Sample Pages

Bernd Gischel

EPLAN Electric P8 Reference Handbook

ISBN: 978-1-56990-476-3

www.hanserpublications.com
877.751.5052

© Carl Hanser Verlag, München

3 Projects

A project must first be created before you can edit schematics in EPLAN.

Note: In EPLAN, the storage location of projects and the names of the
individual projects can be freely chosen. The only limitations are the nam-
ing conventions of the Windows system being used.

When the page and device structures are defined, a project has all the properties it needs,
such as the device structure (the structure identifier, e. g. higher-level function or installa-
tion site, that is to be used) and also all the master data, such as forms, parts data, function
definitions, symbol libraries, etc., that is necessary for editing projects.
Page structure of a
­project

Fig. 3.1 Project properties – Structure tab

58  3 Projects

This data is all completely stored in the project. Data added later, such as forms, is also
stored in the project.
This ensures that this project can later be edited with exactly the same data used when
the project was created, or which was generated at the beginning of project editing, or
was later stored in the project.

■■3.1 Project types

EPLAN basically distinguishes between two project types: a schematic project (this is the
usual project in practice) and a macro project.
A macro project is used for creating and automatically generating window macros, and for
managing macros. Logical functions such as cross-references or connection information
are not supported in a macro project nor are they displayed.
If necessary, a schematic project can easily be modified by changing the <10902 Project
type> property from schematic project to macro project.

Fig. 3.2 Project properties – Properties tab

Other project types such as form project or symbol project do not exist. Master data (e. g.
forms or symbols) is always temporarily edited directly in the project (with existing
­system master data), stored after the form is closed, and then possibly automatically
(depending on the settings) synchronized with the current project (depending on the
­settings and usage).
And of course the system master data can also be manually synchronized with the project
master data. It is also possible to synchronize in the other direction, to synchronize the
project master data with the system master data. If EPLAN finds inconsistencies in the
master data at this point, then a message is generated and EPLAN cancels the synchro­
nization because incompatible master data cannot be used to overwrite existing master
data. This is the case, for example, when connection points are added to existing, placed
 3.1 Project types 59

symbols. The logical data of this symbol no longer “fits” already placed or existing sym-
bols and therefore this data cannot be synchronized.
An EPLAN project consists of a directory Projectname.edb and an operation Project-
name.elk (the *.elk file extension indicates a normal editable schematic project).

Fig. 3.3 Project directory with projects

You can also start the project from the file manager (e. g. Explorer) by double clicking the
Projectname.elk link. Another possibility is to drag Projectname.elk into the page navi­
gator while holding down the left mouse button. EPLAN then opens the project.

3.1.1 Project types in EPLAN

Normal schematic projects in EPLAN are subdivided into different project types. EPLAN manages diffe-
rent project types as
schematic projects.

Fig. 3.4 Open project dialog with various file types

Project types define the project by its functional meaning, for example, as a normal pro-
ject or a revision project. EPLAN distinguishes between the project types described in the
following section.
60  3 Projects

The most important project for the user is the “normal” EPLAN project (*.elk indicates a
schematic project). EPLAN has the following project types:
ƒƒ *.elk: a normal editable project (normal EPLAN schematic project)
ƒƒ *.ell: a project with change tracking
ƒƒ *.elp: a zipped project
ƒƒ *.els: a filed-off project
ƒƒ *.elx: a filed-off and zipped project
ƒƒ *.elr: a completed project
ƒƒ *.elt: a temporary EPLAN reference project (comparison)

Central project editing occurs in a normal project. All other types of projects (e. g. a com-
pleted project, an archived project, a basic project, or a project template) are derived from
the normal EPLAN project (schematic project).

