Terminal Schematic Symbols - How do you utilize them?

[Anonymous]

I know that AutoCAD Electrical has Square, Round, Hexagon, Diamond, and Triangle terminal symbols. I was wondering if this correlates to a specific standard for electrical design? If not, how do you use them to increase the level of detail within your schematics? Do you dedicate specific shapes to specific areas, voltages, or...?

Updating our ACADE setup and schematics and wanted to raise the question. Any input is greatly appreciated. 

[jseefdrumr]

Some standards will require you to use a certain shape for your terminal symbols. In the Icon Menu, ACADE gives you enough options to accommodate your needs.

I don't think that I've ever seen a schematic where terminals are depicted with multiple symbols; generally, a terminal is always the same shape regardless of its location or purpose.

While you could utilize multiple symbols for terminals if you wanted to (and if the standard you're drawing under allows it), my advice would be to not do so. Panel builders, technicians, maintenance personnel etc. all become accustomed to how things are done in their industry. There is a reasonable expectation, in their eyes, that a terminal symbol will always look the same. Having different symbols for terminals simply because of their voltage or for some other purpose wouldn't necessarily make sense to them, unless it's already done in their industry.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback. Are you able to give an example of a standard that requires a particular shape?

[jseefdrumr]

I know MILSPEC does, although I haven't done any military jobs for a while and I couldn't tell you which symbol they like. My current job uses a standard called DISCUS, which is specific to the distilled spirits industry, and it doesn't require a particular shape for terminals. The European standard does, I believe.

[testsubject]

I do use the different shapes to mean different things:

(I set my own standard....)

Round - two terminals

Triangle - Three Terminals

Square - Four terminals

Diamond - Sensor terminals. (Top:Signal, Middle:24V, Bottom:0V)

[jseefdrumr]

I was able to choose which shape to use, so I chose the diamond simply because circles and squares are in widespread use to depict so many things.

I briefly entertained the idea of using different shapes when doing intrinsically safe schematics, but dropped that after I received feedback from our panel shop. That feedback formed part of my original response to OP in this thread.

I like your idea of using the shapes to indicate how many levels are on a terminal though! Good intuitive setup. I've seen how you depict jumpers schematically and I bet this system works pretty well for you.

I therefore reserve the right to steal and implement your idea LOL

Thanks for chiming in!

[testsubject]

Jim,

Steal away! That is why we do this; to share and hopefully make everyone's day a little easier....