EPLAN Electric P8

(Professional)
Basics for GM
CTIS # 33090
Document Version 4.4
Software Version 2.0

Table of Contents
 DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

Sponsoring Group:

Manufacturing Engineer: Barth Plowman

ME Engineering Group: GM Vehicle Systems
Manufacturing Engineer Phone: 810-459-8247

Document Revisions:

Date Revision By Revision History

1/08 3.0 Kershaw Bi-annual updates. No Rev. 2.0.
Updated material to EPLAN P8 v 1.9 and
08/27/09 4.0 J. Seger
GM configuration 2.000.
04/16/2012 4.2 Tucker Modified text based on class feedback.
Updated table of contents based on
04/29/13 4.3 J. Hocking
synchronizing with v2.0 app.
Synchronized screenshots with current
7/31/13 4.4 B. Miller
version of EPLAN

This training is based on the GM/EPLAN electric P8 User Manual, GCCH-5 Section A.
Please refer to the GCCH-5 Section A manual found on the intranet or
www.gmsupplypower.com. The GCCH-5 Section A manual is comprehensive and will
have the latest information. This training manual is used as an instructional guide.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

i
 Copyright Information
Copyright General Motors Company, 2012, Detroit, Michigan. All rights reserved under
U.S., International, and Universal Copyright Conventions. Published in the United
States of America. These materials may be used only with related printed materials.
In no event will the General Motors Company be responsible or liable for
incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use or application of the
materials in this manual.
The examples, diagrams, and charts in this manual are included solely for illustrative
purposes. Because of the many variables and requirements associated with any
particular safety situation, the General Motors Company expressly disclaims all
express and implied warranties relating to the materials in this manual, including
all examples, diagrams, and charts.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written
permission of the General Motors Company is prohibited.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

ii
 Table of Contents
1. Module 1............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1. Objectives ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.2. Differences between C.A.D. and EPLAN Electric P8 ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.3. Start EPLAN Electric P8 ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.3.1. Starting EPLAN Electric P8 ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4. Work with Projects .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.1. Restore a project ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.2. Create a new project from a basic project ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.3. Open the graphical editor ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.4. Modify the properties of a project ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.5. Copy a project ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.6. Opening a project .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.7. Renaming a project ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.8. Close a project......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.9. Delete a project ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.10. Synchronize Master data ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.11. Synchronize Master data- Update Current Project Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.12. Synchronize Master data- Synchronize Current ProjectError! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.13. Part Selection Setup .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5. Work with Pages in a Project.............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.1. Create a new page in a project ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.2. Modify page properties ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.3. Copy and paste a page ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.4. Delete a page .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.5. Number Pages......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.6. Back up a Project................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.6.1. Back up a project ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.7. Navigate in the EPLAN Electric P8 Environment .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.7.1. Navigate in the Graphical Editor .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.7.2. Open the Page Navigator ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.7.3. Module 1 Review ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2. Module 2............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1. Objectives ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2. Work with the Graphical Editor .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.1. Open the Graphical Editor ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.2. Open multiple graphical editors ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.3. Close a graphical editor ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

iii
2.3. EPLAN Structure.................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.1. Work with Devices ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.2. Work with Functions (Components)......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.3. Work with Symbols .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.4. Insert a Symbol via the Toolbar ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.5. Rotate/Change a Symbol Variant Before it is PlacedError! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.6. Rotate/Change a Symbol Variant After it is Placed . Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4. Device/Function/Symbol Properties .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.1. Change Device Data ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.2. Add a Device Data Property .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.3. Make a Device Property Visible/Invisible ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4. Add a Display Property ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.5. Moving the properties of a Device ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.6. Modify a Device Display Property ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.7. Device selection ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.8. Part Selection .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.9. Select a Part Number for Multiple Devices .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5. Navigator .............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.1. Open a Navigator .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.6. Renumbering Devices ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.6.1. Change Device Tag Settings ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.6.2. Renumber Device Tags ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.7. Work with T-nodes............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.7.1. Enter T-Nodes ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.7.2. Change T-Node Variants ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8. Wire Properties and Potentials ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.1. Add a Connection Point Definition ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.2. Change the properties of a CDP.............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.3. Insert a break point in a wire.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.4. Enter a Potential ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.5. View a Potential ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.6. Edit a Potential from the Navigator .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.9. Interruption Points............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.9.1. One to One Interruption Points ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.9.2. Multiplexed Interruption Points ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.9.3. View Interruption Points ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.9.4. Modify Interruption Points ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.10. Black Boxes ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.10.1. Drawing a Black Box ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.10.2. Assigning the Function of a Black Box .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.10.3. Insert Device Connections into a Black Box .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

iv
 2.10.4. Assigning the Function of a Device Connection PointError! Bookmark not defined.
2.10.5. Cross-reference Black box with terminals ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.10.6. Insert an Image into a Black Box ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.10.7. Insert a Symbol as a Graphic in a Black Box ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.11. Macros ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.11.1. Create a Macro ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.11.2. Insert a Macro........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.11.3. Create a Macro Variant ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.11.4. Place a Macro Variant. .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.12. Module 2 Review ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3. Module 3............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.1. Objectives ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2. Cabling ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.1. Bus Plug Layout ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.2. Bus Layout for DeviceNet ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.3. PDP Layout ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.4. 24VDC Interconnection Layout ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.5. Add an Ethernet Cable ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.6. Add a Bonding Cable............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.7. Add Miscellaneous Cables ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3. Node Allocation Table ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.1. Insert/Updating the Node Allocation Table .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.2. Cell Pneumatic Air Prep Diagram ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.3. Insert a Feed ........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4. Cylinder, Switches, and Piping Diagrams ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.1. Assigning a Graphical Form .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.2. Create a Graphical Form ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.3. Insert a Window Macro in Layout Section B ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.4. Insert a Window Macro in Layout Section C ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.5. Insert a Window Macro in I/O Section F .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.6. Insert a Proximity Block in Section F ....................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.7. Insert a Page Macro in Pneumatic Section G .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.8. Insert a Window Macro in Pneumatic Section G...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.9. Insert a Pneumatic Manifold, Valve, and ConnectionsError! Bookmark not defined.
3.5. Forms/Reports ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.1. Generate a Report-BOM ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.2. Export a BOM to Excel ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.3. Update a Report ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.6. Tag Export ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.7. GM Filter all Tags ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

