by: Todd Shackelford
Autodesk
Revit MEP
Revit MEP Lighting Fixture Schedule
A ➲
utodesk® Revit® MEP offers many advantages over 2D CAD programs. A big advantage is the ability to quantify Revit objects in schedules. Knowing exactly what you have in a model at all times and knowing that number is correct brings a level of confidence that enhances the design. Out of the box, a user need only understand the scheduling function in Revit to start leveraging the data inherent in the model. As firms get savvy with the software, the out of the box families might not provide all the required information for a complete schedule. This article will demonstrate all the components required to create a functioning lighting fixture schedule with custom data. The instruction shown here can be equally applied to any schedulable family in Revit. Revit schedules report data that is contained in families. The first step to creating a good schedule is knowing what information is required. In this case lighting fixtures are scheduled and the data required is fixture number, manufacturer, catalog number, lamp quantity, lamp type, volts, mounting, description, and remarks. Once the required information is quantified, you will have to decide whether to make each parameter a “ Type” parameter or an “Instance” parameter. Type parameters will be common to every fixture of that type. Instance parameters can be different for every instance placed in the model. Consider process when making these decisions. It may be common practice to use one March 2011
family to represent two similar yet different fixtures. If this is the case, the fixture number must be an instance parameter because it has to represent two different fixtures. What works best for different firms will take careful consideration. For this example, the parameters have been broken down as indicated below. Instance parameters Fixture Number Manufacturer Catalog Number Lamp Quantity Comments
Type parameters Mounting Lamp Type Volts
If the out-of-the-box family, “ Troffer Light – 2x4 Parabolic,” is placed in an empty project without using a template, the only parameters available when creating a new schedule are the manufacturer and lamp type. That leaves quite a few blanks from the list above. This is because Revit schedules are looking for project parameters and shared parameters only.
SHARED PARAMETERS For a shared parameter to function it must first be associated with a shared parameters file associated with the project. It must also be added to each family of the category—Lighting Fixture in this case. Create a new shared parameter by clicking the Shared Parameters tool on the Manage tab of the ribbon and add it to the list.
www.augiworld.com 31