ACE draw a 3 phase contactor with a coil relay

[Paul_ReedJUSCB]

I'm pretty new to ACE, watched several online courses but can't figure out how to make a contactor with a coil/relay in the software. I understand the items have to be split and I did find the contactor (M) but I can't figure out how to put the coil and the contacts to make them look properly.
What I needI tried these two options but they aren't correct

Ideally, I need it to look like on the screenshot below - this is almost exactly what I need to replicate, but I was told this was done in a different software:

P.s. I checked the drawing drawing 2 from NFPADemo, Rung 207 and was wondering if that was the similar setup?

[arshdeepsingh404 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Paul_ReedJUSCB ,

See the attached sample NFPA drawing for basic motor control wiring.

It is very similar to the circuit found in the NFPA demo project.

To make a coil and contacts combo, you need insert the coil symbol first, i.e. the Motor Starter Coil. This will be the parent symbol that generates the tag like M1.

Then you can insert the contacts symbols. These will be the child symbols and will be linked to the parent coil that you inserted earlier.

If you are new to parent/child symbol relationships, here is an article that might help.

https://blog.hagerman.com/autocad-electrical-a-family-affair

Feel free to download and modify the attached dwg as you like.

Please note that the attached dwg is drawn with the NFPA library, The screenshot that you provided references IEC Library symbols.

Both of these libraries are available in AutoCAD Electrical.

[Paul_ReedJUSCB]

Hello @arshdeepsingh404 

Happy New Year and thank you for the explicit reply!

For those who will research it like I did, it's always easier to first separate the power and control circuit on the paper, split the components and then draw in the software. Especially if you're new to it.
Thx

[arshdeepsingh404 · Accepted solution]

You're welcome and Happy New Year!

The M1 in the control circuit is the coil, I forgot to label A1 and A2.

Control components are typically drawn separately from power components because the control circuit operates at a much lower voltage than the power circuit. This separation helps improve clarity and ensures safety.

The most common control voltage is Class 2, 24VDC, which is both safe to touch and ideal for operating devices like pushbuttons and pilot lights.

In a control circuit, components such as the coil (A1, A2) and auxiliary contact (13, 14) operate at this low voltage and are specifically designed to control the higher-voltage power circuit indirectly.

On the other hand, the power circuit handles the voltage and current required to drive equipment like motors. The power contacts (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) are responsible for switching this higher voltage like 480V - 600V directly to the motor or other devices. These are drawn on the power side of the schematic for clarity.

Although there is nothing stopping you to draw all the devices together. In your case, The control voltage for the Finder contactor 22.44.0.230.4310 is 230 volts anyway.

1. You can use the 2nd Starter Contact to add aux contacts on power side.

2. Drop a new contact under the power contacts

3. Link the new child contact to the parent coil like M2.

4. Use AELINK command to add a dashed line if you like.

You can also move the coil under if you want to show everything in the same spot.

[Paul_ReedJUSCB]

This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Very helpful, thank you @arshdeepsingh404 I really, really appreciate your input!!