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How to Use One-Line Diagrams

The following article teaches you how to use one-line diagrams in Design Master Electrical.

We recommend reading each section in order, as each new topic builds on the lessons from the previous topics. You will learn how to quickly create one-line diagrams using our software, match the one-line to your existing company standards, and synchronize any changes to your design. The goal is for you to be a one-line diagram power user by the time you finish.

warning

The videos below may contain details that have since been changed in the software. Refer to the text for the most recent information.

Create Your Power Distribution Model in AutoCAD​

Before you can create a one-line diagram, you need to have created at least some of the panels and transformers in your project. Learn how to create them in Design Master Electrical.

Creating Distribution Equipment​

Use the Distribution Equipment commands to create the distribution equipment to be included in the one-line diagram.

You can set one-line diagram graphics for specific pieces of distribution equipment by pressing the Plan View and One-Line Diagram Block Settings button.

If you are creating a riser diagram using the Generate Riser command, you must specify the elevation of the distribution equipment. If you insert your distribution equipment on the plan view, then generate the riser, the elevations from the plan view will be used. If you are generating the riser first, enable the 🔘 Relative to ground setting and enter the absolute elevation for each piece of distribution equipment manually.

The ☐ Insert Feeder to Distribution Equipment checkbox controls whether there is a feeder to the piece of distribution equipment. Uncheck the box for equipment that is directly connected to the upstream equipment and does not need a feeder displayed.

The Initial Block ☰ field controls the block that is used for the equipment when running the Generate One-Line and Generate Riser commands. These commands are covered in greater detail in the Automatic Generation and Customization Options section below. Changing this value will not change the block once it is inserted on the drawing; instead, you can use the Change Graphics command to change the block used for that piece of equipment.

The Initial Fed From ▾ field control whether the equipment is fed from the top or bottom when running the Generate Riser command. The initial feeder will approach the equipment from this direction. Changing this value will not change the feeder route once it is inserted on the drawing; if adjustments need to be made, you must make them manually.

The Upstream OCP Block ☰ field controls the graphics used for the OCP shown on the feeder coming to this distribution equipment.

The Circuit OCP Block ☰ field controls the graphics used for the OCP for the feeders coming from this distribution equipment.

Connecting Distribution Equipment​

Use the Connect Distribution Equipment in Database command to connect distribution equipment to each other.

The 🔘 Breaker / Tap, 🔘 Top Lugs, and 🔘 Feedthrough selection will change how the feeder is connected between the two pieces of distribution equipment.

You can control the layers used for the feeder connecting the two pieces of equipment using the  button.

Automatic Generation & Customization Options​

The first draft of your one-line diagram can be generated for you automatically. The appearance can be customized to match your existing drafting as closely as possible. Explore all of the different customization settings that we offer.

There are two different commands that will automatically insert a first draft of your one-line diagram for you. One or the other should roughly match the way you currently draw your one-line.

The Generate One-Line command inserts your distribution equipment from the top of your page down.

The Generate Riser command inserts your distribution equipment from left to right. The elevation of the distribution equipment in your model is used to arrange everything vertically on the page.

Each command inserts a specified piece of distribution equipment and everything connected to it. You can select the first piece of equipment that is connected to the utility to generate your whole one-line, or select something further down the tree to generate part of your one-line.

We recommend generating the whole one-line first. If the layout is close to what you want, start moving and adjust equipment to make it look right.

If the layout is not close, erase the whole thing, then insert separate pieces of the one-line. After you have inserted smaller sections, you can then generate from the first piece of equipment. All of the equipment you already inserted will stay where it is and only missing equipment will be added. This process should connect all of the different sections together.

As you make changes, you can run the Generate commands again to add missing distribution equipment. Anything that is already inserted will not be modified. Only missing equipment will be added.

Below are some of the options you can modify to get the generated one-line closer to your current standards. To access these options, go to the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command.

Generate One-Line Options​

Layout of Bus Bar Horizontal Panels​

There are two ways the horizontal panels that feed multiple downstream panels can be arranged. The whole bus can be horizontal, with the main breaker graphic on the horizontal bus, or there can be a vertical section of the bus with the main breaker on it connected to a horizontal bus.

