Qelectrotech Siemens — Library

Developing a Siemens library QElectroTech (QET) involves integrating high-quality, standardized symbols for industrial automation components. While QET includes a massive Official Elements Collection

, specialized Siemens-specific libraries often need to be custom-built or imported to match technical manuals. 1. Structure the Siemens Library

Organize your Siemens content into logical subcategories within the User Collection to simplify navigation: PLCs & Modules : S7-1200, S7-1500, and ET 200SP distributed I/O. HMI Panels : Comfort and Basic panels. Drives & Starters : SINAMICS G120 series and SIRIUS motor starters. Switchgear : SENTRON circuit breakers and contactors. 2. Element Creation Workflow To develop specific Siemens components like the SIMATIC S7-1200 Base Template : Right-click an existing PLC element and select Edit element to use it as a foundation. SVG Import

: For "fancy" or highly detailed elements, you can create the visual base in external SVG editors and import them into the QET Element Editor Pin Mapping

: Ensure terminal numbers (e.g., L+, M, I0.0) match the official Siemens Technical Documentation

: While QET doesn't have a traditional "group" function, unselecting "Maintain visual rotation" for text fields keeps labels aligned during rotation. 3. Management and Sharing Storage Location : In Windows, your custom Siemens elements are stored in %APPDATA%\qet Collaboration : Use GIT to manage your library. You can clone the official repository

to keep basic elements updated while maintaining your Siemens additions in a separate branch. Project Specifics : Note that once an element is used, it is copied into the Project Collection

, making the project file portable even if the recipient lacks your Siemens library. 4. Essential Siemens Components for QET Recommended Items Source Inspiration CPU 1214C, CPU 1511-1 PN Siemens Industry Support Communication CP 1243-1, SCALANCE Switches LCom Library Protection 3VA Molded Case Circuit Breakers Official Siemens Catalogs step-by-step tutorial

The Siemens library for QElectroTech (QET) is a community-driven collection of specialized electrical symbols designed for creating professional schematics of Siemens-based automation systems. While QET includes a massive standard "QET Collection," users often supplement it with manufacturer-specific libraries like those for Siemens S7-1200 or S7-1500 PLCs to ensure precise wiring and panel layouts. Key Features of Siemens Symbols in QET

PLC Modules: Includes CPU blocks, digital/analog I/O cards, and communication modules specifically tailored for the SIMATIC S7 series. qelectrotech siemens library

Modular Design: Symbols often follow standard sizing to allow for easy alignment in cabinet layouts.

Detailed Terminal Mapping: Most elements include predefined connection points that correspond to the physical screw terminals on Siemens hardware.

Multi-language Support: Elements often come with metadata in multiple languages, though users frequently contribute translations for specific components. How to Access and Add Siemens Libraries Sharing elements (Page 1) - QElectroTech

For users looking to integrate components into QElectroTech (QET)

, the library is primarily maintained through the community-driven Official Elements Collection and specialized forum contributions. Accessing Siemens Libraries Official QET Collection

: Most standard Siemens components (contactors, circuit breakers, PLCs) are located in the built-in library under the Automation folders. You can browse these directly within the Elements Panel Siemens-Specific PLC Symbols

: For complex Siemens hardware like S7-1200 or S7-1500, users often share dedicated element sets on the QElectroTech Forum . Look for topics regarding standardized PLC symbols to ensure compatibility with existing templates. External Conversion Tools

: If a specific Siemens part is missing, you can use tools like

to convert Siemens' official DXF CAD files into QET-compatible QElectroTech Best Practices for Library Management PLCs and CPU modules (S7-1200

To keep your Siemens library clean and functional, follow these "proper post" guidelines from the QET community: QElectroTech Grid Alignment

: Ensure terminal positions (X,Y) are multiples of 10 to match the standard grid. Terminal Spacing Standard components (fuses, contactors): Use a step of Special elements (PLC I/O, speed variators): Use a minimum step of is recommended for better readability. Avoid Duplication

: Rather than creating unique elements for every amperage (e.g., 5A, 10A, 20A), create one generic element and use the Element Editor to change properties or labels as needed. Organization : Store custom Siemens symbols in your User Collection

folder rather than the official collection to prevent them from being overwritten during software updates. QElectroTech troubleshooting a custom symbol you've created? Official elements collection for QElectroTech. - GitHub

Method 3: Community Fork (Ready-made Libraries)

The open-source community has created "Siemens-inspired" libraries. Check GitHub and the official QET forum (qelectrotech.org/forum).

