Basics of Revit - Electrical Modelling

Basics Of Revit - Electrical 2017/2018
Basics Of Revit - 2018

Electrical Modeling
Prepared By/
Eng.Mohammed Thrawat
Auto Desk Revit MEP Certified Professional
ID: 00448493
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Chapter One
Introduction to Revit World
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I. Introduction to Revit World

Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes have
helped countless firms in diverse industries operate more
productively, produce higher-quality work, attract more
talent, and win new business. With a rising number of
government and commercial organizations mandating
BIM, now is the time to consider implementing BIM at
your firm.
BIM, Building information modelling is a new technique
that allow for engineers to model any building with all
data & also help engineers to create there analysis & co-
ordination easily.
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BIM technology has a group of software that use this

technique, Revit is one of these soft wares.
Revit, Reverse Instant Software, which mean any change
in any view or section will automatically reversed on all
views & reports.
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Differences between CAD & Revit:
Item CAD Revit

Drafting Technique Single Lines Families
Design Of Projects No Design Tools Design Tools
Clashes Detection Manual Automatic
Sections Creation Manual Automatic
Works Take Off Manual Automatic
Network Mode Non – Multiple File Central File
In Revit, you will find that the vast majority of the processes you
encounter are in a flat 2D platform.
Instead of drafting, you are placing components into the model. Yes,
these components have a so-called third dimension to them, but a logical
methodology drives the process. If you need to see the model in 3D, it is
simply a click away. That being said, remember this: there is a big
difference between 3D drafting and modeling.
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II. Starting Revit – 2018:
To Open Revit you have a different way, don`t use mouse double click if
your PC hasn`t a high configurations.
Go to desk to top, then press on Revit 2018 icon & click enter bottom.
Or go to start bottom, all programs, Autodesk, then Revit 2018.
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III. Revit Extensions:
File Extension Description

.rvt Revit File
.rfa Revit Family
.rte Revit Template
.rft Revit Family Template
.odsk Auto Desk Extension
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IV. Revit Options:

Press ® bottom, then press options:
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From General we can adjust below items:

 Auto save in case of individual mode or Auto
synchronize save period in case of network mode.
 User Name of computer which control central files
settings & work sets owners.
 Default view discipline.
From user interface we can adjust below items:

 Tool Bars & Panels.
 Active Theme.
 Commands Short cuts.
 Double Click & Tool Tips Options.
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From Graphics we can adjust below items:

 Colors of back ground, selection, pre-selection &
alerts.
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From File Location we can add or remove template by:

Go to this path:
Then select template to add in start page like below:
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Also we can adjust default saving paths for user files &
family templates files.
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V. Starting With Revit:

After opening Revit, click open bottom:
Then select your file to open:
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Then main Revit work space will appear:
Now go to view tab:
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Then Press on user interface:
Check on project browser & properties:
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Project browser includes:

1. Project Views.
2. Projects Legend.
3. Project Schedules & Take off sheets.
4. Project Families.
5. Project Links.
6. Project title blocks.
Properties include families' parameters.
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Families & Templates:

Families:
Each Electrical Device in Revit defined as a family which
have:
1. Family Name.
2. Family Category.
3. Family Properties:
Families Properties have two types as below:
 Instant Properties:
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 Type Properties:
The difference between instant & type a property is

changing in instant parameters applied on each device but
changing in type parameters applied on family devices.
There are two types of families:
1. System Families:
These families are built in families in revit & can`t be
loaded from any source
2. Loaded Families:
Any other family & can be loaded from any sources
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Cable
Trays/Ladders
Loaded
Conduits
Family
Revit Familly
System
Wires
Family
Ducts
Pipes
Inserting Loaded Family:

Go to insert, then click on load family:
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Then go to metric default family by below path:

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT 2018\Libraries\US Metric
Or search for your own library then load your family to

project file.
Templates:
Template is a group of setting that control view visibility
settings.
Default template is none template which mean we can
control all settings from program main window.
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Template view settings:

1. View Scale:
We can control view scale from:
2. Detail Level:
Any Revit view has a three detail level:
 Coarse
 Medium
 Fine
Each family have a 2d symbol & 3d view , so family
creator adjust detail level , as an example 2d symbol
will be shown in coarse or medium detail level & 3d
view will be shown in fine detail level.
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As an example:
In below figure a normal single receptacle, when we
placed it on wall with coarse or medium detail level
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3. Model Display:
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4. Visibility Control:
Now press VV, below dialog box will be shown
From this window you can control hiding or showing

different categories, as each family has a category.
Also you can create filters for different families,

filters will be discussed later in this book.
Also from imported categories you can control hiding

or showing cad link files layers.
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Electrical Categories:
Cable Tray Fittings Cable Trays

