AutoCAD MEP Tutorials

AutoCAD MEP Kraken
Tutorials
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Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 1 Using the Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

What is in the Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Accessing Training Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2 Understanding the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Understanding the Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Working in the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ribbon Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Application Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using the Quick Access Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Project Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Project Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tools and Tool Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Properties Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Drawing Window Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Command Line Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Application Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
System Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Performing Common Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Working with Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Modifying the View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Creating a Mechanical & Piping System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 3 Determining Loads and Air Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Modeling Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Adding Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Exporting and Importing gbXML Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
v
Chapter 4 Designing a Supply Duct System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adding Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adding Vertical Supply Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Drawing 1-Line Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Sizing Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 5 Designing a Chilled Water Supply System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Adding Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Connecting Chillers to Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Starting the Pipe Run to the AHU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Completing the Pipe Run to the AHU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Adding Valves to Chiller Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Adding Pipe Size Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Creating an Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Chapter 6 Designing a Lighting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Adding Panels and Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Adding Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Adding Equipment and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Adding Switches and Additional Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Chapter 7 Designing a Power System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Generating Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Manually Placing Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Drawing a Schematic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Creating a Plumbing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Chapter 8 Designing a Sanitary System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Adding Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Adding a Waste Line for Toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Adding a Waste Line for Urinals and Sinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Adding Vent Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Adding Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Chapter 9 Drawing a Riser Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Starting the Riser Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Completing the Riser Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Generating Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Chapter 10 Creating Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Creating an Electrical Plan View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Creating a Plumbing Plan View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Creating a Piping Section View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Creating a Mechanical Equipment Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Chapter 11 Adding Views to Sheets and Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

Creating an Electrical Plan Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Creating a Plumbing Detail Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Creating a Piping Section Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Creating an Mechanical Schedule Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
vi | Contents
Creating a Cover Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Publishing the Sheet Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Contents | vii
viii
Introduction
In this tutorial, you learn how to access the tutorial training files. You also learn how to use AutoCAD MEP 2010 to
complete basic tasks.
1
2
Using the Tutorials
1
This lesson provides information on how to get started with the AutoCAD® MEP 2010 tutorials, including an overview
of the building information model that you design in the tutorials, and where to find the training files required to complete
the exercises.
The Contents tab of the AutoCAD MEP Tutorials Help window displays the available tutorial titles.
To view a tutorial, expand AutoCAD MEP Tutorials. Expand a tutorial title for a list of lessons in that tutorial. Expand a
lesson title for a list of exercises in that lesson.
What is in the Tutorials

In these tutorials you work with an AutoCAD MEP project that contains the model for a research building.
The building has laboratory space on the third level and general office space on levels one and two. This
building is also used as the model in the AutoCAD® Architecture 2010 tutorials.
How the tutorials are organized

The tutorials are designed to follow the typical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering workflows.
You complete the following phases of design:
■ Reference the architectural floor plan.
■ Add basic MEP elements, such as duct, lighting, and piping.
■ Add more detailed modelling elements, such as mechanical equipment and electrical panels.
■ Analyze systems and refine MEP elements.
■ Create schedules, views, and sheets to document the project.
■ Create detail views, annotations, add tags.
The tutorial exercises are designed to be basic and brief. You do not design the entire building, but only
enough of the building to learn how to use the tools and options in the product. For example, when you
add ductwork, you only draw the duct in one wing of the building.
When you open a training file, you may notice that building elements are included that were not specifically
added in an exercise. For example, to provide a richer and more finished design, elements such as additional
ductwork and equipment are incorporated into subsequent training files. These elements enhance the
exercises you complete.
3
Accessing Training Files
Training files are AutoCAD MEP projects, templates, and families that were created specifically for use with
the tutorials. In this exercise, you learn where the training files are located, as well as how to open and save
them.
Locate the training files

The Tutorials option on the AutoCAD MEP 2010 Help menu provides a link to the installation website for
the tutorial content and training files. When you install the training files as instructed, they are copied to
My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects. The project used in the tutorials is called Research_Building_MEP_M.
NOTE This tutorials reference Windows XP file paths. If you are running Windows Vista, they may be different.
Working with Metric Content

This tutorial requires that the Global content pack be installed as part of the AutoCAD MEP installation for
your workstation. The Global content pack is made up of metric content, metric templates, and an AutoCAD
MEP (Global) user profile.
While you may be accustomed to using imperial units in your day-to-day work, the lessons in this tutorial
cover all of the same tasks necessary for you to complete designs and create construction documents using
either metric or imperial units.
Verifying the Current Profile

In order to complete the tutorial, you must have your current profile set to AutoCAD MEP (Global). To check
the profile setting, in AutoCAD MEP click ➤ Options. The name of the current profile is indicated
at the top of the Options dialog.
If AutoCAD MEP (Global) is not the current profile, select it from the list and click Set Current. If AutoCAD
MEP (Global) is not listed as a choice in the Options dialog, this means that the Global content pack was
not installed when AutoCAD MEP was installed on your workstation.
To add the Global content pack to your AutoCAD MEP installation at any time, rerun the installer, and
select the Add or Remove Features option. To rerun the installer, open the Add or Remove Programs dialog
in the Control Panel, and click Change/Remove. For more information, refer to the online AutoCAD MEP
installation guides.
If you installed a shortcut for the Global profile, double-click the shortcut to launch AutoCAD MEP with
the Global profile set as current.
Use the training files

