open or have the
desired navigator open.

1. Select the item(s) to whose graphical


representation in the graphical editor you would like
to edit in a table.

Edit > In table

You can also right-click within the graphical editor


and select the Edit in table function.

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Notes: 2. The Edit function data - <Project Name> dialog opens.

Within this table you can edit the desire properties as necessary
(except for the properties which are read only) and all updated
information will be transferred to the functions and graphical editor.

You can also edit Connection definition points in the Edit function
data dialog via the Connections tab at the bottom of the dialog.

Selecting the […] button next to the Scheme allows you to configure
what columns (i.e. properties) are available in the Edit function data
dialog as well as their position within the Edit function data dialog.

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Notes:
28. Potential Connection and Definition
Points
28.1. Draw Potential Connection Points
Potentials are defined by potential definition
points or potential connection points.

Precondition:
You have opened a project and are in a
schematic page.

1. Select Insert > Potential connection


point

The symbol for the Potential Connection


Point hangs on the cursor.

2. Hit the Tab key until the Potential


Connection Point is pointing in the correct
direction.

3. Place the Potential Connection Point on the schematic as


specified.

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Notes: 4. In the Potential definition tab of the Properties dialog, type a name
in the “Name of Potential” field.

Enter other properties if required.

5. Click [OK].

The properties are assigned to the connections running through the


potential definition point or the connection joined to the potential
connection point.

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Notes:
28.2. Highlighting the Potentials or Signals
Potentials or signals can be temporarily
highlighted in color to allow a quick overview of
their extent. The currently selected potential or
signal is then colored according to the colors
you have defined in the user settings.

Precondition:
In the user settings, you have defined the color
to be used for highlighting the signal or
potential

Options > Settings

User > Graphical editing > General

In the Track potential property, define the color to be used.

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Notes: View > Potential tracking

1. Click on an auto-connecting line to have its


potential traced.

Traced Potential

EPLAN searches for the associated potential and colors it completely,


including over page boundaries.

2. Click another connection.

The highlighting of the first potential is removed and the potential


associated with this connection is colored.

3. Select View > Potential tracking a second time to remove the signal
highlighting.

Note:
Signals can be highlighted in the same manner using the menu item
View > Signal tracking. (In this case the coloring is only visible for a
single Signal).

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Notes:
29. Drawing Connection Definition Points
Connections can also be assigned properties by
using connection definition points.

Insert > Connection definition point.

1. The symbol for the connection definition point


hangs on the cursor.

2. Click on a line of a schematic page as specified and place the


Connection Definition Point.

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Notes: 3. Specify the connection properties in the Connection definition
point tab of the Properties dialog.

4. Click [OK].

The properties are assigned to the connection passing through the


connection definition point.

Note:
You can insert multiple connection definition points at the same time by
holding the left mouse button down and pulling the cursor over multiple
auto-connect lines.
At each auto-connect line intersected, a connection definition point is
placed.

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Notes:
30. Placing Connection Definition Points
Precondition:
You have selected connections
in the graphical editor, or you
have selected one or more
pages or a project in the Pages
- <Project name> navigator.

Project data > Connections > Numbering > Place

Once you have called up the menu item, the connections are first
automatically newly generated.

1. In the Settings field of the Place connection definition points


dialog select a scheme from the drop-down list which specifies the
settings for connection numbering.

2. Activate the check box Apply to entire project in order to extend the
connection numbering for the entire project. If you have called up the
dialog for a selected project from the Pages - <Project name>
navigator, the check box is already selected and grayed out.

3. Click [OK].
Connection designations

The connection definition points are placed on the schematic pages.


They receive "????" as a designation if the associated connection still
has no designation.

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Notes:
31. Designating Connections
Connection designations are assigned using connection definition
points. A connection can only be designated if all of its connection
definition points are selected. If a page is open in the graphical editor
you can individually select the definition points. Otherwise they are
selected via the pages or the project. If the connection has definition
points that are not selected, it cannot be designated.

