electrical drawings

[charsam]

Hi all. I've been asked to do an as done drawing for a rewire of an office block of 2 floors. Thought it would be easy but I haven't got a clue with computers. No idea where to start. Anybody help?

 

[MDJ]

This may not be as easy as you may well imagine, I ask for the drawing of the building from the architect or builder on a CD in auto cad. Then stick it into the computer and it can then have electrical sybols installed on it in the areas you have put the actual electrical points. However as you are not at that level you could attempt to do it yourself with a cheap and cheerful Drawing software application, I thought I saw someone recently show a free version somewhere, Hopefully they may chip in later and help you out.

 

[R G]

I have been using Microsoft Visio , for surveying purposes for a company I'm working for , so its preloaded on a laptop they have supplied , It shows up under Microsoft word , if you have word see if its there if not you may have to upgrade,,

 

[telectrix]

i've got visio and it's avery good cad program, if it were not for it using bloody american symbols.

 

[tazz]

As Fitted drawings are nearly always requested on commercial installs, and Autocad is the standard.....Its a good idea to look for night courses in your local college, as this will always put you in front on industrial and commercial jobs, and help you tender for projects. Takes a few years to get there, but its worth it.

 

[telectrix]

no good for me then. i ain't got a few years left. lol.

 

[tazz]

no good for me then. i ain't got a few years left. lol.

Your only as old as the woman you feel.....my woman is 21...lol...i wish

 

[ipf]

What's wrong with a good old DRAWING BOARD. :blush5:

 

[tazz]

Arhh the good old A0 Drawing board, with the built in slid rule....that brings back memories...!!

 

[telectrix]

and the rotring 0.3mm nib drawing pen. happy days.

 

[tazz]

remember in the early 80`s, they put a 285 computer with 500k of ram in our drawing office, and demonstrated autocad. On this green screen you had to plot x & y to draw a line....we all laughed, and said we could draw it quicker, and could never see this taking off....How times change...!!

 

[telectrix]

back then, though, tazz, software was the cushion you were sitting on.

 

[ipf]

Must admit, I can still draw faster than autocad, never used it personally, usually get a mate to help.
If I was still in my early 40's it might prove worth it.

 

[MDJ]

Professionals use auto Cad, the best out there by a mile, the disadvantage is the cost, you wouldn't believe me if I told you how much it is lol

 

[shanky887614]

remember in the early 80`s, they put a 285 computer with 500k of ram in our drawing office, and demonstrated autocad. On this green screen you had to plot x & y to draw a line....we all laughed, and said we could draw it quicker, and could never see this taking off....How times change...!!

A lot more advanced now. My pc has 16gb ram in it for example

 

[ipf]

Professionals use auto Cad, the best out there by a mile, the disadvantage is the cost, you wouldn't believe me if I told you how much it is lol

I know it's dear......how much at pres, then ?

 

[shanky887614]

I know it's dear......how much at pres, then ?

Go to college for the design course then you can get the student version for free by using your college email address

On adobe's website.

I got 3ds max while I did my 2330

 

[tazz]

Must admit, I can still draw faster than autocad, never used it personally, usually get a mate to help.
If I was still in my early 40's it might prove worth it.

With standard features like copy & paste, it can save hours.....a simple thing like a socket symbol, can be repeatedly pasted, were on a drawing board, would have to draw every socket.

 

[MDJ]

I know it's dear......how much at pres, then ?

Depends on whether you get monthly updates and support or not, however expect a 2k hole in your pocket for the top version and then monthly payments can be added if you use it a lot and like support.

 

[tazz]

you really only need autocad LT in our game, as your not really going to design 3d engine blocks, so around £600 mark