MEP

The Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) tools and objects available in the Vectorworks Architect product add HVAC ducts and diffusers in a variety of configurations to a drawing. These geometric models can represent a variety of actual items. For example, the diffuser object can have its dimensions and parameters set to develop many differently sized diffusers, including industry standard sizes that can be predefined. The Vertical Elevation parameter can be specified for top and bottom elevations, allowing ducts to be measured from the floor rather than the ceiling.

Access HVAC objects from the Resource Browser; from the Files list, select Vectorworks Libraries. The HVAC objects consist of hybrid 2D/3D representations of common HVAC duct work elements. See “Using the Resource Browser” on page 243.

Duct work objects include optionally displayed labels and elevation marker tags. The label contents are determined by a user-defined string of values, such as width and height (obtained automatically) and any text desired. The elevation marker tag indicates the top and bottom distance above the finish floor of an HVAC duct work item; Show 3D Detail must be enabled to display the elevation marker tag. Both the HVAC label and elevation marker tag can be easily moved by dragging its control point to the correct location.

A diffuser report, containing a diffuser, register, and grille schedule, can be included. It can be added to the drawing from the VA Create Schedule command or the Resource Browser. From the Resource Browser, select Vectorworks Libraries from the Files list, and open the default architectural reports file that is included with the Vectorworks Architect product (see “Resource Libraries” on page 239). Drag the Diffuser Report worksheet to the drawing. An HVAC Diffuser, Register and Grille worksheet, populated with information from the objects in the current drawing, is automatically created.

For more information on labels, elevation marker tags, and HVAC reports, refer to the Duct_Object.pdf file included in the Vectorworks application folder [Vectorworks]\Extras.

Electrical and Communication Circuiting

The communications and electrical circuiting tools and objects available in the Vectorworks Architect product add electrical and communication objects, including panels and disconnects, to a drawing. The circuiting tools link these objects, creating a communication or electrical circuit.

Electrical and Communication Objects

Electrical and communication objects are available from the MEP tool set and in specific object libraries (see “Resource Libraries” on page 239). These objects are accessed through the Resource Browser, and consist of hybrid 2D/3D representations of common electrical devices. These symbols already have the correct records attached for proper circuiting. See “Using the Resource Browser” on page 243.

Naming Panels

When inserting panels (electrical or communication) from object libraries, give each panel its own name so that it can be uniquely identified by the Circuiting tool.

2 With the panel still selected, click the Data tab from the Object Info palette. Provide the unique panel name under the Panel record information.

Circuiting Tool

Once electrical or communication panels and objects have been inserted, the Circuiting tool links the objects by assigning each item a circuit number and associating it with a panel board.

The symbol or object that is being circuited must be on a visible (not grayed) layer. If the symbol is not on the active layer, the symbol is copied to the active layer, and then the record information is attached. This is designed so that an electrical engineer can use workgroup referencing to access architectural layers with preliminary outlet locations. The engineer can then copy those outlets to the proper layer without re-entering data.

Creating a Circuit

If selecting a custom symbol without a Circuiting record attached, the tool attaches the record to the current symbol, as well as to all subsequent symbols in the circuit. In this case, specify whether an electrical or communication circuit is being created.

Based on the item’s record, the tool determines whether this is an electrical or communication device. The Circuiting Tool dialog box opens.

Parameter	Description
Circuit Information	Enter the circuit information (used on the panel schedule)
Panel	Select the associated panel
Circuit #	Enter the circuit number
Trip	Enter the trip rating
Wire Size	Enter the size of the wire
Conduit Size	Enter the conduit size
V.A./Watts	Enter the total V.A./Watts rating
Remarks	Enter remarks for the circuit
Check Voltage and Phase of Circuit Items	Select to verify that the voltage and phase of circuited items is correct
Draw circuiting lines	Select to draw connecting circuiting lines
Overwrite existing object data	Select to apply the current object information to all objects in the circuit
Object Data	Enter parameters for the object being circuited
Phase/Pole	Enter the number of phases/poles
Voltage	Enter the voltage
V.A./Watts	Enter the V.A./Watts for this object
Remarks	Enter remarks for the object

3 Enter the desired information for the circuit and the objects in the circuit, and click OK.

4 Continue clicking on the items to be circuited in the order the circuit loop should be drawn.

5 To complete the circuit, click in an empty area of the drawing. Confirm that you wish to place the Home Run marker.

The Circuiting tool generates a Home Run marker and phases are denoted as specified.