Precondition:

You have selected connections


in the graphical editor, or you
have selected one or more
pages or a project in the Pages
- <Project name> navigator
dialog.

Project data > Connections > Numbering > Enter designation

Once you have called up the menu item, the connections are first
automatically newly generated.

1. In the Settings field of the Designate connections dialog select a


scheme from the drop-down list which specifies the settings for
connection numbering.

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2. In the table specify the start value and the increment value. Notes:

Note: Depending on the Scheme chosen in the Settings the Start


value may be disregarded.

3. In the Overwrite group box select “All” so all existing designations


will be overwritten.

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Notes:

4. In the Visibility field select the Once per page and range from the
drop-down list which specifies how identical wire tags will be displayed.

5. Activate the check box Apply to entire project in order to extend the
connection numbering for the entire project.

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Notes:
Note:
Select the Mark as "manually set" check box to assign the "Manually
set" property to all connection definition points for which a connection
designation is set during this numbering process.

Select the Preview of result check box so that before the new
connection designations are adopted, the Designate connections:
Preview of result dialog is displayed.

7. Click [OK].

The connection designations are displayed on the connections that are


selected for the numbering, as long as the connection definition points
have been placed there.

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Notes:
32. Deleting Connection Designations
Precondition:

You have selected a


connection in the graphical
editor, or in the Connections -
<Project name> navigator
dialog.

Project data > Connections > Numbering > Delete

Once you have called up the menu item, the connections are first
automatically newly generated.

1. Select a scheme “NFPA Standard” from the drop-down list in the


Settings field of the Delete connection designations dialog.

2. In the Delete connection designations dialog use the radio buttons


to specify whether you only want to delete the connection designations
or also the empty connection definition points.

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3. Select the Retain "manually set" check box to retain the alignment Notes:
and formatting for connection definition points with the "Manually set"
setting, to not delete them, and to retain their designation.

4. Select the check box Apply to entire project in order to extend the
deletion to the entire project.

5. Click [OK].

According to the settings, the connection designations and empty


connection definition points (if selected) will be deleted from the project.

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Notes:

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Notes:
33. Inserting Terminals and Terminal Strip
Definitions
Terminals and terminal strip definitions can either be defined during the
insertion of the corresponding symbol or predefined in the terminal or
device navigators and placed from there by right-clicking. Terminal strip
definitions must be placed if you want to copy them later on.

33.1. Insert terminals


Insert > Symbol

1. In the tree view of the Symbol selection dialog, navigate through the
symbol library and select a terminal symbol as specified.

2. Click [OK].

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Notes: 2. Click and drag the mouse across the wires specified to place
terminals
Click and drag Terminal symbol
across the auto-connecting lines

Double click one or multiple Terminals to edit properties.

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Notes:
33.2. Define Terminal Definition
The Function Definition defines the standard behavior of a function. It
determines how an object is treated in reports (for instance, contacts
are shown in the contact image, terminals listed in the terminal diagram,
etc.).
Moreover, additional logical information is stored in the Function
Definition, such as whether a function is Signal isolating. This logical
information sometimes applies to the function as a whole, but more
often to the connections.

A function definition has the following properties:

 Name: A Function Definition includes a name for the function,


such as "Power NO contact", "AC coil", etc.
 Description: Provides the technical purpose for which the
function is used.
 Number of connection points: A normal function definition has at
least one connection. There are also special functions which
have no connections (e.g. black boxes). The number can also be
a variable, in which "n" then appears here. In this case, however,
no detailed logic information can be specified for the
connections. Entries are then only possible which apply to all
connections ("n") and information for the last connection ("z"), if
multiple connections are present.

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Notes: 1. Double click a terminal to access the Properties dialog. In the
Properties dialog, specify the Function definition data for the terminal
in the Terminal tab. Click […] button to access Function definitions.

2. In the Function definitions dialog, select a terminal definition as


specified.