Search for:

qet_siemens_plc_collection (Contains S7-300, S7-1200, ET200SP bases).
qet_power_siemens (3RV MCB, 5SY miniature breakers, 3RT contactors).

Note: These are contributed by users and may not follow Siemens 2025 naming conventions. Always validate terminal numbers against the real datasheet.

10. Conclusion

The QElectroTech Siemens Library is a valuable, cost-free resource for creating electrical schematics that incorporate real Siemens hardware. While it lacks official support, automated workflows, and completeness of commercial tools, it serves excellently for small to medium projects, education, prototyping, and maintenance documentation. Users should be prepared to manually verify, extend, and maintain their library copies. For professional, large-scale industrial projects requiring full Siemens integration, proprietary software remains necessary, but QET with the Siemens library offers an impressive open-source alternative.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes. QElectroTech and Siemens are independent entities; no affiliation or endorsement is implied. Always verify electrical designs against official Siemens documentation. S7-1500 families) I/O modules (digital/analog

2. What Usually Makes It "Interesting"

If you are looking at the files or using the elements, you might notice a few technical details that stand out:

Pin Accuracy: Good libraries don't just look like the part; they have the correct pinouts (Terminals X1, X2, etc.). If the library you found has the correct terminal designations for Siemens devices, it saves you from constantly cross-referencing datasheets.
Database Integration: In QET, elements are actually small XML files wrapped in a folder structure. A "Siemens Library" usually implies someone has organized these hierarchically (e.g., Siemens > Automation > PLC > S7-1200). This organization is often more valuable than the graphics themselves because it makes navigation intuitive.

3. Where to Find More (If you haven't found the full set)

If you just found a few pieces, you might want the whole collection. The QElectroTech community often shares these via:

The Official Forum/Thread: Users often upload .zip files of their custom libraries to the QElectroTech forum.
GitHub Repositories: There are several user-maintained repositories on GitHub where people upload .elmt files specifically for Siemens hardware.

How to Install the Siemens Library for QET

Since QET does not have a built-in "App Store" for vendor parts, you must source the community files:

Method A: The Git Repository (Recommended)

Search GitHub for "QElectroTech Siemens" (e.g., user qelectrotech or joshua-sch repositories).
Download the .elmt and .qet collection files.
In QET, go to File -> Import -> Collection and select the downloaded file.

Method B: Manual Element placement

Download individual .elmt files.
Navigate to your QET user directory (~/.qelectrotech/elements/ on Linux, %APPDATA%\qelectrotech\elements\ on Windows).
Paste them into the siemens subfolder.

2. Scope and Contents of a Siemens Library

Include symbol categories typically used in Siemens-based automation:

PLCs and CPU modules (S7-1200, S7-1500 families)
I/O modules (digital/analog, distributed I/O like ET 200)
Power supplies and bus connectors
Motor starters, contactors, overload relays
Variable frequency drives (Sinamics family)
HMIs (WinCC/TP panels), operator interfaces
Communication modules (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP gateways)
Safety components (safety PLCs, emergency stops, safety relays)
Sensors and actuators (proximity, photoelectric, encoders, solenoids)
Terminal blocks and wiring blocks
Enclosures, mounting rails, cable ducts, grounding symbols
Functional blocks for control logic (e.g., standard function blocks and comments)
Generic symbols for custom or legacy Siemens parts

Pro Tip: Customizing the Attributes

Siemens devices use specific "Reference Designations" per IEC 81346. In QET, edit the Siemens element to add dynamic text fields like %FUNCTION for the unit number (e.g., -A1 for PLC rack).

Method 2: Importing and Converting (The “Hack”)

Siemens provides free symbol libraries for EPLAN (.EDZ) and DXF formats.

Workflow:

Download the "Siemens Industry Online Support" IKAxx library (DXF version).
Use software like LibreCAD or Inkscape to open the DXF.
Simplify the drawing (remove color fill, unnecessary text).
Export as .svg or .png.
Use QET's Import Picture function to trace the outline.
Re-attach electrical connection points (hotspots).

Warning: DXF imports rarely retain connection intelligence. You will need to manually reassign each terminal pin in the QET Element Editor.