Use the Include vertical main breaker on horizontal panels ▾ option to change between these two display options.

No Bus Bar on One-Line​

If you do not want to display a bus bar on your panel, change the following options:

  • Set Include breaker graphics on feeder wires ▾ to No.

  • Set the default blocks to <Custom Panel Box>.

    You can use the Default riser blocks settings to make this change for the Generate Riser and Generate One-Line command, or you can use the Default one-line blocks settings to make the change for just the Generate One-Line command.

    If you use the one-line block options, you need to make the change in two places: Default one-line blocks (multiple downstream panels) and Default one-line blocks (0 or 1 downstream panels).

Size and Spacing of Panel Boxes​

If the graphics are not the right size, use the Default panel box height and Default panel box width options to change them. These sizes are multiplied by the drawing's DIMSCALE value when the panels are inserted. A space equal to the height is used between each row of the one-line. A space equal to the width is used between each piece of distribution equipment within a row.

Generate Riser Options​

No Bus Bar on Riser​

If you do not want to display a bus bar on your panel, change the following options:

  • Set Include breaker graphics on feeder wires ▾ to No.

  • Set the Default riser blocks to <Custom Panel Box>.

    With the default customization, this will change the blocks used for the Generate One-Line command as well. If you want to use different blocks for that command, make sure you change the Default one-line blocks from <Same as Riser Block> to different values.

How Feeders Connect to Panels​

There are a number of options that control how feeders connect to panels.

Incoming feeders can connect to the top or the bottom of the panel using the Default fed from (in automatic riser) ▾ option. Panels initially use this value to control how they are connected. It can be changed for individual panels using the Panels command.

In the Panels dialog box, press the Plan View and One-Line Diagram Block Settings button and change the Initial Fed From (in Automatic Riser) ▾ field.

If panels have a bus, outgoing feeders are always connected perpendicular to the bus bar. The height of the panel will be increased if the feeders extend past the bottom of the panel.

If panels do not have a bus, the outgoing feeders can connect to either the side or the top/bottom of the panel graphic using the Default feeder connection layout ▾ option. If the Side option is used, the height of the panel will be increased if the feeders extend past the bottom of the panel. If the Top and bottom option is used, the spacing between feeders will be reduced if necessary so they all fit on the panel without changing its size.

Size of Panel Boxes​

If the graphics are not the right size, use the Default panel box height and Default panel box width options to change them. These sizes are multiplied by the drawing's DIMSCALE value when the panels are inserted.

Spacing of Distribution Equipment​

Distribution equipment at the same elevation uses the Default panel box width option to arrange the equipment horizontally.

Distribution equipment at different elevations use the Riser height multiplier option to control how far apart the equipment is inserted. This value does not correspond to any specific units. If the vertical spacing of equipment is not right, adjust the value, erase the equipment that was inserted on the drawing, then run the Generate Riser command again. Repeat this process until the vertical spacing looks right.

Spacing of Feeders​

Use the Feeder offset multiplier option to change how far apart feeders are inserted from each other. The size is multiplied by the drawing's DIMSCALE value when the feeders are inserted.

Labels​

Labels on the one-line diagram are updated automatically as you make changes to your design. Learn how to insert and format to provide the documentation your one-line diagram needs.

Inserting, Changing, & Removing Labels​

Use the Insert and Modify Labels command to insert, change, and remove labels on the one-line diagram. Select the piece of equipment or feeder for which you want to modify the labels. The specific labels available will depend upon what you select.

To insert a label, check the box on the left side of the dialog. Use the Prefix and Suffix fields to add text before or after the value defined in your model. The Value ☰ field will show you the text that will be inserted on the drawing. Use the Alignment ▾ field to change the justification of the text. Use the Scale field to change the size.

After you close the dialog box, you will be prompted for the location of any labels you added. There are options available at the command line during the insertion:

  • Use [N]ext to go to the next label if you want to insert them in a different order than they are originally prompted.

  • Use [G]roup to select another label and have the new label placed directly below it. Once you have inserted one label, you can use [I]nsert or press ENTER to have it grouped with the last label you inserted.

