Lights from linked host to work plane

[georgemcfaulds23]

Hi,

I have an MEP model. With the architectural linked in.

I have placed in the lighting fixtures using 'place on face'. However, I would like to change all my light fittings to be associated to a 'work plane' as opposed to being associated with the face on the linked architectural model.

Any help would be greatly appeciated.

Kind Regards

George McFaulds

[Scott_D_]

Create a Workplane in an Elevation view, give it a name like "level 00 lighting Workplane" then select your lights and use the Select Workplane button, then select the Workplane name that you created from the drop down list.

While this method has its uses it is generally better to host the lights to a ceiling or cable containment system as they will move with the host object.

[Anonymous]

Our office is doing a mass family update, mainly electrical and mechanical. Currently our electrical families are all work plane-based and soon to be face-based. So I'm a little curious why you would want to go the opposite, especially if you're linking in Revit for architectural. The only reason we are keeping a template alive with work plane-based is for the handful of our clients that still use Autocad.

[MuirEng]

I came across this conversation looking for info on how to host lights on the ceiling when the ceiling exists in a linked model. The OP seems to be going other direction, as CadManCook points out. Do either of you use face based light fixtures hosted on linked ceiling? I'm not sure how to make that work. Our workaround is to host on a reference plane but a job just came in with a curved ceiling.

[kadmonkee]

we have gone with Unhosted families

it gives us more flexibility and control by assigning the correct offset in our project.

we also avoid the Orphaned effect when a linked ceiling moves or is deleted.

[MuirEng]

Hmm, this does not seem like a good workflow to me. If the fixture is properly hosted on the ceiling then it will move with the ceiling, not become orphaned. And if the ceiling is deleted, I'd want to see that warning so I could investigate. But if it works for you that's all that matters really. Thanks for the reply.

[kadmonkee]

this approach has been mostly used as a training aide to have new users placing things manually in the correct locations.

it creates an environment for the engineer to use the Architects linked model for reference only.

they are not too dependent on them.

as their skills improve we show them hosted families and the differences between them.

now they understand how to trouble shoot the various issues when things don't go as planned.

I agree this method is not the end all workflow.

it is only one of many and has a time and place impact on any project.

no ceiling to host to -free floating fixtures can be assigned to a reference plane as needed.

angled ceilings can create some problems with hosted families also.

simply another option to consider

I understand that warnings and messages help in the coordination of the model, but they still need to be responded to and a lot of users simply ignore them (not all but some) so I try not to be too reliant on others to complete my tasks