Customizing Motor State Colors and Icons in PCS 7 APL Block Icons

To change the operational status colors or graphic icons of motor and valve blocks (e.g., MotL, MotS, VlvL) in SIMATIC PCS 7 APL without risking template loss during OS compilation, customize the block icon in a dedicated template picture (@PCS7Typicals_Custom.pdl). APL motor states (Running, Stopped, Fault, Warning) are rendered by an inner 'Status Display (extended)' object that evaluates bitmasks from block status tags (.Status1, .Status2) and displays vector graphic symbols (.emf). Alternatively, in APL V8.2 and later, use the 'Directory for pictures' block icon property: create a subfolder in GraCS with custom-colored .emf files matching standard file names, and assign the directory path to update colors instantly.

Graphical Rendering Architecture of APL Block Icons

In SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL), block icons are Customized Objects assembled from multiple smart graphic components. Rather than drawing static bitmaps, an APL motor block icon (such as @MotL/1 or @MotS/1) encapsulates status displays, mode text labels, analog bar graphs, alarm badges, and operator authorization locks into a single grouped unit.

By default, APL adheres to European ergonomic standards (e.g., NAMUR NE107 / VDI 3814): running equipment is displayed in dark gray/black, stopped equipment in light gray, faults in flashing red, and maintenance in yellow. In many plants (especially in North America), plant philosophy strictly dictates that Running must be bright green and Stopped must be bright red (or vice-versa). Modifying these states requires editing the underlying graphic layers correctly.

The Extended Status Display Object and Bitmask Evaluation

At the center of every APL motor icon is an internal Smart Object named Status Display (extended):

Tag Binding: The extended status display is connected to relative status tags (e.g., .Status1 and .Status2).
Hexadecimal Bitmask Matching: The display evaluates specific bit combinations (e.g., Bit 1 = Run, Bit 2 = Stop, Bit 5 = Electrical Fault). For each valid operating state, it associates an Enhanced Metafile vector image (.emf) stored in the project's GraCS directory (such as apl_bi_MotL_on.emf, apl_bi_MotL_off.emf, apl_bi_MotL_err.emf).
Dynamic Flashing: For transitional states (starting, stopping, unacknowledged fault), the object alternates between two configured EMF images to produce smooth vector flashing.

Two Customization Paths: EMF Directory vs Customized Object Editing

Engineers can choose between two approved customization mechanisms:

Method A: 'Directory for Pictures' (APL V8.2 and V9.0 SP1+): The cleanest, non-invasive method. The block icon group exposes an attribute named Directory for pictures. Create a subfolder in GraCS (e.g., GraCS\Custom_Colors\) and place your customized green/red .emf files inside, using the identical factory file names. Enter Custom_Colors in the attribute: the icon automatically loads the custom images without editing any internal object properties!
Method B: Customized Object Editing in @PCS7Typicals_Custom.pdl: For adding new states or altering flashing rates, save @PCS7Typicals_APL.pdl as @PCS7Typicals_Custom.pdl, edit the customized object, open the Extended Status Display properties, and remap the state tables directly.

Comparison of Block Icon Customization Methods

The table below contrasts different methods for customizing motor and valve status colors.

Customization ApproachConfiguration LocationSurvives OS Compile?Survives SP / Hotfix?Engineering Complexity'Directory for Pictures' PropertyBlock icon attribute in GraCS subfolderYES (100% Retained)YES (100% Retained)Lowest (No object ungrouping)Custom Typicals Template@PCS7Typicals_Custom.pdlYES (100% Retained)YES (100% Retained)Moderate (Edit Extended Status Display)Direct Edit to @PCS7Typicals_APLFactory template fileYesNO (Overwritten by updates)High risk of maintenance lossDirect Process Picture EditIndividual graphic picture (*.pdl)NO (Overwritten by block icon update)NoUnacceptable (Temporary only)

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change Motor Status Colors

Follow this procedure to customize motor status colors using the recommended Custom Typicals workflow:

Create Custom Template File:
- In Graphics Designer, open @PCS7Typicals_APL.pdl.
- Save the file as @PCS7Typicals_Custom.pdl inside your project's GraCS directory.
Access Extended Status Display Object:
- Select the target motor block icon (e.g., @MotL/1).
- Right-click -> Customized Object -> Edit.
- Select the inner motor symbol object: open its properties dialog to access the Status Display (extended) configuration.
Assign Custom EMF Images or Colors:
- Double-click the Extended Status Display configuration table.
- Locate State 'Running' (Bit 1): replace apl_bi_MotL_on.emf with your custom green image apl_bi_MotL_on_green.emf.
- Locate State 'Stopped' (Bit 2): replace with your custom red image apl_bi_MotL_off_red.emf.
- Click OK.
Re-assemble Customized Object and Update Type:
- Right-click the grouped object -> Customized Object -> Finish Edit.
- In Object Properties, change property type to @MotL/2 (or custom variant ID).
- Save @PCS7Typicals_Custom.pdl.
Update Block Icons in Process Pictures:
- In CFC, set the type attribute on your motor blocks to @MotL/2.
- In SIMATIC Manager, select the plant hierarchy root -> Plant Hierarchy -> Create/Update Block Icons.
- Confirm the update: all process screens are refreshed with the new color scheme.

Verification

Verify customized block icon behavior through the following tests:
1. Open a process screen in WinCC Runtime: confirm that stopped motors display the customized red icon.
2. Start a motor in manual mode: verify that as soon as run feedback arrives (FbkRun = 1), the icon transitions dynamically to bright green.
3. Simulate an electrical fault: confirm that the icon flashes between red and the fault symbol.
4. Re-run 'Create/Update Block Icons' from SIMATIC Manager: verify that customized icons remain intact and do not revert to gray.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Always distribute customized .emf image files to the GraCS directory of all OS Servers and OS Clients. If custom images are missing from a client workstation, WinCC displays an empty bounding box or broken image placeholder. Additionally, ensure that color conventions comply with plant safety standards; confusing running (energized) equipment with safe (stopped) equipment can create severe personnel safety hazards.

Engineer FAQ

Why did my color modifications disappear after updating block icons?

If you modified the icon directly on the process screen without updating the template typical file, running 'Create/Update Block Icons' overwrites the screen object with the master template version.

Can I create custom EMF files using third-party graphic software?

Yes. Enhanced Metafiles (.emf) can be created in Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Microsoft PowerPoint and exported at high resolution with transparent backgrounds.

What is the difference between MotL and MotS block icons?

MotL is the standard feature-rich motor block with multi-view faceplates. MotS is the compact small motor block designed for simple on/off drives with reduced memory overhead.