A training file is a AutoCAD MEP project that defines a building information model and views of the model
that are used to complete the steps in a tutorial. Each tutorial exercise includes a Training File section that
references the training file to be used with that exercise.
The training files include a starting point for each tutorial exercise. So, you can complete any exercise without
first completing the preceding exercises. On the Contents tab of the Help window, the tutorials are grouped
and presented in a recommended order for optimal learning; however, the exercises and lessons can be
completed in any order.
In some cases, a training file may include additional building elements.
Specify the training project
1 On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Browser).
4 | Chapter 1 Using the Tutorials

2 In the Project Browser, double-click Research_Building_MEP_M to specify it as the current project.
If the Research_Building_MEP_M is not displayed, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My
Projects. The Windows default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<user
name>\My Documents. If the Research_Building_MEP_M project is not in this location, it may
not have been extracted to this location.
3 Click Close.
Open a training file
4 On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Navigator).

5 Open the file specified in the Training File section for the tutorial exercise.
Save a training file
6 To save a training file with a new name, click ➤ Save As.
NOTE You are not required to save your work in a training file. A training file is provided as a starting
point for each exercise.
7 Complete the information in the Save Drawing As dialog:

■ For Save in, select the folder in which to save the new file.
You can save the file in the appropriate My Projects folder or in another location.
■ For File name, enter the new file name.

A good practice is to save the training file with a unique name after you have made changes.
■ For Files of type, verify that drawing files (*.dwg) is selected, and click Save.
Close a training file
8 Click ➤ Close.
9 If you have made changes, you are prompted to save the changes. You may close the file with
or without saving changes.
Accessing Training Files | 5

6
Understanding the Basics
2
In this lesson, you are introduced to basic concepts that will help you work effectively in AutoCAD MEP. You also learn
how to use the basic tools that make up the AutoCAD MEP interface.
For optimal learning, you should understand the concepts and master the techniques introduced in this lesson before
you move on to other lessons.
Understanding the Concepts

What is AutoCAD MEP 2010?
AutoCAD MEP is a design and documentation system that supports the design, drawings, and schedules
required for a building project.
In the AutoCAD MEP model, every drawing sheet, 2D and 3D view, and schedule is a presentation of
information from the same underlying building model database. As you work in drawing and schedule
views, AutoCAD MEP collects information about the building project and coordinates this information
across all other representations of the project.
Designing with Objects

AutoCAD MEP is an object-based CAD application. When you design in the application, you use large
collections of objects that represent the real-world components in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
systems. Examples of these objects include segments of duct, pipe, cable tray, and plumbing lines; fittings
of all types; and equipment—called multi-view parts or MvParts in the software—such as air handling units,
electrical transformers, and drinking fountains.
AutoCAD MEP objects are composed of lines, arcs and other standard AutoCAD objects, but they also contain
information that allows them to function like the real-world components that they represent, to relate
intelligently to one another, and to display in a 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) context. The
objects have specially designed connection points called connectors that enable them to connect intelligently
to appropriate objects and transfer information, such as shape, size, and system.
Understanding AutoCAD MEP 2010 terms

Most of the terms used to identify objects in AutoCAD MEP are common, industry-standard terms familiar
to most engineers. However, some terms are unique to AutoCAD MEP. Understanding the following terms
is crucial to understanding the software.
7
Project: In AutoCAD MEP, the project is the single database of information for your design. The project
folder contains all information for the building design, from geometry to construction data. This information
includes components used to design the model, views of the project, and drawings of the design. By using
a single project folder, AutoCAD MEP makes it easy for you to alter the design and have changes reflected
in all associated areas (plan views, elevation views, section views, schedules, and so forth). Having only one
folder to track also makes it easier to manage the project.
Level: Levels are infinite horizontal planes that act as a reference for level-hosted elements, such as roofs,
floors, and ceilings. Most often, you use levels to define a vertical height or story within a building. You
create a level for each known story or other needed reference of the building; for example, first floor, top of
wall, or bottom of foundation. To place levels, you must be in a section or elevation view.
Divisions: Divisions segment the building in the horizontal plane. A division might be a wing of a building.
By default, each new project in AutoCAD MEP has one division.
Constructs: Constructs are the main building blocks (or base drawing files) of the building model. A construct
represents one unique portion of a building, such as a building core, an apartment, or an entire floor.
You assign a construct to a level and a division within the project.
Elements: An element is a generic building block for multiple use. For example, you can create an element
for a typical bathroom layout and reference it multiple times into one or more constructs.
Views: After the structure of the building project is defined and constructs are assigned to levels and divisions,
you can start to create view drawings. A view drawing references a number of constructs to present a specific
view of the building project.
To create a view drawing, you first decide which portion of the building you wish to look at and which type
of view to generate. View drawings automatically reference the appropriate constructs according to their
level/division assignments within the building.
Sheets: Sheets are the final output of a building design. Sheets are used to plot view drawings of your building
project. After you create the necessary model views, detail views, and section/elevation views, you then drag
the views onto the sheets to create sheet views. Sheets are collected together to create a sheet set.
Working in the Product

