Ladder Logic Customization
Configuring ANSI Ladder Logic Pages in ARES Electrical
To create electrical diagrams using ladder logic according to the ANSI standard, the user must first configure the drawing page to follow this layout.
Setting Up ANSI Page Format
The first step is to use the Page Group Wizard, which includes several predefined templates. One of them is the “ANSI Electrical Schematic” page group, which is already structured for ANSI-style ladder logic diagrams.
This ANSI format uses:
Two vertical columns per page.
Sequentially numbered horizontal rungs (ladder steps).
Automatic continuation of the numbering sequence across multiple pages.
For example:
If the configuration is set to '0,12', the page will have 12 rows.
If set to '0,26', it will have 26 rows, which can be divided into columns.
The software uses prepositioned attributes to define where each line number will be displayed on the page. These attributes are named LOCAL_01, LOCAL_02, and so on, and ARES Electrical automatically recognizes them.
Default Numbering Logic
By default, the ANSI Schematic page group is structured with 26 ladder lines, divided into two columns of 13 lines:
Left side: lines 1 to 13
Right side: lines 14 to 26
When a new page is added, the numbering continues sequentially:
Page 2: lines 27 to 52
Page 3: lines 53 to 78, and so on.
This ensures consistent reference numbering throughout the project.
Adjusting Ladder Spacing
Within the Page Group Wizard, the user can:
Define line and column headers (even though ANSI typically uses only rows).
Choose between letters or numbers for lines and columns (as used in other standards like IEC).
Set the spacing between ladder rungs, which directly affects how symbols are placed and referenced on the page.
This spacing is crucial, as cross-references (like between coils and contacts) are automatically calculated based on these line numbers and positions.
Cross-Reference Format Settings
One final aspect that users should pay attention to is the cross-reference display format.
In ARES Electrical, go to:
Electrical Settings → Reference
Here you can define how the references should appear, using combinations such as:
Page / Line + Column
Page / Line
Page / Column, etc.
Columns are not usually used in the ANSI standard, so the recommended format is Page + Line.
This ensures all symbols (e.g., contacts, coils, devices) display correct and clear positional references within the schematic, enhancing readability and project reliability.
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact our support team at [email protected].