To change a label, make any changes necessary in the dialog box. The labels on the drawing will be updated when you close the dialog box.

To remove a label, in the dialog box, uncheck the box on the left. The label will be removed when you close the dialog box.

Default Label Settings​

You will often make the same changes to the Prefix, Suffix, Alignment ▾, and Scale fields in each project for a particular label. You can save these changes for future projects using the One-Line Diagram Default Labels commands.

The Edit Project List command will affect the current project only. Any changes made using this command will not affect any other projects. Also, the changes only affect labels that have not already been inserted on the drawing.

The Edit Standards List command will be used when you start a new project. Any changes made using this command will not affect projects that have already been started.

Use the Copy Project List to Standards and Copy Standards List to Project commands to move changes between your project and standards files. We recommend making your changes in a specific project, then using the Copy Project List to Standards command. If you have other projects that you are working on, you can then copy to them from the standards.

Grouping Labels​

Use groups to arrange multiple labels in a column on the drawing. Each label in a group will be placed directly below the label above it. Moving the group will move all of the labels together.

You can group labels with each other when you first insert them on the drawing. After the labels are inserted, there are three commands for working with the group:

  • Use the Group Labels command to group labels that are already inserted on the drawing. Select the label that is in the correct location first, then select the labels to group with it. The selected labels will be moved below the first label.

  • Use the Remove Label from Group command to remove a label from a group and insert it by itself on the drawing. Select the group, then select the specific label to remove. The label will be removed from the group and the other labels adjusted accordingly. You will be prompted to specify a new location for the selected label.

  • Use the Reorder Labels in Group command to change the order of labels in a group.

When you use the Insert and Modify Labels command, the Alignment ▾ and Scale values will be the same for all labels that are in a group together. If you change it for one of the labels, it will be changed for all other labels in the group.

Moving, Resizing, and Rotating Labels​

Once the labels are on the drawing, you can use grips or the commands described below to modify their location.

To use grips, select the entity on the drawing. Grips will be displayed on the corners and center of each label. For label groups, grips will be displayed for the whole group.

The corner grips work exactly like MTEXT grips. One corner acts as the anchor point; when you move it, the whole label/group will move. The other corners control the width of the label/group. The label will wrap if you reduce the width.

If the Alignment ▾ field for the label is set to Center, there will also be a grip at the top center of the label that will act as the anchor.

You can also use the Move Label command to move a label. Select the label to move, then specify the new location for the label. There is no difference between moving the label with the grips versus using this command.

The grip in the center of the label/group will adjust its rotation angle. You can also use the Rotate Label command to rotate a label. Select the label to rotate, then specify the new rotation angle. Using the command allows you to specify the angle by selecting a point or, unlike using the grips, directly inputting a value.

Adding Leaders​

Leaders can be inserted from the labels as part of the entity.

Use the Insert Leader command to insert a leader. Select the label to add the leader to, then specify the ending location for the leader.

Use the Remove Leader command to remove a leader.

Once a leader is inserted, you can move its location by selecting the entity and using grips.

Reusing Label Layouts​

Once you have spent time arranging the labels on your one-line diagram, you will probably want to reuse that layout in other locations. There are two different ways to reuse your label layout:

  • Use the Match Labels and Graphics command to copy the labels from one entity onto others.

    First, select the entity with the correct labels, then select the entities to copy the labels to. The location of the labels and the Prefix, Suffix, Alignment ▾, and Scale values will all be changed to match the original entity. The specific values of the new labels will be based upon your model. If you need to change those values, make those changes directly to the device itself.

    When this command is used on distribution equipment or branch circuit equipment, the panel box size or block that is used will also be matched in addition to the labels.

    When this command is used on feeders, the label locations will be matched as closely as possible based upon the current routing of the feeder. If the feeders generally run parallel to each other, the match command works well. It can get confused if the feeders routes are different. The command also matches the location of the blocks on the feeder in addition to the labels.

  • You can also create a custom one-line diagram block with labels for use in other projects using the Create One-Line Diagram Block from One-Line Diagram command. This command is covered in greater detail in the Creating a Custom Block with Labels section below.

