Electrical wire in lighting family

[Pshupe]

This would be an architectural application but I am having some difficulty trying to draw an electrical wire for a lighting family.  I thought I could just use a sweep to create a cord, but it seems that the sweep command does not allow me to draw a 3d path, even though the video tool tip shows, what looks to me, to be a 3d path.  Any tips and/ or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Regards Peter.

[barthbradley]

A sweep follows a path that is by definition a 3D Path, so I'm not clear where you are having an issue.  

Got screenshots? That would help us to help you. 

[Pshupe]

Most paths are 2d, as are profiles.  Meaning they are drawn on a 2d work plane.  I want to add a cord to this light family.  It starts at the ballast and curves in 2 directions, not on a 2d plane.  How can I draw a line from one point to another point with different 3d coordinates?

[barthbradley]

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@Pshupe wrote:

Most paths are 2d, as are profiles. 

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That's not accurate.  

[barthbradley]

Perhaps a better approach would be to use an Adaptive Points-driven Family for "cord-work".  Or cross-purpose another tool, such as Pipes or Ducts.  

[timlove]

For something like this, if it is a static cord (does not need to ever move in the family) Using a Sweep Blend can achieve a closer look to what you desire.  The path would still be drawn on a 2D plane.  Then draw Profile 1 at the starting point, and Profile 2 at the end point.

[barthbradley]

3D line driven by 5-Pt. Adaptive Point Family. 

[Pshupe]

Sorry to argue but yes it is completely accurate.   Plans, Elevations, and sections in Revit are all drawn on 2d work planes.  Just because you are selecting an edge on a 3d object does not mean that edge is in 3d.  Your examples are all on 2d planes.   What makes your examples 2d is that they can be described with only an X & Y value on a work plane.  A 3d line would not be able to be described this way and would need to have X,Y, and Z coordinates.  I did try to make a 3d edge using solid and void forms but it did not work.  My cord twists to a different work plane halfway through.

Regards Peter.

[Pshupe]

Thanks,  I had assumed that the swept blend would use the same process but just with different shapes.  I will give that a try.

Regards Peter.

[Pshupe]

Yes - that is closer to what I am trying to achieve.  I will take a look at that.  Thanks.

Regards Peter.

[barthbradley]

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@Pshupe wrote:

  Just because you are selecting an edge on a 3d object does not mean that edge is in 3d.

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That statement doesn't make a bit of sense.  I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.  

Good luck.  

[Pshupe]

Are you serious?  I will not agree to disagree, LOL.  It is fact.  Maybe you are not understanding what I am saying? 

Here is your shape - the work plane is the arrows I have drawn.  That is the 2d workplane.  The purple line is the edge and is 2d on that work plane, circled in red.

Profiles are 2d, shapes on a flat plane.  They have an X&Y coordinate and can be all kinds of curvy, but they are still 2d.  If you adjust the profile of a wall, it is still a 2d shape, in elevation.  If you look at your section through the cylinder.  It's still on a 2d plane, it's actually a section plane.  Almost everything in Revit is extruded from profiles, or 2d extruded into the Z axis which makes the object 3d.  Faces are flat, most edges are 2d.  Here is a graphic - 

The only objects that cannot be described with a number of 2d faces are the objects that have curved faces.  I could place a 2d workplane on any one of those faces, except curved, and draw a 2d profile.  Or slice through any of those objects and the edge created is a 2d profile.  Is that a little more clear?  What I want to do is draw a completely 3d line, like you showed with the 5-Pt. Adaptive Point Family, and use it as a path to sweep my profile.  I'm looking for the easiest way to create that line or edge.  

Regards Peter.

[barthbradley]

We're talking two different things here. You're talking PROFILES and I'm talking PATHS - specifically SWEEP PATH.   

...2D Profiles following 3D Paths:

[Pshupe]

I just added another image to my reply.  That path is 2d, not 3d.  My path has to be 3d because to does not completely exist on a 2d workplane.  I cannot say it any simpler.  Sorry.

Regards Peter.

[barthbradley]

I'm okay with the disagreement, if you want to let it stand.  We can still remain friends though; right?  😉 

Have a good day, @Pshupe. 

[Pshupe]

I guess we should move on but I still don't think you understand me.  You cannot draw a 3d path with a Sweep, at least I have not been able to.  You need to supply a workplane, which automatically makes whatever shape you draw 2d.  I might try a swept blend because then, I believe, I can place the start profile and end profiles on different work planes.

We can still be friends! LOL

Regards Peter.

[barthbradley]

FWIW: I've got one more for you. I think you might like it. 

Revit Tips - Spiral & Helix Pattern - YouTube

[timlove]

While these are interesting, they are not useful as components for a typical family.  They can only be loaded into a project, or other Adaptive, Pattern, or Mass families.  I'd like the ability to also have flexible and organic objects in Revit, but that is more in the realm of Fusion and Inventor.

You can do a bunch with a sweep if you really want to, but it takes multiple objects, workplanes, planning and effort, that is just often not worth the final object.  Getting close enough with less steps is much less time consuming.

This is just one sweep:

This is the object that was created prior to creating the sweep path by using Pick Path:

[barthbradley]

I have no idea what you are pointing out to me as "interesting'" and "not useful", but that image you posted is exactly what I was talking about (and showing) above.   

[timlove]

What was being done in the youtube video was either a Mass or Adaptive family.  Both of those are not useful when trying to load into say a light fixture type family.  Revit just does not allow it.  I have used something similar because it was demanded that I show springs in an equipment family, and found a work around.  Considerably more steps than an Adaptive family.