Defining Routing Paths

The routing paths define the path the wires or cables use for routing. Without these paths, the software routes the wires or cables the shortest path between the components regardless of the installation mates.

The placement of routing paths is mandatory for coherent routing.

To define routing paths:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D menu: Click Define Routing Path .
    • In the menu, click Tools > SOLIDWORKS Electrical > Define Routing Path .
    When you run Define Routing Path, the panel displays the options for creating routing paths. The routing path is based on sketches, where you can use lines, arcs, and splines.
  2. In the Define Routing Path PropertyManager, under Action, click:
    • Create sketch to create a new sketch.
    • Convert sketch to use an existing sketch. You can select one or several sketches.
  3. Under Sketch color, click Select color to choose a new color.
    To differentiate SOLIDWORKS sketches from routing sketches, you can select a sketch color. The sketches representing the routing paths are named EW_PATH <order number>.

    You do not have to join the routing paths between sketches. When you launch the routing, parameters manage connection tolerances. You can integrate these routing paths into the subassemblies, as ducts for example.