3.1.2 Project templates and basic projects

EPLAN allows the user to quickly and precisely create new projects based on existing
basic projects and project templates.
A project template contains preconfigured values. Later, when using the template for a
new project, the project and page structure can be changed one time.
Opening a projekt
­template

Fig. 3.5 *.ept project template

 3.1 Project types 61

In contrast to a basic project, a new project created from a project template (via Pro-
ject – New (Wizard)) usually has no pages because the page structure still has to be
defined. But project templates can also contain pages.
A project template has the *.ept file extension (and *.epb – old project templates from
previous program versions and should not be used) and cannot be directly opened or
modified. You can, however, easily overwrite an existing project template that has in­­
correct or changed properties with a new project template.
Project templates can be generated
from existing projects in the graphical
editor via the Project/Organize/
Create project template menu.
In the page navigator, you first use Fig. 3.6 
the mouse to select the project that is Overwriting a project
later to become a project template and template
then  open the Project/Organize/
Create project template menu.
In the Create project template dialog that is displayed, you need to define the storage
location and the name of the new project template. It is a good idea to create a project
templates directory below the root directory, possibly with separate folders for each cus-
tomer.
Basic projects are, for example, projects prefilled with appropriate customer values such
as a predefined page structure, sample pages, graphical report templates, various master
data, and much more.

Fig. 3.7 Opening a basic project

62  3 Projects

In a project created from a basic project, the project and page structures are fixed and can
no longer be modified.
A basic project has the *.zw9 file extension and, like project templates, cannot be directly
opened. Basic projects, like project templates, can be generated from existing projects in
the graphical editor via the Project/Organize/Create basic project menu.
EPLAN then executes a number of functions to create the basic project. Afterward, the
Create basic project dialog opens and this is where you define the directory and the
project name of the basic project to be created.
Here too it is a good idea to create a basic projects folder below the root directory,
­possibly with separate customer folders.
Once basic projects or project templates have been created, they cannot be later changed
(i. e. directly edited). However, they can be overwritten with new or modified data.

■■3.2 Creating a new project

To quickly get started with a project, new projects can be generated in various ways in
EPLAN. There are two ways of doing this directly from project editing.
A new project based on an existing basic project or project template can be created “at the
push of a button” via the Project/New menu.
EPLAN comes with several basic projects and project templates. The project template
IEC_tpl001.ept, for example, contains the IEC identifier structure, and the supplied pro-
ject template Num_tpl001.ept contains a sequential numbering structure.
Selecting Project/New (Wizard) generates a new project in several steps, each of
which requires you to enter certain data (EPLAN provides detailed information at the
bottom of each dialog).
Basic projects (*.zw9) and project templates (*.ept. and *.epb) can be used to create a new
project.
The third way to create a new project is via the optional project management. A new
project based on an existing basic project or project template can be created here just as
fast as via the Project menu.
Of course it is also possible to simply copy a project and give it a different name.
 3.2 Creating a new project 63

3.2.1 New project (from a basic project)

You can either select the menu item Project/New or use your own keyboard shortcut
to create a new project.

Fig. 3.8 Project/New menu

The Create project dialog is displayed. In this dialog, you must/can define the following
settings:
ƒƒ Project name (you need not worry about file extensions; these will be automatically
added by EPLAN)
ƒƒ Storage location
ƒƒ Creation date
ƒƒ Creator

After defining the above entries, you

need to select a template. This can be a
project template or a basic project.
You simply click the More button. The
Select project template/basic project
dialog opens. In this example, the basic
project Handbook.zw9 will be used to
create the new project. You can select
the relevant project type in the File type
field.

Fig. 3.9 
Create project dialog
64  3 Projects

Fig. 3.10 Select project template/basic project dialog

Creating a new project In the Select project template/basic project dialog, you now press the Open button
based on a basic project and select and use an existing basic project as your template.
EPLAN then returns to the Create project dialog and imports the selected basic project
(or the template project) into the Template field.
Now, you only have to confirm this
dialog by clicking OK and EPLAN will
generate the new project in the specified
directory.
The new project is created from the
selected basic project. This may take a
while depending on the hardware and
the storage location (server, local).

