Free Trial Download and try today

Feeder ID Formats

Posted on July 25th, 2019. Last updated on January 11th, 2024.

When feeder IDs are generated, you can set the naming conventions for the IDs in the Options command in Design Master Electrical for AutoCAD and the Project Options command in ElectroBIM.

Find the Feeder ID format/Format option and set the format you want to use.

If you need to change the feeder ID format after starting a project, see Changing Feeder ID Formats.

There are three additional options related to feeder IDs:

  • Automatically create feeder IDs: Sets whether feeder IDs are automatically generated based upon the selected Feeder ID format. If this is set to No, you will be prompted to define each feeder ID as it is generated. This is useful if you want to create custom feeder IDs; otherwise, set it to Yes.
  • Copy feeder IDs to master schedule when created / Transfer feeder IDs from master schedule if possible: These options help ensure consistent feeder IDs across projects. When both options are enabled, feeder IDs will be pulled from the master schedule if they exist for the feeder types in the project; if a feeder ID does not exist, it will be generated and copied to the master schedule for future projects.
    • (Electrical only) If Feeder ID format is set to Sequential, these options are disabled.

Short

The Short format uses a compact format that describes the feeder.

If you combine the wire count for neutral and hot wires, this format lists the ampacity of the feeder and the number of wires. Feeders with an equipment ground (NEC 250.122) do not have any additional information.  Other feeders will have the following letters added to the end of the ID:

  • J: Service ground (NEC 250.102)
  • U: No ground
  • I: Isolated ground

If you separate the wire count for neutral and hot wires, this format lists the ampacity of the feeder. The number of hot wires is listed if it is 1 or 2. Feeders with a neutral and an equipment ground (NEC 250.122) do not have any additional information. Other feeders will have the following letters added to the end of the ID:

  • NN: Two neutrals
  • D: No neutral
  • J: Service ground (NEC 250.102)
  • U: No ground
  • I: Isolated ground

If two feeders use the same ID but are different (e.g., same ampacity and wire count but different material or conduit size), “.A” will be added to the end of the second ID. Subsequent IDs will have “.B”, “.C”, etc.

Long

The Long format uses a more descriptive format for the feeder ID that is meant to be easily understood without referring to the feeder schedule.

First, the feeders are labeled with the ampacity of the feeder.

Next, the number of wires in the feeder is listed. If you combine the wire count for neutral and hot wires, this format lists the combined neutral plus hot wire count. If you do not combine the wire count for neutral and hot wires, this format lists the hot wire count, then one of the following neutral designations:

  • N: One neutral
  • NN: Two neutrals
  • D: No neutral

Finally, if there is a ground, one of the following designations is added:

  • G: Equipment ground (NEC 250.122)
  • J: Service ground (NEC 250.102)
  • IG: Isolated ground

If two feeders use the same ID but are different (e.g., same ampacity and wire count but different material or conduit size), “-A” will be added to the end of the second ID. Subsequent IDs will have “-B”, “-C”, etc.

Size + letter (Electrical for AutoCAD Only)

The Size + letter format lists the ampacity and a single letter. The letter after the ampacity is consistent based upon the type of feeder but is not intended to be descriptive by itself.

If you combine the wire count for neutral and hot wires, the following letters are used:

  • A: 2 wires, no ground
  • B: 2 wires, ground
  • C: 3 wires, no ground
  • D: 3 wires, ground
  • E: 4 wires, no ground
  • F: 4 wires, ground
  • G+: Other configurations as they come up in a project.

If you do not combine the wire count for neutral and hot wires, the following letters are used:

  • A: 1 hot wire, neutral, no ground
  • B: 1 hot wire, neutral, ground
  • C: 2 hot wires, no neutral, no ground
  • D: 2 hot wires, no neutral, ground
  • E: 2 hot wires, neutral, no ground
  • F: 2 hot wires, neutral, ground
  • G: 3 hot wires, no neutral, no ground
  • H: 3 hot wires, no neutral, ground
  • I: 3 hot wires, neutral, no ground
  • J: 3 hot wires, neutral, ground
  • K+: Other configurations as they come up in a project.

Sequential (Electrical for AutoCAD Only)

The Sequential format uses a number for the ID. The IDs are generally ordered based upon the ampacity of the feeder. After the initial feeders are ordered, any new feeders are added to the end of the list. The IDs are stable during the project, but the list can end up with odd ordering depending upon how feeders are added to the project.

See Working with Sequential Feeder IDs for the recommended workflow when using this format.

Related Articles

Filter by
Post Page
Training Recording ElectroBIM ElectroBIM Training ElectroBIM Single-Line Diagrams ElectroBIM Customization Video ElectroBIM General Electrical One-Line Diagrams
Sort by

Training Recording: Custom Single-Line Diagram Feeder Graphics

Learn how to customize the feeder graphics for your single-line diagram. We will look at modifying the graphics provided with ElectroBIM and creating your own from scratch.

24

Training Recording: Feeder Callouts vs. Feeder IDs

The relationship between feeder IDs and feeder callouts is a bit different when you are using ElectroBIM than when you are sizing wires by hand. We talk about why it’s different, how it’s better, and what you should do when your

24

Training Recording: ElectroBIM Feeder IDs

Learn all about feeder IDs on your single-line diagram. See how we generate them, where we store them, and how you can reuse them across projects and users.

24

Training Recording: Electrical for Revit Feeder IDs

Learn all about feeder IDs on your single-line diagram. See how we generate them, where we store them, and how you can reuse them across projects and users.

24

Feeder Schedule Command Removed

In Electrical RT 2.0, we removed the Feeder Schedule command. This article explains why, and provides other ways to generate your feeder schedule.

24

Working with Sequential Feeder IDs

Unlike other feeder ID formats, special considerations apply when defining sequential feeder IDs.

24