Creating Custom Blocks​

The default blocks our software provides likely will not match the graphics you currently use on your one-line diagram. Learn how to create new blocks that work with our software to keep your one-line diagram looking as close your current ones as possible.

Creating a Custom Block from Entities Inserted on the Current Drawing​

The simplest way to create a block is to use the Create One-Line Diagram Block from Entities command.

Before you run the command, draw what the block should look like in AutoCAD. You can insert a block you have previously created or draw it from scratch.

Once the graphics look correct, run the command. A dialog box will appear with the following settings to configure your block:

Block Drawing File Name: The name of the drawing file that will be created to store this custom block. Enter a name you can use to determine when this block should be used.

By default, the block will be saved in your customization folder. Generally, this should not be changed. If you do change it, the block needs to eventually end up in an AutoCAD support path so Design Master Electrical can use it.

☐ Move Entities to Layer 0: If this box is checked, all of the entities in the block will be moved to layer 0. Our blocks treat layers the same way AutoCAD does. If you are unfamiliar with making blocks in your CAD program, leave this box checked. If you are experienced with making blocks and know what layers you want to use, you can uncheck this box and set the layers manually.

🔘 Block Type: Whether the block is being created for a piece of distribution equipment; an equipment connection or other branch circuit device; a block that will be inserted on a Feeder, such as overcurrent protection or a fuse; or a meter. The type you select will control which block list it will be added to.

Upstream Connection Points: ▾ The number of connection points for upstream devices. The upstream connection point is used for the default ending location of the feeder to the distribution equipment or branch circuit device. This field is disabled for feeders and meters.

Select None if the block will not be used for distribution equipment that has a feeder, such as a utility transformer or generator.

Select Two if the block will have two incoming feeders, such as a transfer switch or UPS.

Upstream Feeder Connection Direction: ▾ The direction the upstream feeder will come from to connect to the distribution equipment. It can come from the left, above, or below. This value is used during the Generate Riser command for the initial placement of the feeder. This field is disabled for feeders and meters.

Downstream Connection Point: ▾ Whether the equipment has a connection point for downstream feeders. The downstream connection point is used for the default starting location of any feeders leaving the equipment. This field is disabled for feeders and meters.

Downstream Feeder Connection Direction:  ▾The direction the downstream feeders will leave the distribution equipment. The feeder can go to the right, to above, or to below. This value is used during the Generate Riser command for the initial placement of the feeder. This field is disabled for feeders and meters.

☐ Create slide: Slides are used in the dialog boxes to display a preview of the block. If this box is checked, a slide will automatically be created based upon the block.

Block Color: The color of the block in the slide that is created.

☐ Create record in project database: Whether the block is added to the list in the current project. Check this box to make the block immediately available in your project; uncheck it if you do not plan to use it in the current project.

☐ Create record in master database: Whether the block is added to the list in the master database. If this block is added to the master database, it will be included for use in all projects that are created after it is added. To add the block to projects that have already been created, use the Copy Master List to Project command after the block has been added.

Display Name: The name displayed for the block in the block selection list.

After everything is set, press the  button to create the block. You will be prompted to select the entities to use in the block and specify the connection points if appropriate. The slide will be created and the records in the block lists will be added if requested.

Creating a Custom Block from an Existing Drawing​

If you already have a drawing file for the block you want to use, use the Create One-Line Diagram Block from This Drawing command to turn it into a block that works with our one-line diagram.

Open the drawing in AutoCAD and make sure it has all of the graphics in it that you want to include. Then, run the above command to add some additional information for use as a one-line diagram block. You will be asked a series of questions about how the block will be used and for the locations of various connection points.

Creating a Custom Block with Labels​

Distribution equipment can be represented by a special entity we call a panel box. It is a resizeable box that can have a bus bar and a few other graphics included in it. Typically, panel boxes will be configured the same way for most panels in your projects. You can use the Create One-Line Diagram Block from One-Line Diagram command to save a panel box layout that you have created. You can also use the command to save the label layout of a custom block.

Before you run the command, insert a piece of distribution equipment using our custom panel box entity. Set the size and shape of the rectangle correctly. Turn the bus bar on or off as desired and locate the main disconnect. If you insert a meter on the bus bar, the meter will be saved and inserted along with the panel box.