3. Click [OK].

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Notes:

4. Click [OK].

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Notes:
33.3. Insert terminal strip definition
The terminal strip definition identifies the terminal strip and normally
contains the terminal strip device tag. Using the terminal strip definition
you can also create terminal strips without terminals.

Insert > Terminal strip definition

1. Place the terminal strip definition on the page.

2. In the Terminal Strip Definition tab of the


Properties dialog, define the Displayed DT as specified.

3. Click [OK].

EPLAN generates a terminal strip definition with the specified


properties.

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Notes:
34.Creating and Editing Terminal Strips
Terminal strips are managed by their terminal strip definition. If you
would like to create a predefined terminal strip with an established
terminal strip construction, first you must set up a terminal strip
definition.

If you only want to create a new terminal strip without other properties,
just enter the DT for the terminal strip in the Properties dialog when
you insert a terminal into the schematic. This creates a terminal strip
without a terminal strip definition. Such a terminal strip is visible in
reports but you can only assign it properties by creating a terminal strip
definition. You can always create terminal strips in the schematic first
and then edit the properties in the Terminal strip definition tab of the
Properties dialog at a later date.

You can also define the properties for terminal strips as you create
them. To do this, you create a terminal strip with predefined properties
using the function definitions.

Project data > Terminal strips > Navigator

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Notes: 1. Right-click in the navigator and select Generate terminal strip
definition…

2. Enter a device tag as specified in the Displayed DT field in the


Terminal strip definition tab of the Properties dialog.

3. Click [OK].

A terminal strip definition will be created with the specified properties.

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Notes:
35.Generating and Editing Terminals
You can create terminals either in the graphical editor or in the terminal
strip or device navigators. Using the graphical editor, insert the
terminals in the schematic and then edit their properties. Also, in the
terminal strip or the device navigator, you have the option of predefining
terminals with certain properties that you can then place at a later time.

Initially, you can create non-default terminals and then edit their
properties later. However, you can also specify the properties for the
terminal upon creation. You can use the function definition to generate
terminals with default properties.

36. Create terminals

Project data > Terminal strips


> Navigator

1. Select a terminal strip definition or a terminal below a terminal strip.

2. Select Popup menu > Generate terminal.

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Notes:
3. Enter the required data for the new terminal, e.g., the terminal
designation and connection point designations, on the Terminal tab in
the Properties <...> dialog.

4. Deselect the Main terminal check box if you want to manage the
terminal as an auxiliary terminal.

5. Click [OK].

A terminal with the appropriate properties is created.

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Notes:

37. Generate multiple terminals automatically


In EPLAN you can automatically generate several unplaced functions
by specifying a numbering pattern. The functionality can be used with
the following functions:

 Terminals
 Pins
 Contactor contacts, relay coil contacts (NO, changer, NC)
 Device and PLC connections
 Busbars

Depending on the selected function definition, the numbering pattern


defines the number of new functions and the terminal, plug or
connection point designations. Using the numbering pattern 1a,1b,2a-
8b you can (e.g.) create 16 functions with the designations
1a,1b,2a,2b,3a,3b,4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b,8a,8b.

Prerequisite:
You have an opened project.

Project data > Terminal strips > Navigator

1. In the Terminal strips – <Project Name> navigator, right-click and


select New functions….

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Notes:

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2. In the Generate functions dialog, enter a name in the Full DT field. Notes:

3. For the Numbering pattern enter “1-20”.

Notice how the Number of new functions has changed.

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Notes: 4. Click […] button to access the Function definition library. Select
function “Terminal with saddle jumper, 4 connection points”.

5. Click [OK].

The Function definition has been defined for each new Terminal.

6. Click [OK].

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In the Terminal Strip Navigator the new Terminal Strip TS6 with 20 Notes:
terminals has been added.

Tip:
You can also create multiple terminals by selecting a part via Popup
menu > New terminals (devices). In this case, the terminals may
have different function definitions; this depends on the function
templates stored for the part.