Communication Devices Conduit Fittings
Conduits Data Devices
Electrical Equipment Electrical Fixtures
Fire Alarm Devices Lighting Devices
Lighting Fixtures Nurse Call Devices
Telephone Devices Wires
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Annotation Categories:
Cable Tray Fittings Tag Cable Trays Tag

Communication Devices Tag Conduit Fittings
Conduits Tag Data Devices Tag
Electrical Equipment Tag Electrical Fixtures Tag
Fire Alarm Devices Tag Lighting Devices Tag
Lighting Fixtures Tag Nurse Call Devices Tag
Telephone Devices Tag Wires Tag
Dimensions Sections
Section Boxes Scope Boxes
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Imported Categories:
5. View Range:
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Creating templates will freeze all previous settings, which

mean to change these settings you must change these
settings from template only.
Creating template for a certain view protect visibility
settings & scale for this view.
To create a new template:
Click View Template:
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Then select any template from list:
Then click duplicate bottom:
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Chapter Two
Preparation of Arch Revit File for Electrical
Modelling
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Preparation of Arch Revit File for Electrical

Modelling
It`s not preferable to work on arch files for many reasons:
 Avoid arch templates troubles like view rang visibility control troubles … etc.
 Any editing in arch plan will be hard to transfer your MEP works to new arch file.
So it`s better to start with an system template as below:
Then insert Arch plan as a link which give you many features:
 Avoiding arch templates troubles.

 Any editing in arch file can be monitored automatically by reloading link from links manager.
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To insert arch plan as a link:

1. Click on insert.
2. Press on link Revit.
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3. You must select positioning setting which determine how to locate link.
4. After insertion of link you must pin link by selecting link then press on pin bottom.
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5. If you tried to select link but with no response make sure the both select link & select
pinned link bottoms haven`t a cross labels.
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6. After pining link press on both select link & select pinned link bottoms to prevent
mouse to select link or move any element in link by mistake.
For any arch plan that more than two floors, you notice that in project browser program me define two
levels only but all other floors don`t define because Revit by default define only two levels level 1 &
level 2.
Other levels will be defined by copy/monitored command.
Copy/ monitor Command:

1. Go to elevations & select east to show arch link levels:
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2. Click on collaborate:
3. Then click on copy/monitor bottom:
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4. Click on select link:
5. Select the arch link:
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6. Click Copy:
7. Click on multiple:
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8. Select on all levels:
9. Then click on finish bottom :
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10. Select again on copy/monitor :
11. Click on finish bottom:
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12. Look at project browser, you will not find other levels because Revit transfer other
levels to memory but you have to show them manually.
13. So Click on view & them click on plan views bottom:
14. When you click on plan views you will find floor & ceiling views , as we know that each
view in Revit have two views floor & ceiling.
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15. Select now floor views & click on other levels then press ok.
16. Select now ceiling views & click on other levels then press ok.
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17. Now you will notice that other levels located in different disciplines, so you have to
transfer them to electrical disciplines by changing disciplines & sub-disciplines from
properties menu.
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18. Start to delete all mechanical views.
Default electrical disciplines are lighting & power so all floor plans will be transferred under
power but ceiling views will be transferred under lighting.
But if we have to add disciplines like fire alarm & cable routing , so we have to copy this views to
transfer them under new disciplines.
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Views Duplication:
There are three types of views duplication:
 Duplicate
 Duplicate with detailing
 Duplicate as independent.
1. Duplicate:
Create a copy of view but as a model only without any annotations like dimensions or tags.
2. Duplicate with detailing:
Create a copy of view but as a model with all annotations like dimensions or tags.
3. Duplicate as independent:
Create a copy of view but all changes in main view will be reflected in this view with all details.
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New discipline creation:
Now your file is ready to start to create your electrical model…….
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Chapter Three
Electrical Modelling
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Now our arch file is ready to start our modelling for electrical
works.
We have learned how to prepare different views for different
systems.
But before we start in electrical modelling, we must adjust
many settings.
Now click “ES”:
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From this dialogue box we can adjust many options like