AutoCAD MEP is a powerful CAD product for the Microsoft® Windows operating system. Its interface
resembles those of other products for Windows, featuring a ribbon that contains the tools you use to complete
tasks.
The AutoCAD MEP interface is designed to simplify your workflow. With a few clicks, you can change the
interface to support the way that you work. For example, you can set the ribbon to one of the three display
8 | Chapter 2 Understanding the Basics

settings for optimum use of the interface. You can also display several project views at one time, or layer
the views to see only the one on top.
Read the following topics to familiarize yourself with the basic parts of the AutoCAD MEP product. Then
experiment with hiding, showing, and rearranging interface components to support the way you work.
Ribbon Overview
The ribbon displays automatically when you create or open a file, and provides a palette of all available
tools. The ribbon contains tabs, and each tab is divided into panels.
You can customize the ribbon by changing the panel order, or moving a panel off the ribbon to the drawing
area or your desktop. The ribbon can be minimized for maximum use of the drawing area.
To move panels
1 Click a panel label and drag the panel to a new location on the ribbon.
2 Click a panel label and drag the panel off the ribbon to the desktop. To return the panel to the ribbon,
click Return Panels to Ribbon.
To minimize the ribbon
1 Click (Show Full Ribbon) to the right of the ribbon tabs.
2 The minimize behavior cycles through the following minimize options:
■ Show Full Ribbon: Shows entire ribbon.
■ Minimize to Panel Tiles: Shows tab and panel labels only.
■ Minimize to Tabs: Shows tab labels only.
Ribbon Tabs and Panels
Ribbon example
TIP When you see a button that shows a line dividing it into two sides, you can click the top (or left) side to access
the tool you probably use most often. Click the other side to expose a list of other related tools.
Example of button
that can be clicked on
two sides
The following table describes the ribbon tabs and the types of commands they contain.
There are a number of button types on the ribbon
Ribbon Tab Includes commands for...
Home many of the tools you need to create the

building model.
Ribbon Overview | 9
Ribbon Tab Includes commands for...
Insert tools to add and manage secondary items

such as raster images, and CAD files.
Annotate tools used for adding 2D information to a

design.
View tools used for managing and modifying

the current view, and for switching views.
Manage project and system parameters, and set-

tings.
Expanded Panels
A drop-down arrow next to a panel name indicates that you can expand the panel to display additional
tools and controls. By default, an expanded panel closes automatically when you click another panel. To
keep a panel expanded, click the push pin icon in the lower left corner of the expanded panel.
A dialog-launcher arrow on the bottom of a panel opens a dialog.
Contextual Ribbon Tabs

When you execute certain commands or select an object, a special contextual ribbon tab displays that
contains a set of tools that relate only to the context in which you are working.
For example, when modifying duct, the Duct contextual tab displays that has three panels:
■ General: contains the Add Duct command.
■ Modify: contains Duct Modify command.
■ Calculations: contains Calculate Duct Sizes command.
This contextual ribbon tab closes when you end the command.

The Application Menu
The application menu provides access to many common file-related commands and also allows you to
manage your files using advanced commands such as Export and Publish.
NOTE AutoCAD MEP options are set from Options on the application menu.
Click on to access the application menu and perform the following actions:
On the application menu, click... to...
select a template and create a new draw-

(New) ing.
select a file to open.

(Open)
save the current file.

(Save)
save the current drawing with a new name.

(Save As)
export the current drawing.

(Export)
The Application Menu | 11

On the application menu, click... to...
print the current drawing.

(Print)
publish the current project.

(Publish)
transmit the current drawing.

(Send)
access tools to maintain the current draw-

(Utilities) ing.
close the current drawing.

(Close)
Using the Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar contains the following items by default:
Quick Access Toolbar Item Description
creates a new drawing.

(New)
opens a file.
(Open)
saves the current drawing.

(Save)
cancels the last action. Displays list of all

(Undo)
actions taken during the session.
reverses the effects of the previous Undo

(Redo)
command.
prints a drawing.
(Plot)
opens the Project Browser.

(Project Browser)
opens the Project Navigator.

(Project Navigator)
To undo or redo a series of operations, click the drop-down to the right of the Undo and Redo buttons. This
displays the command history in a list. Starting with the most recent command, you can select any number
of previous commands to include in the Undo or Redo operation.
The Quick Access toolbar can display below the ribbon. Click the drop-down on the right side of the Quick
Access toolbar, and click Show Below the Ribbon to change the display setting.

You can add an item to the Quick Access toolbar by clicking More Commands on the drop-down menu and
dragging the command from the Command List pane to the Quick Access toolbar.
While in an edit mode (such as Duct Add), items that are added to the Quick Access toolbar from the Create,
Modify, Group, Clipboard, or View Graphics panel persist on the toolbar for that mode. However, when
you switch to another editing mode, these items do not display and need to be re-added to the Quick Access
toolbar.
NOTE There are some tools on contextual tabs that cannot be added to the Quick Access toolbar.
Project Browser
Use the Project Browser to create, copy, and switch between projects. On the left side of the Project Browser,
you can create new projects, browse existing projects, and select the current project. On the right side of
the Project Browser, an embedded Internet Explorer allows you to browse your project home page.
To open the Project Browser, on the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Browser).
To change the current project, double-click the name of a project in the left pane and click Close.
Project Browser | 13
Project Navigator
After you select a project in the Project Browser, you use the Project Navigator to create, edit, and manage
the drawing and construction documentation files within the project. Use the Project Navigator to create
and open elements, constructs, views, and sheets for the current project.
The Project Navigator has 4 tabs that correspond to the main phases of project creation:
■ The Project tab contains the project information, including the levels and divisions in the building
model.
■ The Constructs tab manages the construct and element drawings that make up the building model.
■ The Views tab manages the drawings that contain views of the building model.
■ The Sheets tab organizes all the plotting sheets (created from referenced views) into a single project sheet
set.
To open the Project Navigator, on the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Navigator).
Tools and Tool Palettes

