Insert Components

The list of available components appears in the dockable panel. This list specifies the components that you can insert into the open 3D assembly.

When you insert the component, the software validates the component and updates the shortcut menu. Right-click a component to insert it.

Insert

SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D determines if there is a 3D file associated with the manufacturer part (from manufacturer part properties > 3D part). If nothing is defined, the software searches SOLIDWORKS\sldprt (first, in the project folder and after in the software folder), for a part with the same name as the manufacturer part reference. If the software does not find a part, the software searches the classification node of the manufacturer part to see if a file is defined, then goes through all the parent nodes and determines if a 3D part is defined. Otherwise, the software uses the default EW_DEFAULT.SLDPRT. The assembly scale changes during insertion (in X, Y, and Z) to comply with the dimensions stored in the manufacturer part.

Insert As

You can use Insert As for specific components such as cabinets, ducts, or rails. Select in the menu the element type. The software inserts a specific 3D part using the manufacturer part dimensions. If you double-click the manufacturer part, the software uses the manufacturer part classification to select the 3D part to insert. The 3D parts are:
  • EW_CABINET.SLDASM to insert a cabinet.
  • EW_DUCT_H.SLDASM to insert a horizontal duct.
  • EW_DUCT_V.SLDASM to insert a vertical duct.
  • EW_RAIL_H.SLDPRT to insert a horizontal rail.
  • EW_RAIL_V.SLDPRT to insert a vertical rail.
You can replace the above files with others.

Insert from File

You can insert a user-defined component (this opens a dialog box where you can select a preferred SOLIDWORKS file). As with Insert As, the file scale changes to insert it with the dimensions of the manufacturer part. Each component type has its tool for insertion. For example, you cannot insert a rail using the cabinet insertion tool.

Multi-Insertion

If you select several components, you can use the Insertion order dialog box to manage the order of component insertion. Similarly, to insert a component with several associated manufacturer parts, you can manage the order of the component insertion.

  • Multiple insertion. Specifies the side used to insert the second and the next components.
  • Spacing. Specifies the space between two 3D parts.

Terminal strip insertion also uses this process.

Insert Cabinet

Right-click a cabinet and select Insert as cabinet . If you have a SOLIDWORKS cabinet representation file, select Insert from file. If you do not have an associated file, click Insert. SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D uses the generic file and generates a cabinet that matches the manufacturer part dimensions.

Insert Rail or Duct

Right-click a rail (or duct) and select Insert as horizontal (vertical) rail (duct) .

The software manages rails and ducts as cabinet accessories. To insert a rail, use Insert, Insert from file or Insert as vertical rail or Insert as horizontal rail from the shortcut menu.

Ducts and rails have saved mates to place on the base of the cabinet. Click to validate the mate while inserting.

To assemble ducts, click Assembly > Mates.

During insertion, the panel automatically updates to define the length.

Define Length

Length. Specifies the rail or duct length. Click to validate.

Insert Component

To insert a component:

  1. Right-click a component and select Insert .
  2. To insert components, use Insert or Insert from file.

    The component is displayed in the graphics area.

  3. Click a point to insert the component.

According to the mate references created on the 3D assembly, if you click a point on a rail, the assembly is automatically centered on the point.

Insert Terminal Strips

There are two tools for inserting terminals. You can insert each terminal individually, or you can insert the entire terminal strip.

To insert terminal strips:

  1. Right-click a terminal strip and select Insert terminals .
  2. To insert the terminals individually, click Insert terminals from the terminal reference shortcut menu.
  3. To insert the entire terminal strip, click Insert terminals in the shortcut menu of the terminal strip.
  4. Click the insertion point to place the first terminal.

    The dockable panel changes to insertion options.

Insert Terminals

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

Spacing. Specifies the distance between two terminals.

Insert base manufacturer part only Does not insert the terminal trip accessories or auxiliaries.