Fig. 3.11 
Create project dialog,
with the template
 3.2 Creating a new project 65

Fig. 3.12 
The new project is
being generated
Once EPLAN has successfully generated the data for the new project, the Project pro­
perties dialog is displayed. You do not necessarily need to edit these at the moment. This
can be done later during project editing.
EPLAN opens the Project properties dialog with the Properties tab. The project proper-
ties can now be adjusted or completely changed on the Properties, Structure etc. tabs.
There is one limitation: The structure of the pages, located in the Structure tab, can no
longer be changed (grayed out). It is fixed because the page structure was defined in the
basic project.

Fig. 3.13 Project properties – Structure tab

When you click OK, the project properties are saved and the project is immediately
opened in the page navigator (it can also be opened using the F12 key or you can display
the overview with the Page/Navigator menu item). The project can now be edited.

3.2.2 New project (with a project creation wizard)

You can either select the menu item Project/New (Wizard) or use your own keyboard
shortcut to create a new project.

Fig. 3.14 
Project/New (Wizard)
menu
66  3 Projects

The wizard opens the Create project dialog. This dialog contains several tabs (Project,
Structure or Numbering and Properties). You must enter data into at least the Project tab
(the PPE tab is only visible when you have a license for this).

Fig. 3.15 Creating a project using the wizard

Creating a new project The lower area of the Create project dialog contains five buttons (Extras, Back, Next,
with the wizard Finish, and Cancel) whose meaning is described below.
The Extras button allows you to view a summary of the project in the browser. How-
ever, this only functions after the first Project tab has been successfully completed.
The Back button returns you to the previous tab. Here too, this only functions when all
necessary information has been entered in the Project tab and EPLAN has created the
project, or if you can move to the next tab by pressing Next.
Once all necessary entries have been made on the current tab, the Next button becomes
enabled and you can switch to the next tab.
The Finish button has a special function. It allows the project creation to be finished
without making any further manual entries. A condition is that a new Project name, a
Template (template project or basic project) and Storage location have been defined in the
new project’s Project tab.
The Cancel button is used to stop and exit the New project wizard at any time.
Back to the tabs: The Project tab is the main core of the project wizard. The information
required on this tab is mandatory for creating a new project.
 3.2 Creating a new project 67

Tip: All the other tabs can be edited, but this is not compulsory when
creat­ing a project via the wizard. These tabs can be edited or changed
later (Exceptions: the Structure tab and the Pages selection field cannot
be changed at a later point in time).

The Project tab has the following mandatory fields:

ƒƒ Project name input field: The name of the new project is entered here.

Note: The project name is not checked to see if it already exists until a
template (project template or basic project) has been selected and the
Next button has been clicked. The action can then still be cancelled.
EPLAN always suggests the project name New name, possibly also with a
consecutive number. This can, of course, be changed to any other name.

ƒƒ Template selection field: You select a template using the selection button. The usual
range of templates and basic projects are available for selection.
ƒƒ Storage location selection field: Specifies the storage location of the new project. Any
storage location can be selected using the button.

EPLAN requires no information other than these three entries. When you click the
­ inish button, the wizard can immediately create the new project. In this case (clicking
F
the Finish button), EPLAN would just use the settings on the other tabs for the new pro-
ject, generate the project, and close the project wizard.
You can, but do not have to, fill in the information under Specify creation date and Specify
creator.

Note: These fields cannot be changed later on. It is therefore very impor-
tant to make sure you enter the correct data.

When you click Next, EPLAN gener-

ates the basic elements of the new pro-
ject based on the selected template. The
Import project dialog is displayed. The Fig. 3.16 
process can be cancelled here if desired. Information on crea-
Depending on the amount of data, the tion date and creator
import may take a while.
68  3 Projects

Fig. 3.17 
The wizard is creating
the new project
EPLAN then remains at the Project (or PPE) tab. You can still select, for instance, a differ-
ent template project or storage location by clicking the Back button.
On the Structure tab, you define the subsequent page structure and the structure of the
individual device groups for the project.

Note: Once you have saved the structure set for the pages, it cannot be
changed. This applies only to the structure settings of pages. All other
structure settings, such as general devices, can be changed later.

Fig. 3.18 
Defining the project
structure and its
­components
 3.2 Creating a new project 69

You can use the button at the end of each device group to select a different finished
structure (scheme) via the Scheme selection field, or use the button to create a new
structure (new scheme).