AutoCAD MEP includes a large inventory of tools organized into both discipline-specific and common tool
palettes. Tools represent the individual objects you can add to a drawing. For example, there are several tool
palettes containing documentation tools, such as those for annotation and callouts. There are also numerous
tool palettes containing tools for mechanical, electrical, piping, schematic, and plumbing design.
To open the current tool palette, click Home tab ➤ Build panel ➤ Tools drop-down ➤ Tools.
To switch the active tool palette group, on the title bar of the currently active tool palette set, right-click
(Properties). On the context menu, select the tool palette group that you want to display.

Controlling the Appearance of Palettes
Palettes, such as a tool palette or the Properties palettes, remain open as you work in AutoCAD MEP. You
can control the behavior of palettes by using techniques to hide, dock, or pin them.
You can hide a palette so that it becomes hidden when you move the cursor away from it, leaving only the
title bar visible. To automatically hide a palette, in the title bar of the palette, click (Auto-hide). To
temporarily redisplay a hidden palette, move the cursor over the title bar.
To disable auto-hide, click (Auto-hide) again.
NOTE If a pushpin ( ) displays in a dialog, you can click the pushpin so that the dialog becomes hidden when
you move the cursor away from it, leaving only the title bar visible. To pin the dialog so that it remains displayed
when you move the cursor away from it, click the pushpin ( ) again.
You can position palettes in the application window to make the best use of your work area. A palette can
be docked on the left or right side of your workspace, or it can float (undocked).
Tools and Tool Palettes | 15

To dock a palette, in the title bar of the palette, right-click (Properties) and click Allow docking. Position
the cursor over the title bar, and drag the palette to the left or right side of the workspace. To undock a
palette, drag the palette from the edge of the workspace.
Properties Palette
The Properties palette provides a central location to view the properties of a selected object. Use the Properties
palette to view and change settings for the style, dimensions, location, property set data, and other
characteristics of an object.
If the Properties palette does not display when you select an object, you can display it by clicking Home
tab ➤ Build panel ➤ Tools drop-down ➤ Properties.
Drawing Window Status Bar

The drawing window status bar is located at the bottom of the drawing window. It contains the following
information about the current project and drawing:
■ Name of the current project
■ Type (construct, element, view, or sheet) and name of the current drawing
■ Active scale for the current drawing or viewport
■ Display configuration of the current viewport or model space view
■ Cut plane height
Options at the far right of the drawing window status bar provide access to the following functions: Surface
Hatch Toggle, Layer Key Overrides, Isolate Objects, AEC Project Standards, Autodesk TrustedDWG, and
Manage Xrefs.
Command Line Window

The command line window is located under the drawing window status bar. You can use it to enter a
command by typing the command name. Some commands have abbreviated names. For example, instead
of entering line to start the LINE command, you can enter l. To find a command, you can type a letter in
the command window, and press TAB to cycle through all the commands that begin with that letter. To
repeat a command, press the Up arrow to scroll through recent commands.
Application Status Bar

The application status bar is located under the command line window. It contains the following information
and tools as you use AutoCAD MEP:
■ Coordinate values
■ Drawing tools
■ Quick properties

■ View tools
■ Navigation tools
■ Annotation tools
■ Workspace
■ Lock
■ Elevation
■ Catalog status
■ Clear screen
System Definitions
A system definition specifies behaviors and display properties that apply to all of the objects in a system.
For example, in AutoCAD MEP, you create and name electrical system definitions according to the real-world
electrical systems that they represent, such as Device - Power - 277V or Device - Lighting - 120V. The Style
Manager is used to create and manage system definitions.
Performing Common Tasks

In this exercise, you perform some common AutoCAD MEP tasks. It is recommended that you master these
tasks before you begin the other lessons, so that you are comfortable working in AutoCAD MEP and can
focus on the information presented in the lesson.
To practice these tasks, you use one of the training files.
Working with Objects

Open a training file
1 Click ➤ Open.
2 In the Select File dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My
Projects\Research_Building_MEP_M\Constructs\Mechanical\Exericses, select
MECH_L02_finished.dwg, and click Open.
Enable object snaps
AutoCAD MEP includes 2 kinds of snaps: Object snaps and AutoCAD MEP snaps. Throughout the tutorials,
you enable and disable the use of these snaps and control which snaps are available as you create your design.
3 On the application status bar, verify that Object Snap is enabled. If the icon is darkened,
click it to enable object snaps.
When enabled, object snap restricts the movement of the cursor to specified points on objects, such as the
midpoint or an intersection point.
System Definitions | 17
Configure object snaps
4 Right-click Object Snap , and click Settings.

5 In the Drafting Settings dialog, on the Object Snap tab, select the snaps you want to enable and
click OK.
Object snaps are used to snap drawing points to geometric locations on other objects. For
example, you can snap to the endpoint of a line or snap to the intersection of 2 lines.
AutoCAD MEP snaps connect MEP objects to other objects, maintaining the integrity and
connectivity of the system. AutoCAD MEP snaps are available in all the engineering workspaces.
Select objects
In order to modify a object, you must first select it. There are several ways you can select one or more objects
in a drawing:
6 Move the cursor over an object (such as a duct), and click to select it.
7 Click outside an object or group of objects, drag a bounding box around the desired objects,
and click a second time to select all objects that are completely within the bounding box.
NOTE Dragging the cursor from left to right selects only the objects that are entirely enclosed by
the rectangular window. Dragging from right to left selects objects that the window encloses or
crosses.

