Piping categories...

[yes_and_no]

I used line base family to create parametric plumbing lines that has multiple line types and colors that work for simple projects, see photo.

The down side of that was I have to check other plans to make sure these lines won't show up uninvited.

To make it controllable via visibility setting, i would like to set the family to pipe fitting category, yet everything will go solid lines (or all in one choice of hidden or dashed) and no color. What is the best way to deal with it ? Pls spare me the filter option, I m not so good with it. Thx.

 

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

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@yes_and_no wrote:

i would like to set the family to pipe fitting category, yet everything will go solid lines (or all in one choice of hidden or dashed) and no color.

 

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Place the Linework on a Subcategory that you can control in the Project

[HVAC-Novice]

Why not use pipes, for... pipes? 

Even if you don't use pipe functionality, it should give you more visibility options. 

[RDAOU · Accepted solution]

@yes_and_no 

If you do not want them to show everywhere else in the project except floor plan...then do not use Model Lines. Use Symbolic lines.

If you will be modeling them using Model Lines then it makes more sense to use Pipes and not Linework in a family!!! And use filters to control graphic/display/overrides per system

[yes_and_no]

I worked as consultant in a MEP firm and have seen the disadvantage of full
blown RvMEP. As said, this is for simple project, where I can use a single
family with parametric built in symbols, linetype, color with just simple
y/n clicks, in very short time, and without complicated setting.

[yes_and_no]

They are symbolic lines...

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

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@yes_and_no wrote:
They are symbolic lines...

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But they are under a model category (pipe fittings?) so they still show on other plans (but not elevations or 3d).  there are several ways:

- place the line in a subcategory (already mentioned by @barthbradley ) so you can turn off via view template

- turn off Pipe Fittings category as a whole

- use a Line Based Detail family, not Pipe Fittings

- use Pipe Placeholder (nah you probably loathe it according to what you said earlier)

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

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@yes_and_no wrote:
They are symbolic lines...

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Are they in Subcategories?  That's the only way to control their Graphic Display By Element, By Category or By Filter in the Project.  

[RDAOU · Accepted solution]

@yes_and_no 

1. Start with a Generic Model Line Based...
2. switch its category to Pipe Fittings ...
3. place the symbolic line(s) - its category will be pipe fittings after family catefgory
4. lock start/end and horizontal...(Optional: Add end connections 90 or elbow)
5. Load and place (Face or workplane)

In Plan views where you do not need to see, simply switch off Pipe Fittings (add that to view templates)

Repeat to add more line styles

Subcategories would only be useful if you want to mimic Systems (ie: subcategory for Cold Water, another for hot water, another for gas, ...etc)