Getting location of Elements in a circuit of Panel schedule

[shujath36]

n our typical work practice, we do circuiting and modelling in Revit but when it comes to creating Panel schedule/schematics we go with AutoCAD. In our format, we have to mention the location of elements present in a circuit. Like for example if a single circuit carries elements from four to six different rooms, all should be mentioned along with the respective circuit in the schematics. (In this case, Elements refers to Lighting fixtures and Electrical fixtures)

I tried to gather this information in the Revit and imitate it in CAD, but I could not find a way to so. Getting location is possible for Electrical Equipment and not for Lighting and Electrical fixture. Now there are two challenges, first to find a way through which the location can be traced by the fixtures and secondly making it visible in the panel schedule circuit details.

If not possible by Revit, any thought on using API/Dynamo to deal with this?.

[fabiosato]

Hello,

1 - Create SPACES in your file and transfer the ROOMS name in the architecture file to your SPACES.

2 - Use ROOM CALCULATION POINT in your MEP families, this will make your families to be recognized as belonging to one SPACE.

[shujath36]

I tried checking calculation and checkiing the changes in the schedule and quantities. I don't see any changes sofar. Only Electrical equipment gives the option to make list of location.

To serve my purpose I should be able to make Panel schedule with location of different fixtures along with their locations as shown in my Original Post. The last option is to atleast track the locations in the schedule and quantities list having their circuit numbers, list of fixtures along with their space name but unfortunately neither Electrical fixture nor lighting fixture has the capability to detect its space and return it back.

[SteveKStafford · Accepted solution]

Expanding on what @fabiosato already explained, panel schedules use the parameter Load Name to combine Load Classification with Space Name and Space Number. For that to happen you need to create Spaces where each Room exists in (assuming) the architecture model (usually a linked file). The Analyze Ribbon > Spaces & Zones Panel has a Space tool which offers an option for Place Spaces Automatically and Space Naming . The PSA will create the spaces per level quickly and the SN tool will pull room name/number data from their rooms and store them in our Spaces.

That's how it is designed to work.

[stever66]

I tired this, and unfortunately, the "Load Name" is created when the circuit is created.  That means two things;

1.  You can't create the spaces after you have made the circuits, and then expect the load names to update to the new spaces. 

2.  When you create a new circuit, you can't select one device, create a circuit, and then add other devices.  If you do this, only the space of the 1st device will show under the "Load Name".  You have to select all the devices at once, and then create a new circuit.

At least that's how it works for our default receptacle and panelboard schedule.  And I don't see any way to make it work differently.

[shujath36]

Thanks, Steve for showing interest. I worked on the "Load Name"  feature to check if it gets updated in the schedule. I was aware of this feature but has never given it much attention.

The two shortcomings mentioned above can be dealt with by just clicking the "Update Names" command on the panel schedule load names details. Whenever a change occurs it becomes available to update. Luckily it also applies for spaces created post circuiting. 

So, I think it serves my purpose. The load Name can take only Space numbers and not names. It can also be brought about in Electrical circuit schedules.

[SteveKStafford]

Both items are resolved by using Update Names on the Panel Schedule ribbon. You need to select the affected circuit(s).

[stever66]

I couldn't get this to work, but after consulting Google, I found I had to select my link, and edit the properties to make it "Room Bounding".

Everything worked after that.