Deselect objects
8 Press ESC.
Select similar objects
9 Select one object (such as a diffuser), right-click, and click Select Similar. This selects all objects
in the drawing that have the same part subtype, size, and system as the selected object.
10 Press ESC to deselect the objects.

Filter selections in the Properties palette
11 Use a bounding box to select multiple objects.

12 In the Properties palette, on the Design tab, select a part type (such as duct fitting) from the
drop-down list at the top.
Working with Objects | 19

Deselect objects
13 Press ESC.
Use editing grips
Grips are small, solid-filled shapes displayed at strategic points on a selected object. Grips make it easy to
modify and work with objects.
14 In the drawing area select a duct.
15 Click the add grip and drag to extend a run.

16 Click the lengthen grip and drag to extend the length of the duct.
17 Click the location grip and drag to move the duct.
When you use the location grip to move an object, associative movement enables you to move
a component quickly and accurately without breaking the connection with the rest of the system.
Use the drawing compass
To create an accurate model of your layout, you often need to draw relative to other objects in your building
model. As you draw, you can use the compass to guide the direction of your run. Any part you add to a
layout can be aligned to a specified rotation angle on the compass.
18 In the drawing area, select the duct and click the add grip.
Working with Objects | 21

19 Draw duct at a 90 degree angle as shown.
End a command
Some commands, such as the Add Duct command, stay active or current until you choose another command
or end the current command.
20 Press Enter to end the command.
Undo a command
21 On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Undo).
NOTE Undo has no effect on commands that open, close, or save a window or a drawing, or on
commands that display information, change the graphics display, regenerate the drawing, or export
the drawing to a different format.
Cancel a command
22 Press ESC.
Repeat the last command
23 Press the Up arrow to display the last command in the command line window.
24 Press Enter.

Modifying the View
In this exercise, you learn how to modify your view of the drawing as you work with your AutoCAD MEP
project.
In the lessons in this tutorial, you are frequently instructed to change what you see in the drawing window.
For example, you may be told to zoom to a specific region of a drawing or zoom to fit an entire structure or
floor plan into the view. You may also be told to use different 2D and 3D views to display your design.
Practice these techniques until you can easily adjust your view of the drawing in the drawing area.
Open the training file

Continue to work with the drawing you opened in the previous exercise.
Pan (move) the view
1 Click and hold the mouse wheel, and drag the drawing area to reposition it.
Zoom to adjust the view
2 Roll the mouse wheel up to zoom in. Roll the mouse wheel down to zoom out.
3 To zoom to a specific area in the drawing, click View tab ➤ Navigate panel ➤ Zoom
drop-down ➤ Zoom Window ( ), and specify 2 points.
4 To zoom to display the extents of the drawing, click View tab ➤ Navigate panel ➤ Zoom
drop-down ➤ Zoom Extents ( ).
Use visual styles
A visual style is a collection of settings that control the display of edges and shading in the viewport. As
soon as you apply a visual style or change its settings, you can see the effect in the viewport. Five default
visual styles are supplied with the product.
5 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ Visual Styles drop-down ➤ 2D Wireframe.

Objects are displayed using lines and curves to represent the boundaries. Raster and OLE objects,
linetypes, and lineweights are visible.

Objects are displayed using lines and curves to represent the boundaries.
7 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ Visual Styles drop-down ➤ 3D Hidden.

Objects are displayed using 3D wireframe representation lines representing back faces are hidden.
8 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ Visual Styles drop-down ➤ Realistic.

Objects are shaded and edges are smoothed between polygon faces. Materials that you have
attached to the objects are displayed.
9 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ Visual Styles drop-down ➤ Conceptual.

Objects are shaded and edges are smoothed between polygon faces. The shading uses a transition
between cool and warm colors rather than dark to light. The effect is less realistic, but it can
make the details of the model easier to see.
Use preset 3D views
You can select predefined standard orthographic and isometric views.
10 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ View drop-down ➤ SW Isometric.

11 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ View drop-down ➤ Top.
Modifying the View | 23

Use the ViewCube
The ViewCube is a 3D navigation tool that displays when the 3D graphics system is enabled and allows you
to easily change views. After the ViewCube is displayed, it appears in a corner of the drawing window in an
inactive state. When you position the cursor over the ViewCube, it becomes active. By clicking the ViewCube,
you can switch to a preset view, roll the current view, or change to the Home view of the model.

The ViewCube displays.
13 Click a side, edge, or corner of the ViewCube to change the view.

14 When you are done practicing with the ViewCube, close the drawing without saving it.

Creating a Mechanical &
Piping System
In this tutorial, you learn how to use AutoCAD MEP 2010 to design a mechanical system and a piping system.
25
26
Determining Loads and Air
Flows 3
In this lesson, you learn how to:
■ Model interior spaces for a building plan.