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Notes:
38. Create terminals with default properties
Project data > Terminal strips >
Navigator

1. Select a DT or a terminal strip


definition and select Popup menu >
New.

2. In the Function definitions


dialog in the Selection field scroll
through the tree structure and select
the desired terminal.

The terminal data is displayed on the Attributes and Connection point


data tabs.

3. To obtain an overview of the structure of the symbol, select the


Basic symbol check box on the Attributes tab.

4. Click [OK].
5. In the Properties <...> dialog, in the Terminal tab, enter the desired
data for the new terminal.

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Notes:

6. Click [OK].

A terminal with the relevant properties is created beneath the selected


DT.

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Notes:
39. Edit terminals
1. Select the terminal number “1” in the
terminal strip navigator. You can also select
terminals in the graphical editor or in the device
navigator.

2. Right-click and select Properties or double-


click on the selected terminal.

3. In the Properties dialog, in the Terminal tab, edit the data for the
selected terminal.

4. Click [OK].

Tip:
You can copy and place terminals using Drag & Drop, by dragging
selected terminals from the navigator and dropping them into an open
page in the graphical editor within your project.

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Notes:
40.Sorting Terminals
In the Edit terminal strip dialog, you
can change the order of the terminals
within the terminal strip.

Precondition:
You have selected one or more
terminals in the terminal strip navigator,
the device navigator, or the graphical
editor.

Project data > Terminal strips > Edit

You can also open the Edit terminal


strip dialog via Popup menu > Edit.

The [Sort] button allows you to automatically sort all terminals in a


terminal strip.

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Notes: Within the Terminal strips navigator the Sort function is also available
within the Popup menu.

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Notes:
41.Numbering Terminals
A terminal designation uniquely identifies
the terminal on the terminal strip. In the
Number terminals dialog you can
specify settings for the terminal
designation and renumber the selected
terminals. Use the numbering scheme to
specify the terminal designations.

Precondition:
You have selected one or more terminals
in the terminal strip navigator, the device
navigator or the graphical editor. You
have selected pages or a project in the
page navigator.

Project data > Terminal strips > Number terminals

1. From the Scheme drop-down list in the Number terminals dialog,


select the numbering scheme, or click [...] to open the Settings:
Numbering dialog and create a new scheme here.

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Notes:
2. In the Sequence and Extent drop-down lists, set the options for the
order and scope of the numbering.

3. In the Start value and Increment fields define the appropriate


values, and assign a Prefix and a Suffix, if necessary.

4. In the PE terminals / pins to SH terminals / pins fields define how


PE, N and SH terminals should be handled for numbering. Select the
options from the drop-down lists.

There are no PE, N or SH terminals in this particular terminal strip.

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5. From the Multiple terminals drop-down list select the option Notes:
required for numbering terminals with the property Allow same
designations.

6. Use the Terminals with alphabetical characters drop-down list to


define whether the alphabetical components should be retained for
terminals with alphabetical or alphanumeric characters.

7. Select the Only number marked ones check box if you want only
those terminals whose designations contain a "?" to be numbered.

8. Select the Also number those controlled by PLC check box if


terminals controlled by PLC should also be numbered.

9. Click [OK].

Numbering is carried out according to the settings and the new terminal
designations are assigned to the appropriate terminals.

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Notes:
42. Drawing Cable Definition Lines or
Shields
Cables can be defined using cable definition lines or shields. To do this,
the cable definition line or the shield symbol must cross the connections
in question.

42.1. Draw cable definition lines


Insert > Cable definition.

1. The symbol for the cable definition line


hangs on the crosshair.

2. Drag the line across the four wires


connected to a device as specified. Click once
with the left mouse button to establish the start
point and click the left mouse button once
again to establish the end point of the line.

Cable definition line

Connection definition points

A connection definition point is set automatically on every intersection


of connections with this cable definition line.

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3. In the Properties dialog you can change the DT and specify Notes:
additional properties for the cable.