Insert any labels you want to have on the panel box or custom block. Their locations and settings will be saved.

Once the panel box or custom block looks correct, run the command. A dialog box will appear that is similar to the Create One-Line Diagram Block from Entities dialog box described above. The connection points for a panel box will be based upon the location of the bus bar. The connection points for a custom block will be based upon the original definition of the block. The slide fields are left out because a slide will be created automatically.

After everything is set, press the  button to create the block. Select the panel box or custom block. You can also choose to select additional entities at this time. These entities will be inserted at the same time. You can use these additional entities for graphics you want to include beyond the basic box, bus bar, and labels. For example, you could add graphics that represent a ground wire.

Once you have selected all of the entities, a custom block and slide will be created. The block is used like other custom blocks for distribution equipment. If the block is based on a panel box, it will still behave like a panel box and its size and shape can be modified. Labels will be inserted along with the block. You can modify them using our standard label commands.

Updating the Image Displayed in the Dialog Boxes​

The Create One-Line Diagram Block from Entities and Create One-Line Diagram Block from One-Line Diagram commands also create a slide file. The slide file is used to display a preview of the block when it is selected in a dialog box. The slide file has the same name as the block file, but uses a .sld extension instead of .dwg.

If a slide did not get created or you want to change it, you can use the Create Slide command.

Before running the command, stage how you want the image to look; the slide will be a snapshot of what is currently on your drawing. Once you are happy with how it looks, run the Create Slide command. You will be prompted to enter a name for the slide, then draw a box around the area of the drawing to use for the slide.

note

To use the slide for a specific block, the slide file name must be the same as the block file name.

Feeders​

The automatically inserted feeders will not always be in the right location. Learn about how to move and update them to make the connections between panels readable. You can also customize how feeder breaks and feeder IDs are displayed.

Feeder Breaks​

When feeders cross, a break is automatically inserted. You cannot move or modify these breaks.

The breaks are updated when you run the Update One-Line Diagram command. They do not automatically update as you modify your feeders.

Customizing Feeder Breaks​

The default feeder break is a gap in the feeder line. You can customize this graphic to show something else if you prefer. In the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command, the Wire break block option is used for the appearance of the break.

The default block is dm_elec-oneline-break. We also provide a dm_elec-oneline-breakLoop block that uses an arc where the feeders cross.

To use another shape, you must create a new block. We recommend opening one of the existing breaker blocks and using the AutoCAD SAVEAS command to give it a new name. You can then modify the graphics of the break to give it the appearance you want.

There are two attributes, IN and OUT, that already exist in the block and must be present. The feeder line will connect where these attributes are located.

Labeling Feeder Size​

There are two main ways to label the size of a feeder. You can insert the feeder size directly on the one-line diagram with a label, or you can insert a feeder ID that refers to a size in a schedule.

Use the Insert and Modify Labels command to insert the feeder size as a label. Select the feeder, then turn on the size label you want to use. The Feeder label displays the full feeder callout, including conduit size and all wire sizes. The Wire Size label only displays the size of the conductors.

Feeder IDs are included on the feeders by default. To turn them on or off, in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command, use the Insert feeder IDs inside feeder lines ▾ option.

When the option is turned on, the feeder ID will be inserted inside the feeder automatically.

Customizing the Feeder ID Block​

The default feeder ID block is a hexagon surrounding the feeder ID. You can change the block used with the Insert Feeder Schedule command. You can enter a block name in the Feeder ID Block field or press the  button to select a block file.

Several feeder ID blocks are included by default. These feeder ID blocks are stored in your customization folder as dm_elec-feederID-<Shape and version number>.dwg.

To use another shape, you must create a new block. We recommend opening one of the existing feeder ID blocks and using the AutoCAD SAVEAS command to give it a new name. You can then modify the graphics of the block to give it the appearance you want. There are five attributes that already exist in the block and must be present:

  • ID: The feeder ID attribute. The value of this attribute will be set to the ID for the feeder when it is inserted in the one-line diagram. The style, justification, and size of this attribute will be used exactly as defined in the block. Adjust these values for the text appearance that you want.
  • LEFT/RIGHT: The points on the left and right side of the feeder ID. The feeder line will connect to these two locations when the feeder ID is used on a horizontal segment. Move these attributes so they are on the left and right edges of your feeder ID.
  • TOP/BOTTOM: The points on the top and bottom of the feeder ID. The feeder line will connect to these two locations when the feeder ID is used on a vertical segment. Move these attributes so they are on the top and bottom edges of your feeder ID.