■ Use spaces to model rooms.
■ Assign engineering data necessary for determining heating loads, cooling loads, and air flow requirements.
■ Export space data in Green Building XML (gbXML) format that can be used in an external analysis program.
■ Import a gbXML file with analysis results.
Zones assigned to spaces
Modeling Spaces
In this exercise, you generate spaces to model the interior spaces of rooms in the xref. You specify space
styles for the appropriate rooms as you add the spaces.
Training File
27
On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, expand Constructs ➤ Architectural ➤ Spaces ➤ Exercises,
and open MECH_L01_E01.
Set up the drawing

1 On the application status bar, verify that HVAC is the current workspace.
When the HVAC workspace is active, the HVAC tools are available on the Build panel of the
Home tab, and the HVAC tool palette group is active.
2 Switch to the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group.

Generate spaces
3 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click Corridor.
4 In the drawing area, move the cursor over the corridor as shown.
The room perimeter is detected by the space tool.
5 Click inside the corridor to add a space. Press Enter to end the command.
6 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click Corridor.
7 In the drawing area, right-click and click Generate All. Press Enter to end the command.
28 | Chapter 3 Determining Loads and Air Flows

Update schedule data
8 Select the schedule table, right-click and click Add All Property Sets.
NOTE This ensures that all space properties, such as area and ventilation, are updated in the schedule.
Delete a space
You can delete spaces not required for heat/load calculations, such as the elevator and the outside void for
exhaust air.
9 Select the elevator space and the outside void for exhaust air space as shown. Press Delete.
Apply a display theme
10 Select the legend, right-click and click Apply Display Theme.

Assign space styles
11 Select the spaces as shown.
Modeling Spaces | 29
12 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Inventory
and click Apply Tool Properties to ➤ Space.
14 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Lobby and
click Apply Tool Properties to ➤ Space.
16 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Mechanical
and click Apply Tool Properties to ➤ Space.

18 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Electrical and
20 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Storage and
Modeling Spaces | 31
22 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Stair and
24 On the Spaces tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click Shipping and

Rename spaces
25 Select the space for the west stair.

26 On the Design tab of the Properties palette, under Basic ➤ General, for Name, enter Stair West.
27 Press Esc to deselect the space.
28 Using the same method, rename the south stair and east stair spaces with their corresponding
names.
Note the updated data in the schedule table.
29 Close the file with or without saving it.
Adding Zones
In this exercise, you add zones and attach spaces to the zones. You must attach spaces to zones prior to
exporting to gbXML.
Training File
and open Mech_L01_E02.
Add zone markers

2 Switch to the HVAC tool palette group.

3 On the Analysis tab of the HVAC tool palette group, click Zone.
4 In the drawing area, specify the insertion point for the two zone markers outside of the floor
plan as shown.
Adding Zones | 33
Rename the zone markers
6 Select the first zone marker.

7 On the Design tab of the Properties palette, under Basic ➤ General, for Name, enter Basement
Zone (01).
8 Press Esc to deselect the zone marker.
9 Using the same method, rename the second zone to Basement Zone (02).
Attach spaces to zones
10 Select the Basement Zone (02) marker.

11 Click the Attach Space or Zone grip.
12 Select the spaces in Lobby and Shipping, and press Enter to end the command.
Lines connect the zone to the attached space.

13 Using the same method, attach the Office, Electrical, Storage, and Stair West spaces to the
Basement Zone (01).
14 Using the same method, create 4 additional basement zones and attach the remaining spaces
to the other basement zones as shown.
Adding Zones | 35
Exporting and Importing gbXML Data

You can use gbXML files in external analysis tools to calculate heating and cooling loads for a building plan.
In this exercise, you export space and zone data using gbXML. You import an analyzed gbXML file that
includes calculated load and air flow values.
Training File
and open Mech_L01_E03.
Export data to gbXML
1 On the application menu, click Export ➤ gbXML.

2 In the gbXML Export dialog:
■ For File name, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My
Projects\Research_Building_MEP_M\Constructs\Mechanical enter
Research_Building_export.xml, and click Save.
■ For Select Objects, select 6 Zones.

The zones are detected by the gbXML Export dialog.
■ For Building type, select Office.
■ For ZIP Code, enter 5-digit postal ZIP code.

Some analysis packages use a ZIP code for specifying psychrometric data.
■ Click Start.
3 When the export is complete, click Close.
NOTE The export file and the import file with the calculation results must have the same filename,
since the filename is referenced in the gbXML file.
Importing an analyzed gbXML file
4 Click Analyze tab ➤ HVAC panel ➤ Import gbXML.

5 In the Import gbXML dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My
Projects\Research_Building_MEP_M\Supplemental, select 01 Spaces.xml, and click Open.
The calculation results are applied to the appropriate spaces and zones as property sets.
6 To view zone calculations, select the Basement Zone (01) marker.

7 On the Properties palette:
■ click the Extended Data tab.

■ Click (Add Property Sets).
■ In the Add Property Sets dialog, click OK.
The total air flow, cooling load, and heating load for the zone are displayed under Property
Sets ➤ ZoneEngineeringCalculatedData.
NOTE Note that the calculated zone data is not optimal. For training purposes, you only analyzed
only a portion of the building.
8 Press Esc to deselect the zone.

