Since QElectroTech is open-source and does not come pre-loaded with official, encrypted Siemens .XML files (unlike EPLAN or TIA Selection Tool), this content focuses on how to build, find, customize, and manage Siemens components within QET.
Unlocking Automation: A Guide to the QElectroTech Siemens Library
In the world of electrical engineering and control panel design, time is money. One of the biggest time-sinks in the design process is creating schematic symbols from scratch. If you are a user of QElectroTech—the powerful open-source schematic editor—you know that its flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. However, to truly unlock its potential, you need a robust library of components.
For automation professionals, nothing is more essential than a comprehensive Siemens Library. In this post, we dive into why the Siemens library for QElectroTech is a game-changer and how you can integrate it into your workflow.
3. Map Siemens Components to Qelectrotech
- Component Definitions: Map Siemens components to Qelectrotech's component definitions. This involves creating or modifying Qelectrotech's XML files to include Siemens-specific components. You'll need to define the graphical representation, properties, and any behavioral aspects.
- Iconography and Symbols: Ensure you have the correct symbols and icons for Siemens components to visually represent them accurately in Qelectrotech.
Method 1: The Built-in "Get New Elements" (Easiest)
- Open QElectroTech.
- Right-click in the Element Panel (usually on the left side).
- Select "Get new elements" or open the Element Editor.
- Browse the online repository. Search for "Siemens" or navigate to the automation/PLC categories.
- Download and add the items to your local library.
How to Install the Siemens Library
QElectroTech makes adding new elements relatively straightforward. Here is how you can get the Siemens collection running in your project:
B. Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)
- SIMATIC HMI Basic/Comfort Panels: Symbols representing various screen sizes (e.g., KTP400, KTP700, KTP1200) typically represented as "Macro" elements with bezel dimensions.
The Importance of the Siemens Library
Siemens is an industry titan. From PLCs and HMIs to contactors, circuit breakers, and relays, their components are the backbone of countless industrial systems.
Having a pre-built QElectroTech Siemens Library means you don't have to draw the logo, pin layouts, or connection points for standard hardware like the S7-1200 or ET 200 distributed I/O. Instead, you can simply drag and drop these elements onto your workspace, ensuring:
- Accuracy: Pinouts match the real hardware specifications.
- Standardization: Your diagrams adhere to industry norms (IEC/ANSI).
- Speed: Rapid prototyping of control circuits.
The "i---" Indexing Issue
Users often search "i---" because QET fails to index new libraries. After copying .elmt files into the Siemens folder, you must force a re-index:
- Open QElectroTech.
- Go to File > Preferences.
- Navigate to the "Elements" tab.
- Click "Refresh collection" or "Rebuild index."
- Restart QET. If the "i" (indexing) icon is missing, check XML integrity.
