AutoCAD MEP

[#1]

Looking for some advice from designers and drafters who work for low voltage comapnies that use MEP for designing there systems in a building. Tips on how you use the program, what customizations have you created, etc. I'm in the need for some good tips on how to use the wire tool and customizing panels effectivly for seting up my system.

[#2]

Here in support, I have seen a lot of companies using wire for low-voltage.  MEP will not size low-voltage wires and will not make special low-voltage panel schedules that work different from power panel schedules.  So users tend to use the wires for low voltage plan diagrams. Then use regular AutoCAD tables for scheduling.

Hope this helps,

Joshua

______________________________________________________________

If my post answers your question, please click the "Accept as Solution" button. This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[#3]

Following up.  Did the info help?  Does anyone else here in the forums have info to add?  Jump right in.

Joshua

______________________________________________________________

If my post answers your question, please click the "Accept as Solution" button. This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[#4]

I guess it gives me some bit of an idea. Question though, if lots of people and companies are using wire for low voltage why not make this accommodation in the software along with panels. Out of the box it has some low voltage icons such as smoke detectors. If there is a way I can custom create a panel for such information. Is there any known third party plugin programs for this? Low voltage equipment and hardware is still a major part in building infrastructure.

[#5]

This feature does not yet exist in the program.

We do believe that a low voltage feature that includes low voltage panel schedules would be very helpful to have in the program, and feel that you raise a very good case for enhancing the product. 

If you would take the time to go here: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=1109794

This is a feedback page where customers can make suggestions. This page is monitored by product managers who affect real change and this request can go a long way in changing the product for the better.

Have a great day.

Joshua

______________________________________________________________

If my post answers your question, please click the "Accept as Solution" button. This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[#6]

quick update 2014 before its released!

[#7]

Late reply but here it is..

We use MEP extensively for fire alarm but out of the box it's useless, we had to beat it into submission over the course of years.  We have created devices with property sets for device addresses, horn mA, speaker watts, Etc.  We have schedule tables which extract this info to show NAC load per circuit, addrssable device details, etc.  

All of our blocks for creating riser diagrams have a wipeout as part of the block and are designed to work on a pre-defined grid template.  It's pretty quick.  We have a similar aproachfor data nad security.

I have attached a sample sheet, the address you see on devices is a smart tag, created from property set data, same with the NAC circut on  horns, device totals, Etc, all automatically created.

Good luck.

[#8]

Incredible. Thanks for responding. I will send you a message later for I have several questions regarding how the heck to program blocks as panels and proform the functions. We have some great blocks that list attributes and model numbers etc. Our big problem is how to add battery and panel load calculators into a panel block.