Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
in a project or be given different values for different types within the family.
For example, you can have a fixture family with multiple voltage options.
The Voltage parameter of the connector can be associated with the Voltage
parameter of the family by clicking the small square to the far right of
the connector's Voltage parameter. This opens a dialog box that allows you
to choose the family parameter to which you can associate the connector
parameter. Only family parameters that match the discipline and type are
available, so you cannot associate a Voltage parameter with something that
is not a voltage.
It can be helpful to associate the Load Classification parameter of a
connector to a family parameter for load classification. This lets you easily
change the classification and demand factor of a fixture family to suit the
specific needs of a project, without having to edit the fixture family.
Representing Light Fixtures on Construction
Documents
As with most parts of an electrical design, a lighting plan can be represented
symbolically. There is no real need to show the actual fixtures in the model
on construction documents. Using symbolic lines and symbols to show
lighting fixture locations enables you to represent fixtures that are alike
with a common symbol. This reduces the number of symbols required,
simplifying your construction documents. For example, although your
project may have several types of 2×4 recessed fixtures, they can all be
represented with the same symbol in your plan views.
Using symbolic lines and symbols also helps improve the performance of
your Revit model. 2D graphics can be more easily processed and
regenerated than 3D graphics. Although it is recommended that you model
your light fixtures in the simplest form possible, you may receive fixture
families from manufacturers or other sources that are modeled at a more
complex level. Having many light fixtures in a project and showing their 3D
graphics can significantly affect how well your model performs.
Another reason for using symbolic lines or nested annotation symbols in
your lighting fixture families is that it gives you another level of visibility
control for your fixtures. Through your use of parameters, a light fixture can
display different configurations of symbolic lines based on variations within
the fixture without you having to create another family or family type.
