This course is the core reference for designers and engineers who are using the Substation Design Suite™ Physical for AutoCAD program (also known as simply P4A). P4A is an extension to AutoCAD® Map 3D that provides specialized tools for 3D design and layout of substations.

This course covers basic concepts related to P4A, including file management, folder structure, the P4A interface, templates, and libraries. It also teaches students everything from content creation to design and publishing outputs in P4A, including above-grade tools, below-grade tools, substation validation tools, bills of materials, and 2D sheets. This course will also explain the end-user workflows your organization may use to get started with P4A.



Topics Covered in Substation Design Suite Physical for AutoCAD:

• Understand where P4A fits within the overall design process and explore basic concepts
• Learn about the folder structure for P4A files and configuration items in P4A
• Learn about the P4A user interface, including workspaces, profiles, the P4A ribbon, and the Dashboard palette
• Understand the basic workflow for creating a 3D station layout
• Understand how to build intelligent 3D substation designs
• Learn about the elements of a P4A model-based design, including connectivity, containment, P4A ports, trenches, conduit, cable routing, ground grids, Civil 3D surfaces, and geolocation
• Review automated design checks and validation analysis, including lightning protection and clearance checks
• Produce 2D construction prints and annotate the drawings, including adding P4A callouts, P4A tables, dimensions, leaders, and notes
• Create reports, including material lists
• Import and expand on existing designs (brownfield or reference)

Prerequisites for Substation Design Suite Physical for AutoCAD:

• Basic Autodesk AutoCAD or other CAD drafting experience is required.
• Thorough knowledge of working in a Microsoft Windows environment.

Course description shown for SDS-P4A .
Topics, curriculum, and/or prerequisites may change depending on software version.