AutoCAD Electrical Software Online Course Curriculum (40 Hours)

Course Overview:

This 40-hour online course is designed to introduce students to AutoCAD Electrical software, focusing on its tools, features, and workflows specific to electrical design. The course will cover basic and advanced concepts of electrical schematics, panel design, and wiring diagrams. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create, modify, and manage electrical drawings and documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.

Module 1: Introduction to AutoCAD Electrical (4 hours)

Objective: Understand the basics of AutoCAD Electrical interface, file management, and core tools.

1. Overview of AutoCAD Electrical

   • Introduction to the interface

   • AutoCAD Electrical vs. AutoCAD (differences and advantages)

   • Navigating the workspace and ribbon

   • Working with projects and files

   • Setting up drawing templates

2. Basic AutoCAD Commands Refresher

   • Drawing, editing, and modifying objects

   • Layers, blocks, and groups

   • Coordinate system and object snapping

   • Keyboard shortcuts and customization

Module 2: Electrical Symbols and Components (6 hours)

Objective: Learn how to use and customize electrical symbols and components.

1. Electrical Symbol Library

   • Introduction to standard electrical symbols

   • Navigating and using the electrical symbol library

   • Placing electrical components (relays, switches, motors, etc.)

2. Creating and Editing Symbols

   • Creating custom electrical symbols

   • Editing symbol properties (attributes, etc.)

   • Using the “Symbol Builder” tool

   • Working with component catalogs

3. Tagging and Labeling Components

   • Applying component tags and descriptions

   • Tagging circuits automatically

   • Managing properties of electrical symbols

Module 3: Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Design (8 hours)

Objective: Learn how to design wiring diagrams and circuits for electrical systems.

1. Creating Wiring Diagrams

   • Connecting components with wires

   • Auto-wire tools and options

   • Customizing wire styles

   • Adding connection points

2. Circuit Design with AutoCAD Electrical

   • Creating power, control, and other circuit types

   • Adding and modifying circuit elements

   • Understanding and using relay logic

3. Automating Circuit Design

   • Auto-assigning components to circuits

   • Using automatic wire numbering and tagging

   • Circuit protection and components management

   • Using the Circuit Builder tool

4. Managing Circuit Schematics

   • Creating and managing multi-line circuits

   • Creating and working with relay logic diagrams

   • Managing component libraries for circuits

Module 4: Panel Layout Design (6 hours)

Objective: Understand the process of designing electrical panels.

1. Creating Panel Layouts

   • Working with panel templates

   • Placing components on the panel

   • Aligning and organizing components

2. Panel Wiring and Connections

   • Adding wiring to panel components

   • Managing wire connections

   • Customizing panel layout for ease of assembly

3. Panel Bill of Materials (BOM)

   • Generating BOMs for panels

   • Editing and exporting BOMs

   • Customizing BOM templates

4. AutoCAD Electrical Tools for Panel Design

   • Using the “Panel Layout” toolset

   • Managing electrical panel properties

   • Integrating panel layouts with electrical schematics

Module 5: Working with Project Files and Documentation (6 hours)

Objective: Learn how to organize, document, and generate drawings from AutoCAD Electrical projects.

1. Managing Electrical Projects

   • Creating and managing project files

   • Organizing project folders and drawings

   • Using Project Navigator

   • Project-wide properties and settings

2. Generating Schematics and Documentation

   • Creating electrical schematics and diagrams

   • Creating and managing title blocks

   • Applying standard drafting techniques for electrical design

   • Printing and plotting electrical drawings

3. Project Data Management

   • Managing component data in electrical projects

   • Data extraction and management tools

   • Using data linking for consistent updates

4. Creating Reports and Bill of Materials (BOM)

   • Creating and editing electrical reports

   • Customizing BOM output

   • Exporting reports to Excel and other formats

Module 6: Advanced Features and Customization (6 hours)

Objective: Explore advanced features of AutoCAD Electrical, including automation, customization, and integration.

1. Automation Tools and Features

   • AutoCAD Electrical automation tools overview

   • Using the “Auto-Draw” feature

   • Customizing and automating wire numbering

   • Automatic insertion of components and circuits

2. Customizing AutoCAD Electrical Interface

   • Modifying tool palettes, ribbons, and workspaces

   • Creating custom commands and macros

   • Customizing and creating new symbol libraries

   • Working with tool palettes for electrical design

3. Integrating with Other Software

   • Importing and exporting to other CAD programs

   • Integrating with other Autodesk products

   • Managing data for integration with PLCs and automation systems

Module 7: Troubleshooting and Best Practices (4 hours)

Objective: Learn to troubleshoot common issues and apply best practices in AutoCAD Electrical.

1. Troubleshooting Electrical Drawings

   • Common problems in electrical schematics

   • Correcting errors in wire numbering and connections

   • Managing and fixing issues in circuit design

2. Best Practices for Electrical Design

   • Standardizing designs and templates

   • Maintaining clean and readable drawings

   • Best practices for component organization

   • Managing large-scale electrical projects

3. File Management and Backup

   • Creating backups for large projects

   • Organizing files for collaboration

   • Tips for smooth teamwork and file-sharing

Module 8: Capstone Project (6 hours)

Objective: Apply learned concepts in a final project.

1. Capstone Project Setup

   • Introduction to the final project

   • Requirements and scope of the project

   • Creating electrical schematics and panel layouts for the project

2. Project Completion and Review

   • Completing the project

   • Reviewing the final design and documentation

   • Applying best practices and standards

   • Peer review and feedback session

Course Wrap-Up and Final Q&A (2 hours)

• Recap of the course and key takeaways

• Answering any final questions from participants

• Next steps for further learning

• Course evaluation and feedback