4. Click [OK].

Note:
If you later reduce the cable definition line, the connection definition
points on connections that are no longer intersected will be deleted.
If you enlarge the cable definition line, new connection definition points
are set for newly intersected connections.

If you pull a cable definition line over a "cable" type connection in the
single-line display, a connection definition point will be set there and the
representation type "Single-line" will automatically be entered. In the
case of a mixed view (single-line symbols on multi-line pages) you must
enter the representation type into the connection definition point
yourself.

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Notes:
42.2. Draw shields

Insert > Shield.

1. The symbol for the shield hangs on the


crosshair.

2. Drag the shield (like a rectangle) across the


connections next to a cable. Click once with the
left mouse button to establish the start point and
click the left mouse button once again to establish
the end point of the shield.

Shield

Connection definition point

A connection definition point is set automatically on every connection


within the shield.

Each Shield has an auto-connecting point to establish a connection to a


device. The auto-connecting point of the Shield is located at the initial
click position when inserting the Shield symbol.

Auto-connecting point of
the Shield based on the
initial click position

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3. In the Properties dialog change the Displayed DT to the same DT Notes:
as the cable drawn previously and specify additional properties for the
shield as needed.

4. Click [OK].

Notes:
If you later reduce the shield, the connection definition points on
connections that are no longer within the shield are deleted. If you
enlarge the shield, new connection definition points are set for newly
included connections.

In the user settings Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing >
Property dialogs you can determine whether the property dialog will
be shown or not when inserting shields.

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Notes:
43. Editing the Cable Properties
In addition to properties that all other devices also have, there are
special properties for cables and shields. These are displayed in the
Cable tab of the Properties dialog. The Properties dialog can be
called from the graphical editor or from the navigator dialog

Precondition:
You have defined a cable or a shield.

43.1. Edit cable properties in the graphical editor


1. Select a cable definition line in the graphical editor and double-click
to open the Properties dialog.

2. Click […] button next to the Type field to select a cable from the Part
Selection dialog.

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3. Navigate through the Tree to Cables and select a cable part as Notes:
specified.

4. Click [OK].

The cable type has been added. Notice other property values were
automatically entered from the Part Selection.

5. Click [OK].

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Notes: The property values are automatically displayed on the part in the
graphical editor. To change these display settings, open the Properties
dialog and open the Display tab.

Cable part data

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Notes:
43.2. Edit cable properties in the cable navigator

Project data > Cables > Navigator

1. Select a cable definition in the Cables - <Project Name> navigator.

2. Right-click and select Properties.

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Notes: 3. In the Properties dialog, edit the Length property field.

4. Click [OK].

The Length has been added as a displayed property of the cable.

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Notes:

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Notes:
44. Assigning Conductors
You can manually change the assignment of connections to conductors
in the Edit cable dialog. This dialog displays the existing function
templates of the cable part on the left and the functions of a cable
defined in the project and its assignments on the right.
You can move or exchange connections on the right side of the dialog
to assign it to the corresponding function template on the left. The order
of the function template on the left side always remains the same.

44.1. Move connections


Connections can only be moved to free function templates. Other
connections are not changed when doing so.
PE and SH potential type connections cannot be moved to function
templates with other potential types. Nor can they be moved to another
shield. Connections without shields, however, can be assigned to a
function template with shielding.

Project data > Cables > Navigator


1. In the Cables - <Project Name> dialog, select a cable as specified.

2. Right-click and select Edit.

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All connections to the associated cable are displayed in the Edit cable Notes:
dialog.

3. In the Connections table select a connection and move it using the


arrow buttons to the position where there is a free
function template.

The connection transfers the data from the function template into the
still free properties. Existing properties of the connection superimpose
the template.

4. Click [OK].

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Notes:

Select individual
conductors to assign to
different function template

The data on the connection definition points are correspondingly


updated.