below.
1. Hidden Line:
By checking on draw MEP hidden line all
intersections in trays or ladders will be as a hidden
line.
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2. General:
From this dialogue box we can adjust technical data
shape settings.
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3. Angles:
From this dialogue box we can adjust type of angle or
incremental of this angles, also we can adjust a specific
angles to use.
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4. Wiring:
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5. Voltage Definitions:
From this dialog box, we can define a voltages values.
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We must define voltages for Revit to can complete

technical calculations.
6. Distribution System:
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7. Cable Tray Settings:
8. Conduit Settings:
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9. Load Calculations.
From Load Calculation we can determine demand

factors for our calculations.
First we must classify our loads classifications:
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Then click on new to rename new load classification.
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Then from edit type of family like lighting fixture we can

determine load classification.
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10. Panel Schedules.
 Electrical Connectors:
Each family have an electrical connector which have an
electrical parameters like voltages & apparent power...
etc.
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Electrical Modelling:
1. Creating Spaces:
Spaces mean create a certain area to calculate some
specific calculations in this area like:
 Average Estimated Illumination (lx)
 HVAC Load (W/M2)
 Other Load (W/M2)
To create spaces for an arch. Link:

 Select Link , then go to edit type & mark on room
boundaries :
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 Go to analyze:
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 Click on Spaces & start to place spaces:
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2. Placing Panel Boards:

Go to system tool bar, then click on Electrical Equipment
which include all electrical equipment’s like:
 Distribution Boards.
 Sub Panel Boards.
 Panel Boards
 Transformers.
 Generators.
 ATS.
 UPS.
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From placement we can control family placing on face or

ceiling or walls.
We also can change installation way of panel board from

embedded to expose by click on bottom shown in
previous figure.
Now we must adjust connector voltage so we can set a

distribution system for board as we explained before.
To adjust connector voltage as we explained before just
double click on edit family then click on connector &
from properties you can adjust voltage.
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Then we now must adjust a distribution system for this

panel as shown below:
Also we can adjust anther parameters for panel boards

form properties like panel name, circuit naming...ETC.
About transformers, generators & all electrical

equipment's we can adjust connector voltage &
distribution system first & place it for modelling.
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3. Placing Lighting Fixtures:

For lighting fixture system we should work on ceiling
view so we can host our lighting fixtures on false ceiling
or concrete ceiling.
Go to system, then click on lighting fixture & from

properties we can select lighting fixture:
Now start to place lighting fixtures in its places on

ceiling.
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From placement we will find three type:

 Place on vertical face:
Used to place elements on walls like wall mounted
lighting fixtures
 Place on face:
Used to place elements in false ceiling or concert
ceiling.
 Place on work plane:
Used to place elements on a certain working plan.
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Also we should re-adjust connector voltage, so we can

create circuits to a certain panel board.
4. Placing Devices:
Go to system tab then click on device:
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Devices include the below devices:

 Electrical Fixture: like receptacles, junction boxes,
floor boxes & disconnect switches.
Power systems plan should be floor plans, as all
electrical fixtures placed on walls or in floors.
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Also we should re-adjust connector voltage, so we

can create circuits to a certain panel board.
 Communication Device: include Amplifiers, Bells, and

Speakers, TV, Clocks, microphones, intercom stations &
Buzzers.
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 Data Devices: include data RJ45 outlets.
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 Fire Alarm Devices: include all fire alarm devices like

heat, smoke detectors, break glasses, strobe lights, fire
alarm control panel….. ETC.
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 Lighting Devices: include lighting switches & lighting

sensors.
 Nurse Call Systems Devices: include all nurse call

systems devices.
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 Security System Devices: include all security system

devices.
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 Telephone System Devices: include telephone outlets

RJ11 & devices.
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5. Placing Cable Trays & Ladders:

Cable trays & ladders is a system families, it can`t be
loaded & we can define new sizes by Electrical settings as
we have explained.
Cable trays & ladder is non-hosted elements but it`s
preferable to place it in floor view.
To place trays or ladders, click on cable tray in system

tap:
Or by clicking CT as a short cut. Then we adjust Tray or

Ladder parameters like width, height & offset.
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6. Creating Electrical Circuits:

Before creating electrical circuits we must check voltage
definitions & distribution system creation.
Also we must check panel board electrical connector
voltage & also check that panel board has a distribution
system.
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Now we must check also device connector voltage:
Now click on any device you to give it a circuit & then

click
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Then click on edit circuit then add to circuit.

