The Siemens library for QElectroTech (QET) isn't a single official "pack." Instead, it's a mix of built-in components and user-contributed files found in the community forums and GitHub. 📂 Where to find Siemens symbols
Official Collection: Check the PLC or Controllers folders in your default QET library.
User Forum: Search the QElectroTech Elements Forum for threads like "S7-1200" or "Sinamics" to find .elmt files shared by other engineers.
Contributor GitHub: The qelectrotech-element-contrib repository often contains specific manufacturer parts discarded from the main branch for being too specific. 📥 How to add them to your project
Download: Get the .elmt or compressed archive (like .7z or .zip). Locate Folder: On Windows, navigate to: %AppData%\qet\elements\
Create Category: Right-click User Collection in the QET sidebar to make a "Siemens" folder. Paste Files: Move your downloaded files into that folder.
Reload: Right-click the folder in QET and select Reload collections. 🛠️ Pro Tips for Siemens Users
🚀 CAx Data: Siemens provides official CAx data on their portal, but QET cannot import .dxf macros directly without manual cleanup. qelectrotech siemens library
📐 Grid Scaling: For cabinet layouts (like S7-1500 modules), set your X-grid to 9 instead of 10 to match standard 18mm pitch units.
🔄 Symbol Mirroring: Use the built-in Element Editor to quickly flip Siemens I/O cards for left-side or right-side wiring.
💡 Need a specific Siemens part? Mention the model number (e.g., S7-1200 CPU 1214C) and I can check if a community-made symbol exists! Elements (Page 1) - QElectroTech
QElectroTech (QET) is a popular open-source software for creating electrical diagrams, and its Siemens-specific library is a vital resource for engineers working with Simatic PLCs, Sinamics drives, and other industrial automation hardware.
The library is primarily a community-driven collection of .elmt files (XML-based symbol formats) that represent Siemens components according to international standards like IEC 60617. 🛠️ Accessing the Siemens Library
The Siemens elements are not always bundled in the "out-of-the-box" base installation but are readily available through the Official QElectroTech Elements Collection.
Integrated Collection: Check the "Common Collection" tab in your QET panel. Look under Automation > PLC > Siemens. The Siemens library for QElectroTech (QET) isn't a
GitHub Repository: For the latest additions (like S7-1200 or S7-1500 modules), users often pull directly from the Official Elements GitHub.
User Contribs: Many niche Siemens parts (e.g., specific Sinamics V90 drives) are found in the User Contribution Repository. 🧩 Key Library Categories
The library is organized to mirror real-world industrial panels:
PLC Modules: Includes CPUs, Digital Input/Output (DI/DO), and Analog modules for S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500.
Motor Control: Symbols for Sirius soft starters, contactors, and thermal overloads.
Drives & Inverters: High-detail symbols for Sinamics G120 and S120 series. Power Supplies: Common Sitop power modules. HMI Panels: Graphics for Comfort and Basic touch panels. 📥 How to Add Custom Siemens Symbols
If you have a specific Siemens part not in the default list, you can import it using several methods supported by QElectroTech Documentation: How to Use Siemens Library Elements
DXF to ELMT Conversion: Siemens provides .dxf drawings for most parts on their SiePortal (formerly Industry Support). Use the "Import DXF" feature in QET to convert these into editable symbols.
Manual Creation: Use the built-in Element Editor to draw a custom footprint. You can set terminal points (power, signal, ground) so that the "Auto-Link" feature works when you draw wires.
Community Forums: The QET Elements Forum is a hub where users share specific Siemens .elmt files they have created. 💡 Best Practices for Use
Use Project Collections: To ensure your project remains portable, QET copies used elements into a "Project Collection." This prevents broken links if you send the file to someone else.
Check Pin Layouts: Always verify the terminal numbering against the official Siemens datasheet, as community-made symbols may occasionally have variations in terminal spacing.
Layer Management: When using complex Siemens PLCs, utilize the "Folio" system to separate power distribution from I/O signal logic.
Industrial projects demand accuracy, consistency, and traceability. Commercial CAD suites are powerful but costly and heavyweight; QElectroTech is nimble, scriptable, and community-driven. A Siemens-style symbol library gives you industry-standard symbols and naming conventions so your schematics look familiar to controls engineers and comply with documentation norms.
User_Elements/
├── Siemens/
│ ├── PLC/
│ │ ├── S7-1200/
│ │ ├── S7-1500/
│ │ └── LOGO/
│ ├── Drives/
│ │ ├── SINAMICS_G120/
│ │ └── MICROMASTER/
│ ├── Protection/
│ │ └── SIRIUS_3RV/
│ └── HMI/
│ └── SIMATIC_HMI_Comfort/