Conductors assigned

Tip:
To open the Edit cable dialog, you can also select a cable definition
line, a shield, or a connection definition point in the graphical editor and
select the menu item Project data > Cables > Edit .

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Notes:
44.2. Exchange connections
Connections can only be
exchanged if the potential type
matches. PE and SH
connections can be exchanged
amongst themselves but not with
other connections.
Nor can connections in different
shields be exchanged.

Project data > Cables > Navigator

1. In the Cables - <Project Name> dialog, select a cable as specified.

2. Right-click and select Edit.

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Notes: All connections to the associated cable are displayed in the Edit cable
dialog.

3. Select the first two connections in the Connections table. Click .

Rows are exchanged in the table.

The values of the Pair index, Color / number, and Cross-section


properties are exchanged on the connection definition points.

Click [OK].

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Notes:
Tip:
To open the Edit cable dialog, you can also select a cable definition
line, a shield, or a connection definition point in the graphical editor and
select the menu item Project data > Cables > Edit .

Note:
If you exchange two shields in the Edit cable dialog, it has an indirect
effect on the shielded conductors. If the shield name of the shielded
conductors change, they will no longer match their function templates.
The changes resulting from this are displayed immediately.

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Notes:
45. Generating Project Reports
If you report on the entire project, then reports are generated from all
existing report templates. In addition, all existing reports are updated.

Preconditions:
 You have opened a project.
 You have already generated reports and / or created report templates.

1. Select the menu item Utilities > Reports > Generate project
reports.

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Notes:
46. Exporting Reports/Labeling
Reports can be exported outside the EPLAN project as either a text file
or an excel document. Before you can do this, you must specify what
type of report will be generated and how the data will be formatted.
Certain format elements are only available depending on the report type
selected. For example, the format elements "Page break" and "Page
break on change of DT" are only available for the footer section of the
report.

Utilities > Reports > Labeling

46.1. Create a Labeling Scheme


1. Click in the Settings field of the Output labeling dialog.

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Notes:
2. In the Settings: Labeling dialog, click .

3. In the Report type dialog, select a report type as specified by your


instructor and click [OK].

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4. In the New scheme dialog, enter a name and description, and click Notes:
[OK].

The new scheme is now available as a user-defined scheme in the


Scheme drop-down list.

46.2. Define Report Header


1. Select a scheme to edit from the Scheme drop-down menu.
2. Select the Header tab.

3. In the Available format elements field, select property “Project


properties” and then click .

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Notes: 4. Select a property specified by your instructor in the Category field of
the Property dialog.

5. Click [OK].

The format element is entered into the Selected format elements field.

6. To output a separator after the previous format element, select the


format element "Separator" in the Available format elements field,
and click .

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7. In the Separator dialog, select the type of separator. Notes:

8. Click [OK].

Note:
The footer can be defined in the same manner in the Footer tab of the
Settings: Labeling.

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Notes:
46.3. Define Report Contents
1. Select the Label tab.

2. In the Available format elements field, select a project property as


specified by your instructor and click .

3. Select a sub-category as specified by your instructor from the


Category field of the Property dialog.

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4. Click [OK]. Notes:

The format element is entered into the Selected format elements field.

46.4. Export Report as a *.txt file


1. Select the File tab.

2. In the Type of file field, select the file type Text file (*.txt).

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Notes: 3. In the Target file field, enter a name for the report.

4. Click [OK].

5. In the Output type field, select Export and start application.

6. Click [OK].

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The file is generated in the directory you selected as a storage location Notes:
and opened for your review.

46.5. Export Report as an Excel file


Preconditions:
You have defined an Excel®
template.

Utilities > Reports > Labeling

1. Click in the Settings field of the Output labeling dialog.

2. Select the same scheme as in the previous section where you saved
all your settings.

3. In the Type of file field of the File tab, select the file type Excel file
(*.xls).

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Notes:

4. In the Target file field, enter a name for the report.

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5. Click next to the Template field, then use the Open dialog Notes:
to select an Excel template.