Once the block looks correct, save it, then run the Insert Feeder Schedule command and set Feeder ID Block to the block.

You can also change the format of the feeder ID itself in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command, using the Feeder ID format option.

For more information about the formats available, visit the Feeder IDs article in the knowledge base.

Locating Feeder Labels​

When you move a feeder label, if you move it close to the feeder line, it will jump next to the line for you. In the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command, the Insert labels inside feeder lines ▾ option controls how the label aligns itself to the feeder.

If the option is set to No, the label is inserted directly above or below the feeder line.

If the option is set to Yes, the label is inserted inside the line, with the feeder line being broken around it.

Small Changes to the Feeder Route​

The initial feeder can sometimes be wrong. If it is close to correct, you can add and remove segments and use grips to modify the length and location of those segments.

To move the feeder, select it on the drawing. Use the grips to move the ends, corners, or middle of the segments.

If the start or end of the feeder is not pointed in the right direction (horizontal vs vertical), use the Add Segment to End of Feeder command. Select the feeder near the end that is incorrect. A new segment will be added to the end of the feeder. Once the new segment is inserted, use grips to adjust the location.

If you need to make an additional turn with the feeder, use the Add Segment to Middle of Feeder command. Select the feeder at the location where you want to break a segment. The segment will be broken and a new segment will be inserted. The appearance of the feeder will not immediately change. Select the feeder and use the grips to move one side of the broken segment or the other.

Redraw Feeder​

Sometimes, the path of a feeder can be so wrong that it would be simpler to start over. In these cases, you can use the Redraw Feeder command to insert the feeder from scratch. You can specify the location of the feeder from start to finish, as well as new locations for the blocks and labels on the feeder.

Node and Tangent Osnaps​

Feeders use the Node and Tangent osnaps for special purposes. These osnaps are especially helpful when manually redrawing a feeder.

The Node osnap will snap to a point that is offset from one end of the feeder. The distance is determined by the Feeder offset multiplier set in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command. This snap is useful for arranging sets of feeders coming from a single panel. To turn on the Node osnap while running a command, type NOD at the command line.

The Tangent osnap will snap to a perpendicular point that is offset from the feeder. The distance is determined by the the Feeder offset multiplier set in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command. This snap is useful when running a feeder parallel to a feeder that is already inserted on the drawing. To turn on the Tangent osnap while running a command, type TAN at the command line.

Align Feeder​

Use the Align Feeder command to line two feeder segments up with each other. It is useful when you have two parallel feeders that need to turn in different directions or you have a series of feeders connecting distribution equipment.

First, select the feeder segment that is in the right location. Then, select the feeder segment that you want to move. The second segment will be moved so that it is on the same line as the first feeder segment.

Offset Feeder​

The Offset Feeder command allows you to evenly space out your feeders. The distance is determined by the Feeder offset multiplier set in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options command.

First, select the feeder segment that is in the right location. Then, select the feeder segment that you want to move. Finally, specify a point on one side of the first segment. The second feeder segment will be moved.

You have the option to continue to select feeder segments. Each segment will then be offset from the last segment that was moved. You will not be prompted to select a side again. The feeders will continue to offset to the same side.

Swap Feeder​

Use the Swap Feeder command to switch the location of two feeders. This command is typically used when reordering feeders coming from the same panel due to changes in the rest of the diagram. This way, you can easily move them around without losing your spacing or general routing.

To use the command, select two parallel feeder segments on different feeders. The location of the feeder segments will be swapped with each other. The swap will often cause the two feeders to cross each other. The command will follow the feeders and swap segments until they no longer cross.

