Insert Components

The list of available components is shown in the dockable panel. This list relates to the components that can be inserted into the 3D assembly that is currently open.

When the component is inserted, it is automatically checked and the contextual menu is revised.

Right-clicking a mark gives you the option to insert the component.

Insert: The workflow is to look if a 3D file is associated to the manufacturer part (from the manufacturer part properties > 3D part). If nothing is defined SOLIDWORKS Electrical looks inside the SOLIDWORKS\sldprt folder (first, in the project folder and after in the software folder), a part with the same name as the manufacturer part reference, if nothing is found, SOLIDWORKS Electrical looks at the classification node of the manufacturer part to see if a file has been defined, then goes through all the parent nodes and checks if a 3D part is defined. In the end, it will use the default part EW_DEFAULT.sldprt. The scale of the assembly changes during insertion (in X, Y, and Z) in order to comply with its dimensions stored in the manufacturer part.

Insert as...:

Used for specific components as Cabinets, ducts or rails. Select in the menu the command in regard to the element type. A specific 3D part is inserted using the manufacturer part dimensions.

You can also double-click on the manufacturer part, SOLIDWORKS Electrical uses the manufacturer part classification to select the 3D part to insert.

3D parts used are:

EW_CABINET.SLDASM to Insert cabinet.

EW_DUCT_H.SLDASM to insert horizontal duct.

EW_DUCT_V.SLDASM to insert vertical duct.

EW_RAIL_H.SLDPRT to insert horizontal rail.

EW_RAIL_V.SLDPRT to insert vertical rail.

You are free to replace those files with the one you want.

Insert from file...:  Lets you insert a user-defined component (this will open a dialog where you can select your preferred SOLIDWORKS file). As with the previous command, the scale of the file changes to insert it with the dimensions of the manufacturer part.

Each type of component has its insertion command. For example, you cannot insert a rail by using the cabinet insertion command.

Multi-insertion

If you select several components, the Insertion order dialog box opens allowing you to manage the order of the insertion of the components. In the same way, if you want to insert a component with several associated manufacturer parts, you can manage the order of the component insertion.

The dockable panel displays options:

Multiple insertion: Select the side used to insert the second and the next components.

Spacing: Enter the space between two 3D parts.

This process is also used during the terminal strip insertion.

• Insert cabinet

• Insert rail or duct

• Insert component

• Insert Terminal strip

Insert cabinet

If you have a SOLIDWORKS cabinet representation file, use the Insert from file... command, available in the contextual menu. If you do not have an associated file, use the Insert command. SOLIDWORKS Electrical will use the generic file and will automatically generate a cabinet that matches your manufacturer part dimensions.

Insert rail or a duct

The rails and ducts are managed as cabinet accessories. To insert a rail, use the commands Insert, Insert from file... or Insert as vertical rail or Insert as horizontal rail accessible from the contextual menu.

The ducts and rails have pre-Mates allowing you to be placed on the base of the cabinet. Validate this Mate when inserting.

To assemble ducts, use the Mates command in the Assembly menu.

During insertion, the dockable panel will update allowing you to define the length.

Define Length

Length: Enter the length and click the green tick to validate.

Insert component

To insert the components, use the commands Insert or Insert from file... described previously. The component will be displayed in the graphical area. Click a point to insert it. According to the mate references created on the 3D assembly, if you click a point on a rail, the assembly is automatically centered on it.

Insert Terminal strips

You have two commands for inserting terminals. Either you insert the terminals one by one, or you can insert the terminal strip directly. If you want to insert the terminals individually, use the Insert terminals command from the terminal reference contextual menu. If you want to insert the complete terminal strip, use the Insert terminals command available in contextual menu of the terminal strip.

Click the insertion point to place the first terminal.

The dockable panel changes displaying insertion options.

Insert Terminals

Insert terminals: Indicates the insertion direction (right or left) of the other terminals.

Spacing: Enter the distance between two terminals.

Insert base manufacturer part only: Check this option not to insert the terminal trip accessories or auxiliaries.