Adding to a Circuit

2 Click the communication or electrical device from which to begin the new circuit connection.

A notice displays, asking if additional items are to be added to this circuit. Click Yes.

3 Click the item to add to the circuit, and then select the next item in the circuit.

To complete the circuit, click away from any selectable objects. A notice displays asking if you wish to continue. Click No to end this procedure.

If adding an item at the end of a circuit, place the third click anywhere on the drawing. The item is chained to the item that previously had the Home Run marker attached. A notice displays, confirming whether to place the Home Run. Click Yes. The Circuiting tool generates a Home Run marker and phases are denoted.

Editing Circuits

The Edit Circuiting tool modifies existing circuit information. Use this tool to reassign circuit numbers and update the information attached to the circuited elements.

Parameter	Description
List of editing operations	Selects the editing operation to perform. Select Edit circuit information only to edit the information which applies to the entire circuit. Select Edit selected item only or Edit all items on the circuit to enter edits which apply only to the selected circuiting item or edit both circuit and circuited object information. Select Delete selected item only or Delete entire circuit to delete the circuited item from the circuit or delete the entire circuit (the circuited items remain on the drawing).
Circuit to Edit	Selects the specific circuit to edit; available if selected item has multiple circuit assignments associated with it
Circuit Information	Enter the circuit information (used on the panel schedule)
Panel Name	Select the associated panel
Circuit #	Enter the circuit number
Trip	Enter the trip rating
Wire Size	Enter the size of the wire
Conduit Size	Enter the conduit size
V.A./Watts	Enter the total V.A./Watts rating
Remarks	Enter remarks about the circuit
Check Voltage and Phase of Circuit Items	Select to verify that the voltage and phase of circuit items is correct
Item Data	Enter parameters for the object being circuited
Phase/Pole	Enter the number of phases/poles
Voltage	Enter the voltage
V.A./Watts	Enter the V.A./Watts for this object
Remarks	Enter remarks for the object

If there are multiple records attached to this item, select the record to edit from the Circuit To Edit list. The record information displays in the Circuit Tool dialog box.

Comm Device Tool

The Comm Device tool inserts an indicator and basic specifications to indicate the type and location of a communications device.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Rotation	Specifies the number of degrees to rotate the object (0.00 is horizontal)
Text Style	Select a text style from a library or the current file. To use the style defined for the object’s class, select <Class Text Style>. To format the text using options on the Text menu, select <Un-Styled>. See “Using Text Styles” on page 431 and “Formatting Text” on page 427.
2D Scale Factor	Set the size of the communications device indicator; increase the scale value to obtain a larger object. Indicators maintain a constant size regardless of the drawing scale.
Config	Select the configuration of the communications device, which is indicated by a preformatted shape
Config Label	Type the label for the communications device
Mtg Height AFF	Set the mounting height above the finished floor
Show 3D Detail	Select to show a communications device wall plate in 3D views. If Show 3D Detail is not selected, a 3D locus will indicate the device’s location in 3D views.

Sizing Calculators

The Vectorworks Architect product provides sizing calculators for performing calculations and adding drawing specifications without leaving the program.

The software includes a standard database of wire specifications used for the Conductor Sizing and Conduit Sizing calculators. The database contains the names, dimensions, and physical properties of a selected group of wiring types.

Conductor Sizing Calculator Command

The Conductor Sizing Calculator reports the correct wire size for a given load, based on a single conductor and the length of travel.

Parameter	Description
Calculate	Select the type of calculation to perform
Phase Factor	Specifies the phase factor
Wire Properties	Enter the known conductor parameters; values returned by the calculation will appear dimmed
Type/Manuf.	Select the wire type or manufacturer
Size/Part Number	Select the wire size or the manufacturer part number
Sectional area of the wire, cmil	Enter the cross sectional area of the conductor wire in cmils
Approximate AWG	Enter the approximate AWG (American Wire Gauge) of the conductor
Resistance of conductor material at 75c	Enter the resistance of the conductor material at 75c
Temperature (c)	Enter the operating temperature in Celsius
Amps	Enter the amp rating
Length (ft.)	Enter the conductor length in feet
Type	Select whether the conductor type is Aluminum or Copper, and then enter an Alpha value if other than standard
Voltage Drop	Select whether the voltage drop is a Percentage or Absolute. If a percentage, enter the value.
Voltage	Enter the working voltage
Calculate	Performs the selected calculation

