Q: How is the layer chosen for the circuit loops drawn between devices?

A: There are a number of settings that control the layer chosen for circuit loops.

The “Default circuit layer system” Option

The Default circuit layer system option controls the layer system that is used for the circuit. To view or change this option, use the Options command.

Ribbon: DME: Customization-> Project Customization->  Options

Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical->Customization->Options->Edit Project List

The option is in the Circuits, Load Types, and Wire Sizes section.

The original setting in the customization is Same as Distribution Equipment. When this setting is selected, the circuits will use the same layer system as the distribution equipment it is connected to.

You can change it to be a specific layer system. If you do, all of the circuits in the project will use the layer system you select.

The Distribution Equipment “Layer System” Setting

If the Default circuit layer system option above is set to Same as Distribution Equipment, the circuit will use the same layer system as the distribution equipment it is connected to. To view or change this setting, use the relevant Distribution Equipment command.

Ribbon: DM Electrical->Distribution Equipment-><Distribution Equipment Type>

Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical->Distribution Equipment-><Distribution Equipment Type>

In the dialog box, find the Layer System field. The selected layer system will be used for the distribution equipment and all circuits connected to it.

The Circuit “Layer System” Setting

To view or change the layer system for individual circuits, use the Circuiting command.

Ribbon: DM Electrical->Circuiting and Homeruns->  Circuiting

Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical->Circuiting and Homeruns->Circuiting

Select the circuit. In the Circuit Information section, find the Layer System setting. This setting can be changed to any layer system in the project, or set to use the default layer system defined by the Default circuit layer system option.

The Device the Loop is Connected To

Each type of device can have a different layer used for the loops. To view and change the layers, use the Layers command.

Ribbon: DME: Customization->Project Customization->  Layers

Pulldown Menu: DM Electrical->Customization->Layers->Edit Project List

Select the Layer System in the top-left grid.  In the top-right grid, find the layer keys that being with “CIRCUITS.” Locate the layer key that corresponds to the type of device the loop is drawn from.

For example, a loop drawn from a receptacle uses the “CIRCUITS-RECEPTACLES” layer key. The original layer associated with this layer key is “EN-POWER-CIRC” for the New layer system and “EE-POWER-CIRC” for the Existing layer system.

Whether the Loop is a Homerun

Loops and homeruns use different layer keys. The “CIRCUITS-<DEVICE TYPE>” layer key is used for the loops between devices. The “CIRCUITS-<DEVICE TYPE>-HOMERUN” layer key is used for homerun loops.