Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 21
Creating Devices
Device families can be used by any MEP discipline to represent the types of
components that are crucial to engineering systems but do not necessarily
play a major part in the physical model of the systems. Components such as
thermostats, switches, and receptacles are all important to how engineering
systems are used, yet their size is generally not an issue when it comes to
interference with other model components.
Although devices do not require very detailed modeling, it is useful to have
solid geometry that represents the devices in your projects. This enables you
to coordinate their locations when it is important to collaborate with other
disciplines. It may seem unnecessary to model receptacles or switches, but
because these types of items are shown in a set of construction documents
anyway, you might as well show them correctly in the model for further
coordination. With a good library of device families, no additional effort is
required to add model devices as opposed to adding symbols that hold no
system information or model “intelligence.”
Device families can be given connectors that enable them to be included in
the engineering systems that you create in your projects. This adds another
levelofintelligence tothesystemsandallowsyoutokeeptrackofthingssuch
as circuits and device-component relationships.
Because no single standard for devices is used by all engineers and designers,
it is important that you develop the device families to work the way you
design. Of course, it is also important that these components look the way
you want them to on your construction documents and that they meet the
requirements of the CAD standards to which you adhere.
In this chapter, you will learn to do the following:
• Select a family template
• Model device geometry
• Use annotations to represent devices
• Add parameters and connectors
