To avoid a bloated, slow parts database, follow these three rules:
EDZ is a practical and widely accepted method for transferring complete EPLAN projects across users and sites. It excels at packaging everything required for rebuilds in EPLAN but is constrained by version compatibility, reliance on proprietary internal formats, and potential for large file sizes. For robust collaboration, pair EDZ exports with clear documentation, shared master-data repositories, and version-matching conventions.
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Creating EDZ files (EPLAN Data Zip) is a standard way to bundle parts data, macros, and images into a single package for easy distribution and import within EPLAN Electric P8. How to Create an EDZ File
You typically generate these through the Parts Management system by exporting existing part data.
Open Parts Management: Navigate to the Master Data tab and select Parts > Management.
Select Parts: Highlight the specific parts or manufacturers you want to include in the file. Export: Click the [Extras] button and choose Export.
Format Selection: In the "File type" dropdown, ensure you select EPLAN Data Zip (*.edz).
Configure Export: Specify your file name and location. You can often choose whether to include associated macros, images, and documents in the compressed package. How to Import an EDZ File
If you have an EDZ file (e.g., downloaded from the EPLAN Data Portal), follow these steps to add it to your database: Go to Utilities > Parts > Management. Click [Extras] > Import. Select EDZ as the file type and browse to your file. eplan edz files 2021
The system will extract the macros, part technical data, and images directly into your master data folders. Key Content in an EDZ Package A standard EDZ file usually contains: Part Data: XML files containing technical specifications.
Macros: Window or symbol macros (.ema, .ems) used for schematic representation.
Images/Documents: Product photos (.jpg, .png) and manual links (.pdf).
For more advanced automation, you can use the EPLAN Engineering Configuration (EEC) to generate these files via C# scripts.
The EPLAN Data Standard (EDS) document, updated in October 2021, is the primary "deep paper" covering requirements for EDZ (EPLAN Data Zip) files. It defines how component data must be structured to ensure seamless integration into the EPLAN Platform, specifically for features like 3D panel layouts and automated manufacturing. EPLAN Data Standard (2021) Key Pillars
The 2021 documentation focuses on data quality and depth, ensuring that parts downloaded from the EPLAN Data Portal meet specific technical criteria:
Uniformity: Standardizes data fields for manufacturers and users to reduce manual maintenance.
Digital Twin Capability: Emphasizes 3D macros and logic models required for EPLAN Pro Panel.
ECLASS Integration: Supports ECLASS ADVANCED versions (9.0 and higher) for consistent cross-industry classification. Understanding EDZ Files To avoid a bloated, slow parts database, follow
An EDZ file is a compressed archive used to exchange cluster data. Unlike basic XML part data, an EDZ file includes: Part Specifications: Core electrical and mechanical data.
Macros: Predetermined drawing blocks for EPLAN Electric P8 or 3D graphics for Pro Panel.
Supplementary Data: Image files, technical documents, and connection point patterns. Working with EDZ in EPLAN 2021/2022
In the EPLAN Platform 2021 (and newer versions like 2022), the EDZ import functionality is fully integrated into the parts management system.
Open Parts Management: Go to Master data > Parts > Management (or Utilities > Parts > Management in older ribbon styles). Access Import: Click [Extras] > Import.
Select Format: Choose EPLAN Data Portal Exchange Format (EDZ) as the file type.
Configuration: Use the Add new records only option to avoid overwriting existing custom data.
Detailed documentation on data standards and technical white papers can be found on the EPLAN Service Portal or via specific manufacturer guides on the Siemens Support Portal. Importing Sample Data - EPLAN Help
In EPLAN 2021, EDZ files (EPLAN Data Zip) serve as compressed archives containing comprehensive part specifications, including commercial data, technical attributes, and associated P8 macros. They are the standard format for importing component data from manufacturers like Siemens, ABB, and Phoenix Contact into your parts management database. Core Functionality Invoking related search suggestions per policy
Data Packaging: A single EDZ file bundles together part numbers, XML data, image files, and schematic macros, ensuring all necessary documentation for a component is imported at once.
Data Portal Integration: Manufacturers provide these files via the EPLAN Data Portal to facilitate quick system documentation without manual data entry.
Native Support: In versions since 2.2, including the 2021 platform, the EDZ import functionality is integrated directly into the software. Importing EDZ Files in EPLAN 2021
To add these files to your parts library, follow these steps outlined in the EPLAN Help system: EPLAN P8 file generator - Phoenix Contact
For OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or companies with custom internal products, creating EDZ files is essential.
Since its release, users of EPLAN 2021 have reported specific hiccups with EDZ files. Here is how to fix them:
You can export a custom component library or a single part to EDZ. This is great for team collaboration or archiving.
Warning for 2021 users: When exporting, ensure “Use relative paths” is unchecked – otherwise the EDZ will break when opened on another PC.
Error: Version mismatch. Expected 2021, found 2023.
Fix: You cannot import a 2023 EDZ into 2021. Ask the manufacturer for a "Legacy export" or use the EPLAN Data Portal directly.