I have searched high and low for a NEMA 5-5 footprint and believe there are none. In my application I need to have slots in the board so that I can slide the terminals through the board and then solder them. I will attach a picture of the socket. I have never created a footprint from scratch and I have been looking for a plug in relay socket or something with the same type of terminals so that I can reconfigure it. This way I can get my feet wet with modifying and building footprints and not get too frustrated. The terminals are of a standard type. .2” blades. If someone has seen this footprint or could suggest a footprint that could be a starting point for modification I’d appreciate it. Thank you ahead of time.
Sockets like these are not made to be put on an PCB, so I’m not surprised you can’t find a footprint.
In my opinion, creating footprints is quite easy in KiCad. When I was evaluating KiCad (10+, maybe 15 years ago) having a good look at the footprint editor was a mayor part of the evaluation, as there are always parts for which there are no standard footprints. And the symbol and footprint editors have a pretty similar user interface with the other KiCad programs
The tutorial below is quite old now, but it’s probably still useful. The concepts don’t change, even though some menu options may have moved etc.
Thank you. Knowing about this tutorial lets a little pressure from my mind. Doing a generic search to learn something often brings up problem after peoples problems. When I researched earlier today I saw things like “acceptable correct courtyard size” which at first glance, made it seem very complicated. After staring at my computer screens for 16 hours today my mind had checked out and learning how to create footprints seemed like climbing Mount Everest. I’ll run through the tutorial and hope for the best. Thank you for the encouragement.
You can ignore most things in footprints. For example, you don’t need a courtyard at all. If you don’t have a courtyard, then KiCad will probably complain, but that can be ignored or disabled.
You will want a footprint with slots, and that is a bit of a complication. I recommend you start with (a copy of) a footprint from a barrel jack which has a pad with a slot in it. From there, you can modify pad dimensions, numbering and locations. Add some graphics and it’s done.
It won’t pass KLC rules, but it would be silly to worry about those for your fist personal footprint.
The only things that are really mandatory are the default properties (name, RefDes and such) which are created when you generate a new footprint, and the pads which are needed to make electrical connections. Everything else is “optional”.
You may also find this post useful:
I have no respect for people walking up that death trap, just because it’s the highest pile of dirt on this planet. At most, it’s an indication they have lost the capability of rational thought. But even so. Starting with a new part of KiCad (or any other “new” thing) when you’re tired and losing focus is not a good idea. In such a state you can still get some work done on auto pilot, but not much more.
I actually found a footprint that I think can be modified, Diode_THT:Diode_Bridge_GeneSiC_KBPC_T
I will work with it when I have time this week. I have a busy work week but I will let you know how I make out.
I agree about taking the paper punch idea not being so great. It’s almost like cheating. I am learning how to use Kicad and the more I learn the better I will be able to use it so I really want to get this footprint built rather than borrowed…. and yes my brain is currently oatmeal so I will only work on simpler stuff like schematics.
If you must have a mains socket attached to a PCB, try this method for a suitable footprint:
Find a suitable footprint from a Kicad library. I have used, for this demonstration, “Connector _AMASS > Amass_XT30PW-M_1x02_P2.50mm_H Connector XT30 Horizontal PCB Male” The dimensions will be all wrong for you, but the purpose is to show how easy it is to modify to get a suitable footprint that will pass the KLC rules.
Open the Footprint Editor, surf the Kicad libraries to find the suitable footprint, highlight that footprint then: “File > Save as” that footprint.
A window will open. Give the footprint a name and scroll through AND HIGHLIGHT the PERSONAL library in which you want the footprint placed.
(I called mine “Mains socket” and placed it in my “Test library”)
Kicad automatically moves to your saved footprint in your Personal library all ready to modify. See below.
For the purpose of this demonstration, I have duplicated my footprint using Right Mouse click (to Select) > Duplicate. I have modified the RH image.
Be aware, you may need to alter your Grids to move and/or place items. Do this in "Preferences > Footprint Editor > Grids. Note the Grid overrides that can be changed with the small arrow/triangle on the RH side of each selection.
To make your correct pads, RM click on the appropriate pad and select preferences.
See pad No. 2 as example.
Change the pad shape and size and the hole shape and size.
If you need more pads, add them using the top toolbar “Place” then edit those also.
Move the pads into the correct position and spacing required.
If you need mounting holes, modify (RM click > preferences) the two existing holes and move them to their required positions.
Move/Drag or delete and create new Graphic lines with the Icons (red arrows) on the three layers (green arrows) to match the dimensions of the footprint required.