2 Select the type of calculation to perform, based on the current parameters, from the Calculate list.

Calculation	Description
Wire Size	Provides the sectional area of the wire (cmil) and the approximate AWG for wire sizes below 250 kcmil
Ohms/ft/cmil-ft	Calculates the resistance per sectional area of wire
Voltage Drop	Calculates the voltage drop across the length of the conductor, either as a percentage or absolute value
Phase Factor	Provides the phase factor value of the conductor
Voltage	Calculates the voltage value of the conductor
Ampacity	Determines the amp rating of the conductor
Length of Run	Calculates the allowable length of the conductor specified for the load given

3 Enter the required values in the fields. Fields where the result will be displayed appear dimmed. Some calculations require the selection of the wire type or manufacturer, as well as the wire size or part number. When all the required parameter values are complete, the Calculate button becomes available; click to perform the calculation.

4 The calculation results are displayed. Select another calculation to perform or click Close to exit.

Conduit Sizing Calculator Command

The Conduit Sizing Calculator reports the proper size conduit required for a given set of wires.

Parameter	Description
Conductor Item
Type/Manufacturer	Using the information contained in the wire specifications database, select a wire type or manufacturer
Size/Part Number	Select a wire size or part number
Number of conductors	Enter the number of conductors of this type and size
C-S Area of conductor in sq inches	The cross-sectional area of the specified conductor displays
Add >>	Click to include the specified conductors in the conduit
Remove	Click to removed a selected conductor from the Conductors Currently in Conduit list
Clear All	Click to remove all conductors from the Conductors Currently in Conduit list
Conductors Currently in Conduit	Displays a list of conductors currently included in the conduit
Conduit Type	Select a conduit type
Number of conduits	Specify the number of conduits
Conduit stuff percentage	Specify a conduit stuff percentage; the percentage suggested by the software can be modified
Results
Actual Conduit Size required in inches	Displays the actual size of conduit required
Nominal Conduit (Trade) size required in inches	Displays the nominal (trade) size of conduit required

Creating Piping Runs

Determine the section lengths and amount of material required for piping runs. Piping runs can be drawn by clicking the Piping Run tool from the MEP tool set, by drawing a polygon and selecting the Create Piping Runs command, or by drawing a polyline and selecting the Create Objects from Shapes command (see “Creating Objects from Shapes” on page 301).

The piping run results are displayed and can be edited from the Object Info palette. An existing piping run can be reshaped with the Reshape tool, and the path polyline can be edited by selecting Edit from the context menu (see “Object Editing Mode” on page 1056).

Parameter	Description
Conduit Size	Specifies the diameter of the conduit
Material	Select the piping run material from the list; this selection can be displayed in the piping run tag
Remarks	Specify any remarks to be displayed in the piping run tag
Show Tag	Select to display the piping run Conduit Size and Material
Show Remarks	Select to display the piping run Remarks; Show Tag must be selected in order to display the remarks
Length	Displays the length of the piping run
Section Length	Specifies the length of piping run sections; edit this parameter to determine various piping run requirements
Num of Runs	Specify the number of runs; increase the number to estimate the additional material required for a project
Num of Sections	Displays the number of sections required
Couplings	Displays the number of couplings required
Turns	Specifies the type of turns to use for the piping run corners
Use Bends	Bends the conduit and includes the bend in the length
Use Elbows	Counts the number of 45° and 90° elbows and displays the number
Radius	Specify the bend radius
45s / 90s	Displays the number of elbow turns (when Use Elbows is selected)

The piping run does not count turns at a junction box (at the location of an electrical object).

Panel Scheduling and Diagramming

Creating a Panel Schedule

The Create Panel Schedule command generates panel schedules based on the circuiting information assigned to the file. If necessary, modify the dimensions and layout of the panel to conform to existing office standards.

The Create Panel Schedule dialog box opens. Specify the panel schedule criteria and click OK.

Parameter	Description
Panel list	Select a panel from the list of available panels for creating the schedule
Place in worksheet	Select to place scheduling information in a worksheet resource named with the panel name
Place in Document	Select to place a panel schedule on the drawing
Choose Schedule	Indicates the location for placing the panel schedule on the drawing
Layer	Specifies the layer for placing the schedule
Class	Specifies the class for the schedule
Panel Style	Select the panel formatting style from the list
Edit	Changes the panel schedule formatting

If placing the panel schedule in a worksheet, a worksheet is created with the panel name.

