Using layers to color-code wires

[vasiqshair]

I am posting this after a recent experience where the panel builder used red wire for 24VDC signal wires. The signal originates from a VFD's control board I/O pin "VO24", and I foolishly assumed this was enough information, and of course all wires on my drawing are black. So in summary, I did not specify the signal voltage on my drawing and expected the panel builder to just know what color wires to use.

I think the remedy to this is using layers where I can have 24VDC signal wires on one layer, and 120VAC wires on another layer, with each layer being color-coded. So I was going to create another layer (say WIRES_24V) and set the color to blue. But it is my understanding that wires can only be on the WIRES layer, otherwise the wire will not cut when components are placed on it. Not sure if there is a way to subdivide a layer where all the wires are still on WIRES layer but different colors can be used for wires carrying different voltages. Please advise.

All wires in Drawing1 are 24VDC. 

[trabuck7]

This sounds like where the Wire Types should be coming into play. This is where you can create the 'layers' for your different wires. Read and learn more about the tools here:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/201...

Let me know if you have any questions about it!

Edit: this should also be helpful: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/201...

[jseefdrumr]

There is also a tool that will annotate the wires, labeling its color and gauge with a leader arrow. It does this based on the layer the wire is on. Find it at Schematic>Insert Wires/Wire Numbers>Wire Number Leader (pull down)>Wire Color/Gauge Labels.

There is a setup dialog where you can specify the text that you want to label a wire with, for instance I have a layer called WB_14AWG but I have its label set to say 'WHT/BLU 14AWG'.

[robert_creel]

I use this method also.................in addition, my line thickness varies according to wire gauge---a #10 is visibly thicker than a #18. I have a LOW VOLTAGE & a HIGH VOLTAGE template saved with all wire types that will normally be needed.

A color printout for the builder will also go a long way to reducing confusion.................and help the maintenance department later on

[vasiqshair]

Did you create the "WB_14AWG" layer? How does ACADE know this layer pertains to wires and not just normal lines?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

To complement my collegues suggestions, I'll try to go step by step on the creation of a new wire layer:

1. Go to edit wire/wire numbers and select the Create/Edit Wire Type

2. Fill the WireColor and Size fields, according to the default format on the "layer" frame ($C_$S), these fields are needed to give a name to the layer. Also make sure to select the correct color, linetype, etc. on the Layer frame at the right bottom. Click "OK"

3. go again to edit wire/wire numbers but this time select Cahnge/convert Wire type, then select the "wire type" you want to use and the pick all the wires you want to change.

4. Finally you can insert the wire properties in text mode by doing a right click on the wire and sleect Wire Color/gauge Label.

[trabuck7]

To answer your question about how ACADE knows what layers are Wires vs Lines, is that when you use the Create/Edit Wire Type dialog, the program adds that information to the hidden block WD_M. The rest is coding behind the scenes as to how that information is accessed and used.

[vasiqshair]

That works very well. Now, more on the aesthetics side, is there a way to make the color/gauge text inline? The "wire color/gauge label" tool only gives the leader/no leader option. And what about the font type and size of the text. I guess that would depend on the layer the text is on.