You can use tags to show calculated airflow values on spaces. You can also use schedules to show
calculation results in a table. For more information, see “Using Space and Zone Calculated Data”
in the AutoCAD MEP online help.
For reference, a completed drawing named Completed_Spaces is included in the project datasets
in the Constructs\Architectural\Spaces\Exercises directory.
Exporting and Importing gbXML Data | 37

38
Designing a Supply Duct
System 4
■ Place equipment for a supply duct system.

■ Draw a 1-line duct to connect equipment.
■ Convert the 1-line duct to sized 2-line using a duct calculator.
Sized 2-line supply duct system
Adding Equipment
In this exercise, you add ceiling diffusers and VAV boxes. You add flow values to the ceiling diffusers so that
you can calculate duct sizes later.
Training File
On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, expand Constructs ➤ Mechanical ➤ Exercises, and open
MECH_L02_E01.
39
Set up the drawing
Add ceiling diffusers
2 Pan and zoom so that Conference 111 is centered in the drawing area.
3 On the application status bar, click (Object Snap) to switch it on.
4 Right-click (Object Snap), and click Settings.

5 In the Drafting Settings dialog:
■ On the Object Snap tab, for General, click (Clears all object snaps in the group), and
select Node.
■ Click OK.
6 On the Equipment tab of the HVAC tool palette group, click Diffuser.
7 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog:
■ On the Part tab, select 600 x 600 mm Square Faced Ceiling Diffuser.
■ For Part Size Name, select 600 x 600 mm Square Plaque Faced Ceiling Diffuser - 250 mm
Neck.
You do not need to specify elevation. The diffuser will snap to the ceiling grid (3550 mm).
■ On the Flow tab, for Flow (Each Terminal), enter 125.
8 In the drawing area, specify the insertion point to place the first diffuser in the location shown.
Note the node snap displays at the ceiling grid intersections.
40 | Chapter 4 Designing a Supply Duct System

9 Use the compass to rotate the diffuser 90 degrees as shown, and click to place.
10 With the Add MVPart command still active, specify the insertion point for the second diffuser
in the location shown. Use the compass to rotate it 90 degrees, and click to place the diffuser.
Adding Equipment | 41
12 Select one of the diffusers, right-click and click Add Selected.
The Add Multi-View Parts dialog displays the settings for the selected diffuser.
13 Repeat the previous steps to add additional ceiling diffusers to Lobby 110 as shown.
NOTE If you insert a diffuser in the wrong location, you can select it, right-click, and use the options
on Basic Modify Tools context menu to move or rotate the part.
Modify diffuser flow values
14 Select all the diffusers in Lobby 110, right-click and click MvPart Modify.

Because Lobby 110 has a small airflow requirement, you will change the diffuser from a 250
mm neck to a 150 mm neck. You will also specify a lower flow value of 63 l/s.
15 In the Multi-view Part Modify dialog:

■ For Part Size Name, select 600 x 600 mm Square Plaque Face Ceiling Diffuser - 150 mm Neck.
■ On the Flow tab, for Flow, enter 63.
■ Click OK.
Add a VAV box
16 On the application status bar, click (Object Snap) to switch it off, so that the VAV boxes
do not snap to the ceiling grid.
17 On the Equipment tab of the HVAC tool palette group, click Series Fan Powered.
■ For Part Size Name, select 250 mm Series Fan Powered VAV Box.
■ Verify that Elevation is set to 2550 mm.
19 In the drawing area, specify the insertion point for the VAV box in the Conference 111 as shown.
Flip the VAV box
21 Select the VAV box, right-click and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Mirror.
22 In the drawing area, click to specify the start and end points for the mirror line on which to flip
the VAV box as shown.
23 On the command line, enter y to erase the original VAV box.

Adding Vertical Supply Duct

In this exercise, you draw a vertical supply duct and connect it to the horizontal duct.
Training File
MECH_L02_E02.
Set up the drawing

2 Click View tab ➤ Viewports panel ➤ Viewport Configurations List drop-down ➤ Two: Vertical.
3 Click inside the left viewport and zoom extents.
4 Click inside the right viewport.
5 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ SE Isometric.
6 Zoom to the location for the vertical duct.
Add vertical supply duct
7 Select the 1-line duct shown, right-click and click Add Selected.
Adding Vertical Supply Duct | 45

9 On the Application status bar, right-click (Object Snap) and click Settings.
■ In the Object Snap tab, under General, select Midpoint.
■ Click OK.
11 In the drawing area, click to place the bottom of the vertical duct as shown.
12 Right-click and click Plane.

13 Move the cursor up, avoiding any snaps, enter 8000.

Modify the horizontal duct
15 Click inside the left viewport and zoom to Mechanical Space 124.
16 In the drawing area, select the horizontal duct and click the Lengthen grip as shown.

17 Use the Location grip to reduce the length of the duct as shown.
Connect the horizontal duct to the vertical supply duct
18 Click the Add Duct grip on the right.

19 In the Add Ducts dialog:
■ Select Lock/Unlock Elevation to switch it on.
■ Click New Run.

■ On the Object Snap tab, under General, clear Midpoint and Node.
■ Click OK.
22 In the drawing area, click the Duct End Connector on the riser as shown.
23 Click the Duct End Connector on the horizontal duct to connect it.
24 Right-click and click Next, until you see the following routing solution.
25 In the drawing area, right-click and click Accept.

