TechTip: Terminals with variable structure
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

TechTip: Terminals with variable structureThis document describes how the terminals with variable structure are configured in Eplan.
Terminals with variable structure consist of a base terminal and plug-in supplementary terminals.
Examples are Allen-Bradley 1492-LS2-3* or Weidmüller WDT 2.5.

Variable terminal from multiple parts
Practical example initiator terminal
Initiator terminals with variable structure
consist of a base element and optional plugin potential terminals

Bar of variable terminals with a total of 12parts
4x base terminal L
4x supplementary terminal N
4x supplementary terminal PE

1TechTip: Terminals with variable structure
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

Preparation for the parts management
Tab Master data > Command group Parts > Management
Only the information that is available is entered in the parts management.
For the base terminal and the supplementary terminals separate parts each with exactly one
function definition are created. The Level field remains empty.
1.

The base terminal receives exactly one function definition (Function templates tab).
Row

Function definition…

1

Terminal with saddle jumper, 2 connection

Level

…

points2.

The supplementary terminals receive exactly one function definition each.
Row

Function definition…

1

N terminal with saddle jumper, 1 connection

Level

…

point

To prepare the supplementary terminals for the device selection, the Part is accessory
check box is activated on the Accessories tab.
3.

To ensure that the device selection suggests fitting supplementary terminals, assign themas accessories to the base terminal (Accessories tab).
Row
1RequiredPart number / nameSupplementary

Designation 1Variant

Record type1

Component

1

Component

1

Component…

terminal BR
2

Supplementaryterminal BL

3

Supplementaryterminal GR2

TechTip: Terminals with variable structure
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

Configuration - graphical editor
1.

Insert a symbol for the base terminal. Activate the Main terminal check box (propertydialog, Terminal tab).
The function definition must correspond to the "Terminal, general..." with the fitting number
or exactly the entry in the part.

2.

Insert 2 symbols for the supplementary terminals.
The supplementary terminals are no main terminals. The Main terminal check box(property dialog, Terminal tab) is deactivated.
The function definitions must correspond to the "Terminal, general..." with the fitting numberof connections or exactly the entry in the part.

3.

Combine the terminals in the Edit terminal strip dialog to a multi-level terminal.
Tab Devices > Command group Terminals > Terminal strip
The sequence determines the output in the terminal diagram.
Before the combination into the multi-level terminal
Row

Function definition

TerminalLevelPreview

designation
1Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 2

101N

01PE0Terminal

Levelconnection points
2Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 1
connection point

3Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 1
connection point

After the combination into the multi-level terminal
Row

Function definition

Preview

designation
1, 2, 3

Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 2

131N

21PE

1

connection points
Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 1
connection point
Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 1
connection point

3

TechTip: Terminals with variable structure
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

4.

In the Edit terminal strip dialog, select a multi-level terminal with multiple levels.
Select the Device selection popup menu item.
Note:Ensure that the Level check box is deactivated in the settings for the device selection on
the Terminal tab. So that the part of the base terminal is offered for selection.
After selection of the part for the base terminal, the fitting parts for the supplementaryterminals appear in the Device selection dialog in the "Accessories" area. The parts of thesupplementary terminals can be added through selection. You can check the combinationin the "Selected parts: Functions / templates" section.
 The device selection transfers the data of the part into the schematic.

5.

The view in the Edit dialog after a device selection depends on the selected part:
Row

Function definition

Terminal

Level

Preview

designation
1, 2, 3

Terminal with saddle jumper, 2 connection

1

3

1N

21PE

1points
N terminal with saddle jumper, 1 connectionpoint
PE terminal with rail contact, 1 connection point

Recommendation: Save the terminals for the next usage in a macro.

4