If circuiting changes are made, delete the outdated panel schedule and repeat the create panel schedule procedure.

Changing the Panel Schedule Format

4 The Schedule Formatting dialog box opens. Select the schedule to format from the Schedule list. A list of available fields and, if applicable, the schedule’s printed name displays.

Parameter	Description
Schedule	Select the schedule to format
Printed Name	Specifies the name that is printed on the schedule
Available Fields	Lists all possible schedule column items
Schedule Columns	Lists, in order, all included schedule columns
Move >	Moves a selected item from the Available Fields list to the Schedule Columns list
< Move	Moves a selected item from the Schedule Columns list back to the Available Fields list
Move Up / Move Down	Moves a selected item in the Schedule Columns list to adjust the list order
Printed Schedule Width	Specifies the total width of all schedule columns when printed
Column Headers	Displays the current font, style, and size for header information in the schedule. Click Change to edit the font format.
Body	Displays the current font, style, and size for body text in the schedule. Click Change to edit the font format.

Panel schedule formatting is stored as a worksheet named “Panel Schedule Fmt.” This worksheet can be imported, using the Resource Browser, into other files where the same formatting is desired.

5 Click OK to return to the Create Panel Schedule dialog box. Click OK to place the schedule with the specified format.

Creating Panel Riser Diagrams

Panel riser diagrams summarize the electrical panels and disconnects in a project file.

Panels and disconnects can be rearranged, edited and annotated; graphics can be added to complete the panel riser diagram. If the panels are regenerated, any edits are lost. Once the panels have been generated, they can be arranged into a completed panel diagram, as seen in the following illustration:

Creating Custom Electrical and Communication Symbols

The Vectorworks Architect product includes many pre-defined electrical and communication objects in its object library files. However, there is no need to be restricted to these objects; creating custom panel and circuiting symbols is also possible.

Creating Custom Panels

Electrical, communication, and disconnect panel symbols can be created specifically to fulfill a custom requirement.

3 The panel symbol requires both a panel and circuiting record. If the file does not contain panel and circuiting records, create the records according to the following formats.

Field	Type	Contents
Name	Text	Must be unique
Type	Text	Must be Electrical, Communication, or Disconnect
Phase	Integer	1
Volts	Text	117
Amps	Integer	100
# of Spaces	Integer	20
Panel Header Line 1	Text	Text placed on Panel Schedule
Panel Header Line 2	Text	Text placed on Panel Schedule

Field	Type	Contents
Name	Text	None
Circuit #	Integer	0
Wire Size	Text	0
Trip	Integer	0
Conduit Size	Text	1/2
V.A./Watts	Integer	0
Remarks	Text	Panel
Phase/Pole	Integer	2
Voltage	Text	0
Circuit Type	Integer	1 for electrical device, 2 for communication device
UID	Text	0
ID	Text	0

4 Select the symbol from the Resource Browser, and then click Edit from the Resources menu.

7 Attach the panel record to the symbol by selecting it from the Data tab from the Object Info palette. Enter the panel information by selecting a record field and entering its record information; the circuiting tools will use this information.

Parameter	Description
Name	The Name field changes for each symbol later, when it is placed on the drawing
Type	Specifies Electrical, Communication, or Disconnect
Other Panel Parameters	Enter specific information about the panel
Panel Header Line 1/2	Text specified here is placed on the panel schedule

8 Attach the circuiting record to the symbol and enter the circuiting information by selecting a record field and entering its record information; the circuiting tools will use this information.

Parameters	Description
Name	Leave this field blank
Circuit #	Enter 0 (zero) for this parameter
Other Circuit Parameters	Enter specific information about the circuit
Circuit Type	Set to 1 for an electrical symbol, and to 2 for a communication symbol
UID	Enter 0 (zero) for this parameter

Creating Custom Circuit Symbols

Electrical and communication circuit symbols can be created specifically to fulfill a custom requirement.

3 If the file does not contain a circuiting record, create the record according to the following format.

Field	Type	Contents
Name	Text	None
Circuit #	Integer	0
Wire Size	Text	0
Trip	Integer	0
Conduit Size	Text	1/2
V.A./Watts	Integer	0
Remarks	Text	Panel
Phase/Pole	Integer	2
Voltage	Text	0
Circuit Type	Integer	1 for electrical device, 2 for communication device
UID	Text	0
ID	Text	0