Feeder Breaks

When feeders cross, a break is automatically inserted. You cannot move or modify these breaks.

The breaks are updated when the Update One-Line Diagram command is run. They do not automatically update as you modify your feeders.

Customizing Feeder Breaks

The default feeder break is a gap in the feeder line. You can customize this graphic to show something else if you prefer. The Wire break block option, located in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options dialog box, is used for the appearance of the break.

The default block is dm_elec-oneline-break. The dm_elec-oneline-breakLoop block uses an arc where the feeders cross.

To use another shape, you must create a new block. We recommend opening one of the existing breaker blocks and using the standard CAD Save As command to give it a new name. You can then modify the graphics of the break to give it the appearance you want.

There are two attributes, IN and OUT, that already exist in the block and must be kept. The feeder line will connect where these attributes are located.

Labeling Feeder Size

There are two main ways to label the size of a feeder. You can insert the feeder size directly on the one-line diagram with a label, or you can insert a feeder ID that refers to a size in a schedule.

Use the Insert and Modify Labels command to insert the feeder size as a label. Select the feeder, then turn on the size label you want to use. The Feeder label gives the whole feeder callout, including conduit size and all wire sizes. The Wire Size label only displays the size of the conductors.

Feeder IDs are included on the feeders by default. To turn them on or off, use the Insert feeder IDs inside feeder lines option, located in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options dialog box. Set the option to Yes to turn them on or to No to turn them off.

When the option is turned on, the feeder ID will be inserted inside the feeder automatically.

Customizing the Feeder ID Block

The default feeder ID block is a hexagon surrounding the feeder ID. You can change the block used with the Insert Feeder Schedule command. You can enter a block name in the Feeder ID Block field or press the Browse button to select a block file.

Several feeder ID blocks are included by default. These feeder ID blocks are stored in your customization folder as dm_elec-feederID-<Shape and version number>.dwg.

To use another shape, you must create a new block. We recommend opening one of the existing feeder ID blocks and using the standard CAD Save As command to give it a new name. You can then modify the graphics of the block to give it the appearance you want. There are five attributes that already exist in the block and must be kept:

• ID: The feeder ID attribute. The value of this attribute will be set to the ID for the feeder when it is inserted in the one-line diagram. The style, justification, and size of this attribute will be used exactly as defined in the block. Adjust these values as desired for the text appearance that you want.
• LEFT/RIGHT: The points on the left and right side of the feeder ID. The feeder line will connect to these two locations when the feeder ID is used on a horizontal segment. Move these attributes so they are on the left and right edges of your feeder ID.
• TOP/BOTTOM: The points on the top and bottom of the feeder ID. The feeder line will connect to these two locations when the feeder ID is used on a vertical segment. Move these attributes so they are on the top and bottom edges of your feeder ID.

Once the block looks correct, save it, then run the Insert Feeder Schedule command and set Feeder ID Block to the block.

You can also change the format of the feeder ID itself using the Feeder ID format option, located in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options dialog box.

For more information about the formats available, visit Feeder ID Formats.

Locating Feeder Labels

When you move a feeder label, if you move it close to the feeder line, it will jump next to the line for you. The Insert labels inside feeder lines option, located in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options dialog box, controls how the label aligns itself to the feeder.

If that option is set to No, the label is inserted directly above or below the feeder line.

If that option is set to Yes, the label is inserted inside the line, with the feeder line being broken around it.

Small Changes to the Feeder Route

The initial feeder can sometimes be wrong. If it is close to correct, you can add and remove segments and use grips to modify the length and location of those segments.

To move the feeder, select it on the drawing. Use the grips to move the ends, corners, or middle of the segments.

If the start or end of the feeder is not pointed in the right direction (horizontal vs vertical), use the Add Segment to End of Feeder command. Select the feeder near the end that is incorrect. A new segment will be added to the end of the feeder. Once the new segment is inserted, use grips to adjust the location.

If you need to make an additional turn with the feeder, use the Add Segment to Middle of Feeder command. Select the feeder at the location where you want to break a segment. The segment will be broken and a new segment will be inserted. The appearance of the feeder will not immediately change. Select the feeder and use the grips to move one side of the broken segment or the other.

Redraw Feeder

Sometimes, the path of a feeder can be so wrong that it would be simpler to start over. In these cases, you can use the Redraw Feeder command to insert the feeder from scratch. You will get to specify the location of the feeder from start to finish and new locations for the blocks and labels on the feeder.

Node and Tangent Osnaps

Feeders use the Node and Tangent osnaps for special purposes. These osnaps are especially helpful when manually redrawing a feeder.

The Node osnap will snap to a point that is offset from one end of the feeder. The distance is determined by the Feeder offset multiplier set in the Options dialog box. This snap is useful for arranging sets of feeders coming from a single panel. To turn on the Node osnap while running a command, type NOD at the command line.

The Tangent osnap will snap to a perpendicular point that is offset from the feeder. The distance is determined by the Feeder offset multiplier set in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options dialog box. This snap is useful when running a feeder parallel to a feeder that is already inserted on the drawing. To turn on the Tangent osnap while running a command, type TAN at the command line.

Align Feeder

Use the Align Feeder command to line two feeder segments up with each other. It is useful when you have two parallel feeders that need to turn in different directions or you have a series of feeders connecting distribution equipment.

First, select the feeder segment that is in the right location. Then, select the feeder segment that you want to move. The second segment will be moved so that it is on the same line as the first feeder segment.

Offset Feeder

The Offset Feeder command allows you to evenly space out your feeders. The distance is determined by the Feeder offset multiplier set in the One-Line Diagram section of the Options dialog box.

First, select the feeder segment that is in the right location. Then, select the feeder segment that you want to move. Finally, specify a point on one side of the first segment. The second feeder segment will be moved.

You have the option to continue to select feeder segments. Each segment will then be offset from the last segment that was moved. You will not be prompted to select a side again. The feeders will continue to offset to the same side.

Swap Feeder

Use the Swap Feeder command to switch the location of two feeders. This command is typically used when reordering feeders coming from the same panel due to changes in the rest of the diagram. This way, you can easily move them around without losing your spacing or general routing.

To use the command, select two parallel feeder segments on different feeders. The location of the feeder segments will be swapped with each other. The swap will often cause the two feeders to cross each other. The command will follow the feeders and swap segments until they no longer cross.