Software for drawing single line diagrams

[Dave A]

What software are you using to draw single line diagrams?
And are there templates so that I don't have to start from scratch?

Here's an example that is pretty close to what I want to draw up.
SLD-3-PV-SSEG-Storage-Split-loads-Single-phase-up-to-20kW-v01-Final.pdf
In my case I've split the inverter backup load into a separate DB, but apart from that - pretty much exactly the same.

[Derlyn]

Very professional, Dave.

I am old, very old school. Still do mine by hand with a ruler and pencil

Just one question. I notice you have 2 surge arrestors on the inverter input and none on the output.
Is that how it's supposed to be?

I usually have 1 on the input and one on the output of the inverter.

[GCE]

What software are you using to draw single line diagrams?
And are there templates so that I don't have to start from scratch?

Here's an example that is pretty close to what I want to draw up.
[ATTACH]8946[/ATTACH]
In my case I've split the inverter backup load into a separate DB, but apart from that - pretty much exactly the same.

Not sure if you remember this article or had a look at any of the suggestions - You might find one that works for you

https://ecasa.co.za/member-support/look-here-are-some-essential-apps-to-aid-south-african-electricians/

[Dave A]

Not sure if you remember this article or had a look at any of the suggestions - You might find one that works for you

https://ecasa.co.za/member-support/l...-electricians/

None of those products seem to produce schematics of this type...

I have produced a pretty good result using SmartDraw. I'd love to show you, but I can't export a PDF, or even print while on the free trial.
It's going to work out to $120 per annum to subscribe. I guess it might cost something like that for me to go to a draughtsman to draw it out for me, so maybe worth it.

I've downloaded AutoCAD LT on a free trial too. I might tinker with it, but at 3 x the price of SmartDraw - and SmartDraw pretty much does the job?
I might tinker with LibreDRAW too before pulling the trigger, but like AutoCAD it looks like it has quite a steep learning curve - plus all the quirks that go with Linux based software.

Any other ideas are welcome.

[GCE]

Some of the guys like CBI , ACDC , RS have design software but I think it is based around there products

https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/home

[Dave A]

DesignSpark doesn't produce the right schematic. It's great if you want to design printed circuit boards or an electrical plan for a building. But for this single line diagram schematic, not so much.
Similar problem with the others, too.
Unless I missed a trick.

[Thys LOW Elektries]

I know ppl use SketchUp, https://www.sketchup.com/en/plans-an.../sketchup-free, a lot of time, never used it though. Good luck in your search

[Dave A]

Looks like SketchUp is a nice product, but it's for modelling. It looks like it even imports CAD formats to produce architectural models, which is pretty cool.
But that's not a schematic.

So I've pulled a snip of the schematic I've produced to give everyone an idea of what a single line schematic drawing should look like (without having to download the attachment I put into the first post).



Just one minor irritation that bugs me - where multiple lines join at a contact point. Haven't found a solution to it yet.
I'll also get around to drawing a better DC rated isolator symbol if I stick with it.
But apart from that, pretty chuffed with the result.

[Dave A]

Just one question. I notice you have 2 surge arrestors on the inverter input and none on the output.
Is that how it's supposed to be?

So I thought I'd come back to this -

Derlyn, that's not my drawing, so not my design. It's something I downloaded from sseg.org.za to get an idea of what the final result should look like. And I agree with you, I believe the second AC surge arrestor has been connected to the wrong circuit.

I also removed the earth symbol connected to the earth leakage unit in my drawing. I kinda understand why someone might have thought it a good idea to included an earth symbol in an earth leakage unit symbol, but given that the unit isn't actually connected to earth (in stark contrast to a surge protection device), I thought it prudent to go a different way on that one.