6. Click [OK].

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Notes: 7. In the Output type field, select Export and start application.

8. Click [OK].

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Notes:
47.Checking Project Data
You can check projects online or offline. For online checking, the list of
messages in message management is filled directly during project
planning. If you check particular pages or want to update the display of
message management, it is necessary to start a check run.

48. Check offline


Precondition:

You have opened a project. You


have selected one or more
pages or a project in the page
navigator, or you have opened a
page in the graphical editor.

Project data > Messages > Check project

1. In the Check project dialog, select scheme “Offline” from the


Setting drop-down list, which specifies the settings for the check run.
Click [...] to open the Settings: Messages and checks dialog, where
you can define your own scheme.

Note:
If you have selected individual pages for the check or have called the
dialog from the graphical editor, you can still extend the check run to
the entire project. To do so, select the Apply to entire project check
box.

2. Click [OK].

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Notes: EPLAN checks the project or the selected pages according to the
settings specified in the scheme. The results of the check run are
written to the message database. The results of any previous check run
are removed.

If messages occur during the check (e.g., because certain checks could
not be executed), these are written into the list of system messages. A
notification informs you of this fact. System messages can be access
via Utilities > System messages.

3. Select the menu item Project data > Messages > Management.

The messages stored in the message database are displayed in the


Message management - <Project Name> dialog.

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Notes:
49. Check online
Preconditions:

 In the Settings:
Messages and checks
dialog, certain function
areas are assigned the
check type "Online /
offline".
 You have opened a
schematic page in the
graphical editor.

Project data > Messages > Management

Any messages stored in the message database are displayed in the


Message management - <Project name> dialog.

2. Execute the processing steps in the project.

EPLAN checks all criteria assigned the check type "Online / offline" in
the project settings. Any messages occurring are written to the
message database and displayed in the Message management -
<Project name> dialog immediately.

Notes:
For processed messages, you can select the Completed check box
and filter on this property in order to hide them.

To remove processed messages from message management, execute


a new check run.

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Notes:

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Notes:
50. Viewing and Editing Messages
In the Message management - <Project Name> dialog, the messages
of the currently selected project are listed. If the dialog is opened and
you select a different project in the page navigator, the display of
messages is updated.
The messages are marked with icons depending on the type of error.
Critical messages can therefore be identified immediately, even if the
messages in the table are not sorted or filtered.
50.1. View messages
Precondition:
You have selected one or more pages or a project in the page
navigator, or you have opened a page in the graphical editor.

1. Select the menu item Project data > Messages > Management.
In the Message management - <Project Name> dialog, all messages
are shown which are present in the message database at that time.

2. Double-click the column headings to sort the messages. By clicking


multiple times, you can switch between ascending and descending sort
orders.

Note:
Use the [F1] key to call up thorough help for each message, including
examples and suggestions for correction.

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Notes:
50.2. Filter messages
Project data > Messages > Management

1. In the Message management - <Project Name> dialog next to the


Filter field, click .

2. In the Filter: Messages dialog, specify the message classes in the


table for which messages should be displayed, e.g. terminals, plugs,
cables, etc. To do this, select the Selection check box in the column.

3. Using the check boxes below the table, specify the trades from which
messages should be displayed (Electrical engineering, Fluid power,
and General).

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Notes:
4. Specify the categories (error, warning, note) to be displayed. Check
the corresponding check boxes.
5. Select the Completed messages check box if you also would like to
display messages already flagged as resolved.

6. Click [OK].

7. In the Message management - <Project Name> dialog, select the


Active check box so that only those messages will be displayed which
correspond to the filter.

Note:
When opening a project or switching projects, the current state of
project-wide messages is always displayed when message
management is called up. However, the existing filters can influence
this display.

50.3. Edit messages


Project data > Messages > Management
1. Select a message in the table.

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Notes: 2. Double-click the message.
The erroneous object is selected in the graphical editor and the cursor
is placed on the insertion point of the object.

