How to Create an Electrical Drawing in AutoCAD Using Electrical Symbols

When creating an electrical drawing in AutoCAD, it's essential to use the correct symbols to ensure accuracy and clarity. One of the most popular ways to create electrical drawings is by using the Electrical Symbol Library add-on for AutoCAD and LT.

To begin, make sure you have installed the Electrical Symbol Library add-on in your AutoCAD software. Once installed, start AutoCAD and navigate to the Menubar heading where you will find headings for the libraries you have installed. Choose Imperial or Metric symbols as per your requirement.

The first step is to select the correct symbol library. In this case, we are using the ASNI Y32.2 Symbol Library, which supports both ANSI and IEC standards. You can choose between the (Imp) version for Standard sized drawing sheets and the (Met) version for Metric sized drawing sheets. Selecting the wrong library will result in 'mini-sized' electrical symbols.

To create a simple circuit layout, start by clicking on the Ortho mode (F8) to enable rotation of the symbol in 90-degree increments. This is particularly useful when creating complex circuits that require precise alignment.

Next, drag the symbol towards the bottom center of the drawing sheet and double-left-click to transfer it to the drawing. You can then rotate the symbol to its desired orientation using the Ortho mode.

To draw a circuit, let's try a simple Electric Motor Stop/Start circuit. Double-left-click on the relay coil of your choice to anchor it into the drawing. From the drop-down menu, left-click on 'Relays' and then select the required symbol.

In addition to selecting the correct symbol library, ensure that Snap settings are set correctly to either 1/4' or 1/2' to help align the electrical schematic. You can toggle OSNAP settings in AutoCAD by hitting the F8 key.

By following these steps, you can create a precise and accurate electrical drawing using the Electrical Symbol Library add-on for AutoCAD and LT. The library provides a wide range of symbols that support both ANSI and IEC standards, making it an essential tool for any electrical engineer or designer.

Autocad lt electrical symbols