Eplan Terminal Insertion: Remove Auto Text in 2D Layout
When working with Eplan’s 2D panel layout, many engineers encounter an issue where inserting a terminal from the left side automatically generates a text label, while inserting from the right side does not. This inconsistency can clutter the drawing and require extra cleanup. Understanding why this happens and how to control it is essential for efficient electrical control panel design.
Key Insight:
The automatic text generation is tied to the terminal symbol’s property arrangement and the insertion point definition. By adjusting these settings, you can achieve consistent behavior.
Why Does Eplan Add Text When Inserting Terminals?
In Eplan, each terminal symbol can have multiple property arrangements. These arrangements define which properties (like terminal number, designation, or connection point) are displayed as text next to the symbol. When you insert a terminal, Eplan uses the default property arrangement associated with that symbol variant. If the left-side terminal symbol has a property arrangement that includes visible text fields, text will appear automatically. The right-side symbol likely uses a different arrangement with no visible text.
This behavior is common in electrical control panel design, where different views or orientations of the same component may need different labeling. However, for a clean 2D installation layout, you often want no text at all.
How to Configure Terminal Symbols to Suppress Text
Follow these steps to modify the terminal symbol so that no text is generated upon insertion, regardless of the side:
- Open the Symbol Library: Go to Utilities > Master Data > Symbol > Open. Navigate to the symbol library where your terminal symbols are stored (e.g., IEC_symbol or a custom library).
- Select the Terminal Symbol: Find the specific terminal symbol that is causing the unwanted text. It might be named something like “TERMINAL_LEFT” or have a variant suffix.
- Edit Property Arrangement: Right-click the symbol and select Properties. Go to the Property arrangement tab. Here you will see a list of property arrangements assigned to this symbol.
- Remove or Modify Text Fields: Select the property arrangement that is active (usually the first one) and click Edit. In the dialog, you can delete any text fields that display properties like “Designation” or “Terminal number”. Alternatively, you can create a new empty property arrangement and assign it as default.
- Save and Update: Save the symbol. If the symbol is already used in the project, you may need to update the project via Project data > Update to apply changes.
Alternative Method: Using Different Symbol Variants
If you prefer not to modify the master symbol, you can simply use the terminal variant that does not generate text. In the 2D panel layout navigator, when inserting a terminal, you can choose from multiple variants. The variant that inserts without text is often the one with a different function definition or property arrangement. Check the symbol preview to see which variant has no visible text.
| Symbol Variant | Insertion Side | Text Generated? | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERMINAL_LEFT_V1 | Left | Yes | Schematic views |
| TERMINAL_LEFT_V2 | Left | No | 2D panel layout |
| TERMINAL_RIGHT_V1 | Right | No | 2D panel layout |
Best Practices for Clean 2D Panel Layouts
In electrical control panel design, the 2D installation layout is used for physical placement and drilling templates. Text clutter can obscure dimensions and mounting holes. Here are some tips:
- Always use a dedicated symbol set for panel layouts that have minimal or no text properties.
- Create a separate property arrangement named “No Text” and assign it to all panel layout symbols.
- Use layers to control visibility of text if you need it for documentation but not for printing.
- Regularly update your master data to ensure consistency across projects.
Note:
Modifying master symbols affects all future insertions. If you are working in a team, coordinate changes to avoid discrepancies in electrical control panel documentation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If after changing the property arrangement text still appears, check the following:
- Symbol cache: Close and reopen the project to clear the symbol cache.
- Function definition: Some function definitions force certain properties to be displayed. Edit the function definition in the parts management if needed.
- Project settings: Under Options > Settings > Projects > “Project name” > Graphical editing > 2D panel layout, ensure that “Display property texts” is not forced on.
By mastering these Eplan settings, you can streamline your electrical control panel design process and produce cleaner, more professional 2D layouts. Consistent symbol behavior saves time and reduces errors in manufacturing documentation.