3. Identify why the error was caused and fix it.

Note:
Use Project data > Messages > Check project to start a new check
run to check whether the error has been resolved.
The message display is updated in the Message management -
<Project Name> dialog.

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Notes:
50.4. Check only completed messages
Project data > Messages > Management

1. Right-click and select Check only completed messages.

Only messages that have the checkbox Completed checked will be


rechecked. If these errors are indeed corrected, then they will disappear
from message list.

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Notes:
51. Exporting Pages as PDF Files
To export project pages as a PDF file,
proceed as follows:

Precondition:
You have opened a project.

1. In the page navigator, select the project


(or pages of the project) that you wish to
export.

2. Select the menu item Page > Export > PDF.


EPLAN opens the PDF export dialog. The chosen files are displayed in
the Source field.

Under PDF File enter the name of the PDF file to be generated.
In Export medium select the Storage medium where the PDF should
be stored or select E-mail if EPLAN should send it to your default email
client. You can then specify a file size limit for email and EPLAN will
automatically generate the required emails.
Select Output 3D model if you want to export the 3D ProPanel model
to PDF.
If necessary, select the Apply to entire project check box if the entire
project is to be exported as a PDF and not just the selected pages.

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Notes: 3. Click [OK] to close the dialog and begin the export.

EPLAN then creates the PDF file. Regardless of the selection made
(individual project pages or an entire project), only one PDF file is
created.

Note:
Adobe Acrobat Reader X must be installed on your computer in order to
read an exported PDF file.

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Notes:
52. Printing Pages
You can print single pages or all pages of a
project. You have the option of changing the
output of the project pages by using the print
settings.

Preconditions:
 You have selected the desired number of pages
in the page navigator in the tree or list view.
 You have opened a page in the graphical editor.

Project > Print

1. In the Print dialog in the Printer group box,


select the desired printer from the drop-down list.

2. In the Page range group box, you can determine whether you would
like to print the currently selected pages or all of the pages in the
current project.

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Notes: 3. Enter the number of copies and the collating order.

4. Use [Settings] to open the Print settings dialog in order to change


the other settings there.

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5. With [Print preview] you have the option of checking the results of Notes:
your settings before printing. You can use [Back] and [Next] to page
through the pages selected for printing.

6. Start the print process using [OK] in the Print dialog or with [Print] in
the Print preview dialog.

Note:
You can work on a different project while printing is going on in the
background. Just start multiple copies of EPLAN.

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Notes:

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Notes:
53. Backing up a Project (Data Saving)
Precondition:
You have opened and selected a project in the page navigator.

Project > Back up > Project

1. In the Back up projects dialog, enter a


description such as “Project Backup of my first
EPLAN project” in the Description field.

2. Select a backup method from the Method drop-down list.

 Save additionally: The project is backed up to another storage


medium. It is possible to select multiple projects in the project
management tree view and the projects will be backed up in
sequence.

 File off for external editing: The project is saved on a different


storage medium and the source project becomes write-
protected. All data from the filed-off project remains in the
original location.

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Notes:
 Archive: The project is saved onto a different storage medium
and, other than an information file, is completely deleted from the
hard drive. The information file allows you to view the project in
the project manager but it cannot be opened.

3. Under the heading Medium in the Back up projects dialog box you
can define whether the project is to be backed up to a storage medium
or whether it should be sent via e-mail.

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4. You can further define the back up options at the bottom of the Back Notes:
up projects dialog box.

5. Click [OK].

The project is now backed up.

Note:
EPLAN notes these settings for each project and offers them again
during later backups.

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Notes:
54. Restoring a Project
Project > Restore > Project
1. In the Restore project dialog, click
to select the directory your backup file is
located.

Once you define the backup directory you should see all the backup
files available.

2. Select the backup (.zw1 file) to be restored from the project directory
you selected and click [OK].

200 Copyright 2008 EPLAN Software & Service LLC

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