Now start to select devices
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After devices selection select panel board & press finish
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Now locate mouse on device without selection

[pre – selection] & press Tab bottom.
Press by mouse & press wire type [Arc or Chamfer]
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To Edit Circuit, Press on any device in circuit, press

Electrical circuit
Then press on edit circuit, press remove from circuit &

start to select device that will be removed from circuit.
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7. Switching System:
If we have a group of lighting fixtures & want to control
them from lighting switch.
Now select the lighting fixture & press switch.
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Then press edit switch system, then the same with circuit
Press on add to system, select lighting fixtures, Select
switch then press on finish
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8. Creating Loops:
In case fire alarm we create loop for many fire alarm
detector but first place a FACP then place detectors.
Now the same as with circuits & switching system click
on any one of fire alarm detector, then press on Fire
alarm.
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Also press edit circuit.
Then press add to system, select fire alarm devices, select

FACP panel then press on Finish.
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9. Creating Panel Schedules:

If we have a panel board in our model & we want to
create panel schedules for it, Revit can create a panel
schedules for any electrical panel board.
Also Revit can balance panel board.
Now press on panel board & press create panel schedules:
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Then select use default panel template:
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1. For load schedules phase balance.

2. These tools used to move circuits up or down in load schedules.
3. These tools used to assign any circuit in load schedules as a space or spare.
4. Used to lock a circuit to keep it without any modifications.
Editing Panel Schedules Templates:

From Manage tool bar, press panel schedules templates:
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Then click on manage template to create new panel

schedules template:
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After creating new panel template, click on edit a

template:
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Then select your new template:
Then insert new column & add new parameters to your

template:
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Then return back to your panel schedules view & press

change template, final select your new template:
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Chapter Four
Tags & Annotations
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To add annotation items like:

 Dimensions
 Text
You can do that through annotation tool bar:
After putting dimensions you can make them in equal

distance by clicking on EQ.
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To add tag to electrical circuit or device go through

annotation & press on tag by category:
Now go to device or circuit you want to tag, Revit will

create tag automatically.
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To edit this tag, you must know that all Revit tags are
family that can be edit according your needs.
Now double click on tag to go edit family, press on tag
label with right click, press on properties, then click on
label edit:
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Then start to add parameters with prefix or suffix. You

can also press break as an enter affect.
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References:
 Autodesk Master Revit MEP Book.
 Autodesk Educational web site.
For any questions or notes:

Eng.Mohammed Tharwat
 Mob: 01066614891
Face book:
 Official Page :
https://www.facebook.com/ETech-Training-Center-267324740323322/
 Official Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1434852616764325/
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Basics Of Revit - Electrical 2017/2018

Basics Of Revit - 2018

I. Introduction to Revit World

BIM technology has a group of software that use this

Differences between CAD & Revit:

Item CAD Revit

II. Starting Revit – 2018:

III. Revit Extensions:

File Extension Description

IV. Revit Options:

From General we can adjust below items:

From user interface we can adjust below items:

From Graphics we can adjust below items:

From File Location we can add or remove template by:

Then select template to add in start page like below:

V. Starting With Revit:

Then select your file to open:

Then main Revit work space will appear:

Now go to view tab:

Then Press on user interface:

Check on project browser & properties:

Project browser includes:

Properties include families' parameters.

Families & Templates:

The difference between instant & type a property is

Inserting Loaded Family:

Then go to metric default family by below path:

Or search for your own library then load your family to

Template view settings:

From this window you can control hiding or showing

Also you can create filters for different families,

Also from imported categories you can control hiding

Cable Tray Fittings Cable Trays

Cable Tray Fittings Tag Cable Trays Tag

Creating templates will freeze all previous settings, which

Then select any template from list:

Then click duplicate bottom:

Preparation of Arch Revit File for Electrical

So it`s better to start with an system template as below:

 Avoiding arch templates troubles.

To insert arch plan as a link:

2. Press on link Revit.

Copy/ monitor Command:

3. Then click on copy/monitor bottom:

4. Click on select link:

5. Select the arch link:

8. Select on all levels:

9. Then click on finish bottom :

10. Select again on copy/monitor :

11. Click on finish bottom:

13. So Click on view & them click on plan views bottom:

18. Start to delete all mechanical views.

New discipline creation:

Now your file is ready to start to create your electrical model…….

Now click “ES”:

From this dialogue box we can adjust many options like

We must define voltages for Revit to can complete

7. Cable Tray Settings:

From Load Calculation we can determine demand

Then click on new to rename new load classification.

Then from edit type of family like lighting fixture we can

10. Panel Schedules.

To create spaces for an arch. Link:

 Click on Spaces & start to place spaces: