| Device Family | Typical Symbols Available | Quality Level | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Siemens LOGO! | Logic modules, expansion I/O, AM2 AQ modules | Good | | S7-1200 | CPU 1212C, 1214C, SM (Signal Modules) 1221, 1232 | Moderate | | S7-1500 | Basic CPU, Digital input cards (DI 16x24VDC) | Rare / User-created | | SIRIUS | 3RV circuit breakers, 3RT contactors, 3RA soft starters | Excellent | | SINAMICS | G120, V20 drive terminals | Basic |
When you’re designing electrical schematics for industrial automation, clarity and reuse matter. QElectroTech is a lightweight, open-source diagram editor built for electrical, electronic and automation schematics. Pairing it with a curated Siemens-style library (symbols, function blocks, device templates) brings professional polish, speeds design, and reduces errors. Here’s an engaging, practical blog post you can publish.
| Pros | Cons | | :--- | :--- | | Free & Open Source: No licensing fees for Siemens symbols. | Not Official: Siemens AG does not endorse or certify these symbols. | | Fast Drafting: Drag-and-drop S7-1200 CPU saves hours. | Part Number accuracy: Double-check MLFB numbers; community data may lag behind new Siemens releases. | | Lightweight: Runs on a $200 laptop. | PLC I/O mapping: You must manually link text fields to your project’s terminal strip. | | XML editable: You can bulk-edit pin labels via text editor. | No auto-panel layout: Unlike EPLAN, QET does not auto-generate cabinet layouts from the library. |
Design a clear folder and metadata scheme so symbols are searchable and usable across projects:
Recommended folder tree:
Metadata fields to include (use QET’s comment/attribute fields and naming conventions): qelectrotech siemens library
Since QElectroTech does not ship with a full Siemens library by default, users must obtain it from community sources:
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.
The QElectroTech (QET) Siemens Library is a specialized collection of electrical symbols and components specifically designed for Siemens hardware within the open-source QElectroTech CAD software. While QET comes with a massive "Official Collection," Siemens-specific parts are often categorized under PLC, Automation, or Power Distribution folders. Core Components of the Siemens Library The library typically includes high-detail elements for:
SIMATIC S7 Series: Modular and compact PLC models including the S7-1200 and S7-1500. These symbols often feature defined I/O mapping and terminal blocks. Siemens/
SIRIUS Industrial Controls: Symbols for contactors, soft starters, and overload relays.
SINAMICS Drives: Detailed electrical schematics for frequency converters and motor controllers.
LOGO! Logic Modules: Compact logic controllers used for basic automation tasks. Key Features for Designers
Standardized Geometry: Elements are built on the QET grid (typically 2px or 10px steps) to ensure clean connections and professional-looking schematics.
Dynamic Information: Most Siemens elements include predefined "Master" tags for manufacturer data, order numbers, and technical specifications like voltage or protocol. PLC digital input wiring with sensor
Community Sourcing: Much of the specialized Siemens library is maintained via the official elements collection on GitHub, where users contribute new PLC cards and modules as they are released by Siemens. How to Use and Expand the Library
Accessing Parts: Open the Elements Collection panel in QET. Look for categories labeled Automatisme or PLC -> Siemens.
Customizing Elements: If a specific Siemens module is missing, you can right-click an existing similar part and select Edit element to create a custom variation. This is the fastest way to add new PLC I/O cards.
Terminal Management: For Siemens PLCs, it is recommended to use a step of 40 to 60 pixels between terminals in the element editor to avoid overlapping labels in complex wiring. Create element — QElectroTech 2020 documentation
Here’s a helpful overview of the QElectroTech Siemens Library — what it is, where to find it, how to use it, and tips for getting the most out of it.