User guide

5
2.0 Operational Overview
2.1 Catalogs and Rules
When starting a new project, use the latest CableMatic Plus database template that is provided
by the developer. After the new project is started, set up the project data as described in the
Administration Functions section of this guide.
Pay special attention to:
•
Conductor Sizes
• Cable Type Catalog data
• Raceway Types Data
• Raceway Catalog Data
• Raceway Service Level Data
There are important relationships for this data that must be carefully maintained. Tray and
conduit loading and sizing depends upon accurate data entered in all of the above. The rules for
cable segregation are also contained in the above data. Be sure to run the logistic checks after
you input or change this data.
2.2 Cable Data
Crucial data for each cable are cable type, segregation code and from/to data. The cable
segregation code is a one or two character code that identifies what raceway service levels may
be used for the cable. A from or to equipment tag is limited to 24 characters. The associated
from and to data fields can be used for basically two purposes:
1) If you want to route to a raceway node (ex: a point at the end of a conduit or tray drop out),
enter the node number. Note: a node number may be anything you want and may represent
a location where several cables are routed.
2) If you are using TrayMatic and you want CM+ to find the closest tray or electrical box (JBOX
or MHOLE) to the equipment, use the AutoDoIT function (press the F5 key) which will create
a data string. This data string will instruct CM+ to find either the closest tray and or
conduit/dropout end connection (JBOX or MHOLE). The data string will also instruct CM+ to
create a conduit or dropout that can be imported by TrayMatic. Please review more about
this function in the Help menu AutoDoIT.
2.2 Raceway Matrix
A raceway type may be a ladder tray, solid bottom tray, conduit, duct bank, drop-out or air way.
Each raceway tag is limited to 15 characters and has two nodes with each node limited to 15
characters. The nodes are used to identify connections to other raceways. End run raceways
(conduits or drop-outs) may connect to a tray at an offset from a tray node. CableMatic will
maintain raceway fill for the tray recognizing that all portions of the tray may not be filled the
same. Each raceway must have a service level and raceway type. The raceway catalog number
is optional since CableMatic will automatically find the catalog item having the minimum size
required. This feature is activated when the raceway size is not locked.
When AutoDoIt raceways are created, they will be removed if they are no longer used. The
designer has the ability to remove the AutoDoIt indicator and save the raceway even if it is not in
use.
2.3 Cable Routing Rules
•
Cables cannot use a raceway that has a service level that is incompatible to the cable’s
segregation code.
• Unless raceway fill checking is set to ignore or a raceway size is not locked, a cable will not
use the raceway if it will become overloaded. The rules for raceway fill checking can be