v
 3.7.1. Suppress all Tags ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.7.2. Unsuppress Select Tags ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.8. Revision Notes ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.8.1. Set the Project Revision Level ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.8.2. Add a Revision Balloon and a Revision Note .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.8.3. Update the Master Change Sheet ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.8.4. Remove Revision Notes .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.9. Review of Module 3 ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4. Module 4 ............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.1. Objectives ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2. Terminal Strips .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.1. View a Terminal Strip .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.2. Create a Terminal Strip ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.3. Modify a Terminal Strip ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.4. Creating Terminals for a Terminal Strip ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.5. Assign Part Numbers to a Terminal Strip ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.6. Assign Part Numbers to Terminals .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.7. Modify a Terminal Strip ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.8. Place a Terminal in a Project ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2.9. Generate a Terminal Report Form........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3. Relays, Contacts and Contactors....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.1. Create a Relay, Contact, or Contactor..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.2. Modify a Relay, Contact, or Contactor Properties.... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.3. Assign Part Numbers to Relays and Contactors...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.4. Modify the Position of the Contact Image. ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.5. View a Relay, Contact, or Contactor........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.6. Place a Contact in a Project. ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.7. Enabling Common Function Text ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.8. Adjusting Function Text Display .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.9. Add an Auxiliary Contact ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.10. Add a Surge Suppressor ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4. Insert an existing PLC Component .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.1. Insert a PLC Macro.................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.2. Modify PLC Properties............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.3. View a PLC Component .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4. Addressing an I/O Card ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.5. Naming a Device on a PLC ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5. Generate a Report-Device List ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.6. Generate Wire Numbering .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.6.1. Add Connection Definition Points ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

vi
 4.6.2. Assign Wire Numbers .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.6.3. Change Connection Settings ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7. Update Connections ............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.1. Update Connections in a Project ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.8. Module 4 Review .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5. Module 5............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1. Objectives ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2. Create User Parts................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2.1. Creating a Project Part Database ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2.2. Creating a User Part ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3. Utilize Find (Search/Replace) Feature................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1. Utilize Find ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4. Compress a Project ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.1. Compress a project ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5. Export a Project ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5.1. Export a Project to a PDF File ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5.2. Export a Project to a DWG or DXF .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5.3. Export a Page to a DWG or DXF. ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5.4. Changing the DWG or DXF Export Settings ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5.5. Changing the DWG or DXF Import Settings ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5.6. Import a DWG or DXF to a page ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.6. Print ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.6.1. Print a Project .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.6.2. Print a Selection ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7. Customize Administrative Settings in EPLAN Electric P8Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.1. Default Settings ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.2. Project-specific settings ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.3. User-specific settings .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.4. Workstation-specific settings ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.5. Company-specific settings ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8. Customize the Workspace .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.1. View a Toolbar......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.2. Move a Toolbar........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.3. Customize Toolbars................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.4. Change the Workspace ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.5. Create a New Workspace Scheme.......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.6. Customize Shortcut Keys ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.7. Export Hot Keys....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.8. Importing a Layer Scheme ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.9. Module 5 Review .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

vii
A. Annex A .......................................................................................................................... A-1
A.1. Objectives ..............................................................................................A-1
A.2. Copy a project .......................................................................................A-2
A.3. Create PLC Components ............................................................... A-3
A.3.1. Create a Digital Input Card ....................................................................... A-3
A.3.2. Create a Digital Input Terminal ................................................................. A-5
A.3.3. Format Digital Input Terminal Addressing ................................................ A-5
A.3.4. Place a Digital Input Terminal ................................................................... A-7
A.3.5. Create a Card Power Supply Terminal ..................................................... A-8
A.3.6. Place a Card Power Supply Terminal ..................................................... A-10
A.3.7. Create an Analog Input Card .................................................................. A-11
A.3.8. Create an Analog Input Terminal ............................................................ A-12
A.3.9. Place an Analog Input Terminal.............................................................. A-14
A.3.10. Modify PLC Terminal Properties ........................................................... A-15
A.4. Addressing PLC Components ..................................................... A-16
A.4.1. Select an Addressing Scheme................................................................ A-17
A.5. Panel Layout ................................................................................. A-19
A.5.1. View the Panel Layout Navigator............................................................ A-19
A.5.2. Create a Panel Layout. ........................................................................... A-21
A.5.3. Place Components on a Panel ............................................................... A-25
A.5.4. Place Components on a Rail .................................................................. A-27
A.5.5. Scale a Panel Layout .............................................................................. A-28
A.5.6. Inserting a Linear Dimension .................................................................. A-30
A.5.7. Inserting an Aligned Dimension .............................................................. A-32
A.5.8. Inserting a Continued Dimension............................................................ A-33
A.5.9. Inserting a Baseline Dimension .............................................................. A-34
A.5.10. Inserting an Angular Dimension............................................................ A-35
A.5.11. Inserting a Circular Dimension.............................................................. A-36
A.6. Annex Review ............................................................................... A-37

2012 General Motors Company. All Rights Reserved.

viii