Fig. 3.19 Selecting a different structure scheme

The Superior option allows you to define reports for terminal strips, plugs, cables, and
interruption points independently of the structure scheme that is set. Here EPLAN sepa-
rately evaluates the presence or absence of the “–” character preceding a device tag.
Example:
The Higher-level function and mounting location scheme was set for interruption points.
The Superior option was also set. If an interruption point in the schematic is designated
with –L12, EPLAN assigns the device tag the higher-level function and mounting location
in the schematic (if present) based on the defined Higher-level function and mounting
­location scheme.
Input: −L12
Result: = Higher-level function + mounting location L12
The Higher-level function and mounting location scheme for interruption points also has
the Superior option set. If an interruption point in the schematic is designated with L12
(without the preceding sign “–”) in the schematic, the Superior option means that EPLAN
does not assign the device tag the higher-level function and mounting location in the
­schematic (if present).
Input: L12
Result: L12
70  3 Projects

The Other . . . button in the Structure tab opens the Extended project structures
dialog, where you can define the separators and the nesting of devices for the new project.

Fig. 3.20 Settings for other project structures

Extended project Here you can check existing separators and enter new separators. The possible changes,
­structures however, depend on the page scheme set. Certain preconditions exist here for the nesting
of devices.

Note: Apart from the page structure, which is the most important prop-
erty, all other settings can be changed at a later date.

It is a good idea to select at least the Higher-level function and mounting location scheme.
When such a scheme is set, EPLAN does not necessarily expect a higher-level function or
mounting location (this is also true for other structure identifiers). Therefore, you can also
use this scheme to create schematics with consecutively numbered pages.
If you later discover that one of the two identifiers is to be used after all, the pages can
still easily be changed to the desired higher-level function or mounting location structure.
 3.2 Creating a new project 71

After setting and saving all the desired settings, click Next. The Synchronize master
data dialog opens.

Fig. 3.21 Options and defaults for numbering

Here you can enter general project settings, such as a Standard plot frame (default setting
for each new page) or the Path numbering (page-oriented or path-oriented).
The standard plot frame can be selected from the system master data pool and is then
stored by EPLAN in the project automatically.
The path numbering can be globally set as page-based here (default value Page-oriented:
every page then begins, for example, with path 1 and ends with path 10), or the path
numbering is to function across all pages.
Across pages (default value Project-oriented) means that the paths are numbered across
all pages. For example, path 1 starts on page 1 and path 30 ends on page 3.

Note: All these settings can be modified as desired later on in the project
settings.

On this tab, you can also use in the drop-down field to specify a predefined DT number- Defining numbering
ing scheme for how new devices are to be numbered online when they are inserted. schemes
72  3 Projects

You can use the button to select a scheme from the list, or you can create a new scheme
via the New button, enter the desired values, and use this new scheme for the current
project.

Fig. 3.22 Settings for DT numbering

The same applies to the setting in the PLC numbering selection field on the Numbering tab.
Here too you can select existing schemes from the selection list. You can also use the
button to select a scheme (from the selection list). They can be applied or changed at this
point.
You use the New button to create new schemes and later assign them to the project.

Tip: All schemes created in EPLAN can be exported or imported. This

makes it easy to exchange these settings between different EPLAN
­workstations or users. You should use a unified directory structure to
make exported schemes easier to find.

All fields on the Numbering tab have now been entered. Clicking the Next button takes
you to the Properties tab, which contains general, non-essential descriptive information
about the project.
For example, to fill the plot frame with information, such as customer name or the name
of the person responsible for the project, from the project properties, this information
must be entered in the project properties.
This is not essential at this point because this is only descriptive information about the
project that can be entered at a later date.
When you click the Finish button, the project is generated and can be opened in the page
navigator (the page overview). You can access the page navigator via the F12 key or the
Page/Navigator menu.
 3.2 Creating a new project 73

Fig. 3.23 The newly created project in the page navigator

You can now proceed with editing the project.