Making Changes After the Initial Generation​

The one-line diagram that is created the first time you run the Generate One-Line or Generate Riser command is typically not what your final version will look like. The initial layout might need to be modified to be more clear. Changes will be made that must be reflected in the diagram. Learn about adding new panels, moving panels, updating and changing graphics, and generally keeping your one-line diagram synchronized with the rest of your design.

The Update Command​

For many changes you make to your model, the one-line diagram will update automatically. However, you can make sure your one-line diagram is fully up-to-date by running the Update One-Line Diagram command.

The following changes take place during an update:

  • All labels will be updated with the correct values.
  • Layers will be updated.
  • Any distribution equipment that has been removed from the project will be removed from the one-line diagram.
  • Any connections between distribution equipment that have changed will be updated.

Inserting New Distribution Equipment​

There are two ways you can add distribution equipment to your one-line diagram after it is initially generated:

  • Use the Insert Distribution Equipment command to manually insert a piece of distribution equipment on the drawing. Once you specify a location on the drawing, feeders will be inserted to any upstream or downstream equipment.

  • Use the Generate One-Line or Generate Riser command again. Any distribution equipment that is missing from the drawing will be inserted automatically along with any corresponding feeders. Distribution equipment and feeders that are already inserted will not be modified.

Moving Distribution Equipment​

There are two ways you can move distribution equipment that is inserted on your drawing:

  • Use the standard AutoCAD MOVE command. This method works well when you have a small number of entities to move.

    Select the distribution equipment and move it to a new location.

    If you do not select the feeder, it will stay in the same location except for the part connected to the distribution equipment you moved.  The connected end will move with the distribution equipment.

    If you do select the feeder, it will stay in the same shape but move with the distribution equipment. The end not connected to the distribution equipment will stay where it is to maintain the connection to the other piece of equipment.

  • Use the Move Distribution Equipment command to move everything connected to a piece of distribution equipment. This method works well when you need to move a large group of connected equipment.

    You will be prompted to select a piece of distribution equipment. That equipment, along with all of the downstream feeders and connected distribution equipment, will be selected.

    Move the distribution equipment as you would with the AutoCAD MOVE command. All of the selected items will be moved together.

Modifying Feeders​

For information on modifying feeders, refer to the Feeders section above.

Modifying Distribution Equipment Values​

To make changes to the underlying model for a piece of distribution equipment, use the Edit Distribution Equipment command. Select the piece of distribution equipment to modify and the corresponding dialog box will appear. You can also make changes using the Distribution Equipment commands.

Changing the Blocks Used​

To change the graphics that are used in the one-line diagram, use the Change Graphics command.

If you select a piece of distribution equipment, you can change the graphic that is used for the equipment.

If you select a feeder, you can change the graphics used for the different blocks that are inserted on the feeder. You can select multiple feeders and change all of their graphics at the same time using this command.

Changing Layers​

To change the layers used in the one-line diagram, use the Change Layer System command.

Select a piece of distribution equipment or a feeder, then select the layer system that should be used.

Meters​

Meters are not explicitly modeled or automatically inserted in the one-line diagram. However, they can be manually inserted and updated.

Use the Insert Meter command to insert a meter on the one-line diagram. Meters can be inserted on the bus of a panel or on a feeder.

Use grips to change the location of the meter. It will stay connected to the bus or the feeder no matter where you move it.

Use the Remove Meter command to remove a meter.

Use the Change Layer System command to change the layer of the meter. If the panel or feeder has a meter on it, you will be asked for the new layer system of the panel or feeder and the new layer system of the meter.

A few options for the meter graphics are included in the default customization. You can add more using the tools described in the Creating Custom Blocks section above.

Inserting Ground Wires and Other Graphics​

Our one-line diagram feature will probably not be able to draw everything you need to properly document your electrical design. Fortunately, whatever you cannot draw with our software can be drawn manually using standard AutoCAD commands.

One example is ground wires. Company standards for how ground wire systems are drawn and connected to different pieces of distribution equipment vary widely.

Another example is the structural elements of the building. You may need to indicate where on the building the grounding wires connect, or draw lines indicating different floors of the building or different rooms.

Our software draws as much of the one-line diagram as is practical, based upon the model that we have. For some details, using standard AutoCAD commands to draft is the best solution.