Mastering Autodesk

Revit MEP 2016

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Device Geometry
• Category and Parameters
– Several categories for device families
– Part Type parameter defines more
specific behavior
• Lighting Device family with Switch as
Part Type is able to be used in a switch
system

– Maintain Annotation Orientation

• Important for display of nested
annotation symbols on various hosts

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Device Geometry
• Geometry and Reference Planes
– Minimal geometry required
• Simple box can be used for many
devices

– Geometry not required for connectors

– Reference planes define insertion point
of family and origin of geometry
– Geometry should be modeled in proper
relation to placeholder host for face-
hosted families

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Device Geometry Device without
face plate is not
• Face Plates visible in plan
view when hosted
– Modeling face plates can by floor
help make devices Plan Section
visible when they might
not be otherwise
• Devices hosted to floor

– Model lines on face

Device with
plates helps to identify
face plate
devices in visible in
section/elevation views plan view
when hosted
by floor

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Annotation for Devices
• Nested Family Location
– Placement of annotation families in Project plan view
device families is important to how they
will display in projects Nested annotation with insertion point at
– Maintain Annotation Orientation center, located at center of device family
parameter can be used for face-hosted
families
• Annotation family can be loaded into
plan view and will display when device
has a vertical host
• Annotation families cannot be placed in
elevation views in Family Editor
Project plan view

Nested annotation with alternate insertion

point, located at center of device family

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Annotation for Devices
• Parameters for display control
– Multiple annotations can be nested for
required rotational display
– Yes/No parameters control the visibility
of individual annotations

Family Editor Project

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Annotation for Devices
• Parameters for offsets
– Nested annotation symbols
can be offset from geometry
• Avoid interference with other
device symbols Family Editor
• Display when vertically
Project
aligned devices shown in plan
view
– Offset parameters in
annotation family associated
with device parameters

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Annotation for Devices
• Parameters for Labels
– Labels can be created in
annotation families
nested in devices
• Label cannot be moved
when device is used in
project
– Best to use parameters
that can be tagged
• Tag can be placed in the
project anywhere near
the device

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Connectors
• Types and Association
– Several system types available
for use on any of the device
categories

– Type of connector determines

system (circuit) that can be
created when used in projects

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices

Connectors
• Connector Properties
– Define electrical behavior and
available systems
– Most connector types are only
for connectivity
– Power connector types have
properties that can be
associated with device family Device with multiple
properties connectors in a project

• Placement
– Multiple connectors can be
added to a single device

CHAPTER 21: Creating Devices