Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
geometry. This could have an adverse effect on the overall look of your floor
plan,depending onhowthebuilding isdesigned. Anotheroptionistocreate
the solid geometry in the family so that it protrudes from the host. This may
notbeacompletelyaccuraterepresentationofthedevice,buttheprotrusion
can be minimal. Extending past the face of the host just 1/256″ (0.1 mm) is
enough to cause the device to appear.
If you are creating a device family for an object that requires a face plate, the
plategeometryshouldbemodeledtothesurfaceofthehostforaface-hosted
family. This eliminates the need to extend the device geometry past the face
of the host because the plate geometry will make the family visible when
it's floor hosted.
Figure 21.5
shows how adding face-plate geometry to the
family in the previous example causes it to be displayed properly in the
project plan view when hosted by a floor.
Figure 21.5
Device family with face-plate geometry
Symbolic lines are useful for adding detail to a device family without adding
a lot of complexity to the family. Symbolic lines drawn on the face plate
of a device are useful for identifying the device when viewed in section or
elevation views. These lines are visible only in views parallel to the plane in
which they are drawn, so they appear in plan views only when the device is
mounted horizontally. Vertically hosted devices shown in plan views do not
display the symbolic lines; however, the lines show in section and elevation
views. This is useful for interior elevations when devices need to be
coordinatedwithcaseworkorfurniture.Canyoutellwhichdeviceisapower
receptacle, which is a switch, and which is a telephone outlet in
Figure 21.6
?