Drawing 1-Line Duct

In this exercise, you draw 1-line ducts to connect the main supply duct to the VAV boxes. You also connect
the diffusers to the VAV boxes. Although 1-line duct has an unspecified size and shape, and you can convert
it to sized 2-line duct.
Training File
On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, expand Constructs ➤ Mechanical ➤ Exercises, open
MECH_L02_E03.
Set up the drawing

When the HVAC workspace is active, the HVAC tool are available on the Build panel of the
Add duct from the VAV box
2 Click Manage tab ➤ Preferences panel ➤ Duct.

3 In the Duct Layout Preferences dialog:
■ On the Connections tab, under Terminal-Duct Connection, select Elbow with Rigid Duct.
■ On the Parts tab, for Placeholder, note the default settings.
■ Click OK.
■ On the Object Snap tab, under AutoCAD MEP, select Duct Curve and Duct Connector.
■ Click OK.
6 In the drawing area, select the VAV box and click the Add Duct grip as shown.
7 Draw duct from the VAV box and specify the insertion points as shown.

8 Continue to specify the insertion points as shown.
9 In the Add Duct dialog, click New Run.

10 Draw duct from the diffuser to the main duct as shown.
Drawing 1-Line Duct | 51

12 In the drawing area, select the second diffuser and click the Add Grip as shown.
13 Draw duct to connect the diffuser to the main duct as shown.
14 Right-click and click Accept.

16 Pan and zoom to Conference 111.
17 In the drawing area, select the diffuser and use the Add grip to draw duct to the main duct as
shown.

19 Repeat the previous steps to connect the second diffuser in Conference 111.
20 Pan and zoom to Lobby 110.

21 In the drawing area, select the diffuser and draw duct to connect to the main duct as shown.
Drawing 1-Line Duct | 53

24 Repeat the previous steps to connect the last diffuser to the main duct.
Add an endcap
25 On the Fitting tab of the HVAC tool palette group, click Endcap.
26 In the Add Duct Fittings dialog, select Duct Endcap Placeholder.
27 Click the Duct End Connector to place the fitting as shown.

Sizing Duct
In this exercise, you use a duct size calculator in the software to convert 1-line duct to sized 2-line duct. You
also modify the ducts to change sizes, add transitions, and move locations.
Training File
MECH_L02_E04.
Set up the drawing

Calculate duct sizes
2 In the drawing area, select the duct as shown.
3 Right-click and click Calculate Duct System Sizes.

4 In the Duct System Size Calculator dialog, leave the default settings and click Start.
5 When the duct calculations are complete, click Close.
Sizing Duct | 55
Change the display
6 On the drawing status bar, change the display to Mechanical - Duct 2-Line.
All 1-line duct has been converted to 2-line duct with the calculated dimensions.
Use the Object Viewer
7 In the drawing area, select the area of the drawing as shown.
8 Right-click and click Object Viewer.

9 In the Object Viewer, on the ViewCube, click Home.

The view changes to an isometric view.
10 On the ViewCube, click Front.
11 On the ViewCube, click Right.
Sizing Duct | 57
12 On the ViewCube, click Model.
13 Close the Object Viewer window.
14 Click (Undo) 3 times to return to the 1-line layout.

Recalculate duct sizes
16 Right-click and click Calculate Duct System Sizes.

17 In the Duct System Size Calculator dialog, for Select Shape for Parts with Undefined Shape, select
Rectangular. Click Start.
18 When the duct calculations are complete, click Close.
19 Repeat the previous steps to open the Object Viewer.
20 In the Object Viewer, select Mechanical - Duct 2-Line.
21 Close the Object Viewer.
23 Click the Location grip, move the duct up, and enter 1200.
24 Press Esc to deselect the duct.

25 Select the tee as shown.
Sizing Duct | 59
26 Click the Location grip, move the duct up, and enter 600.
27 Press Esc to deselect the tee.


Designing a Chilled Water
Supply System 5
■ Add equipment for a chilled water supply system.

■ Draw pipe runs to connect the equipment.
■ Add valves to the chiller pipelines.
■ Add labels to the chilled water supply system.
Completed chilled water system
Adding Equipment
In this exercise, you add chillers and pumps to the rooftop plan.
Training File
On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, expand Constructs ➤ Piping ➤ Exercises, and open
PIPE_L01_E01.
Set up the drawing

1 On the application status bar, verify that Piping is the current workspace.
61
When the Piping workspace is active, the Piping tools are available on the Build panel of the
Home tab, and the Piping tool palette group is active.

select Midpoint.
■ For AutoCAD MEP, select Pipe Curve and Pipe Connector
■ Click OK.
5 On the drawing status bar, for display, select MEP Basic 2-Line.
Add a chiller
6 In the drawing area, pan and zoom to the 2 horizontal equipment pads.
7 On the Equipment tab of the Piping tool palette group, click Centrifugal Chiller.
■ On the Part tab, expand Mechanical ➤ Refrigeration Equipment and select Centrifugal Chiller.
■ For Elevation, enter 100.
9 In the drawing area, click the midpoint of the top of the pad as shown.
62 | Chapter 5 Designing a Chilled Water Supply System

10 Using the compass, move the cursor up to rotate the chiller and click to place it as shown.

Center the chiller on the pad
12 Select the chiller, right-click, and click AEC Modify Tools ➤ Center.
Note the command line prompts.
13 Press Enter in order to specify 2 points for the line on which to center the chiller.
14 Select the top of the pad for the first centerpoint, as shown.
15 Select the bottom for the second centerpoint.
16 Repeat the previous steps to specify centerpoints on the left side and right side of the pad.

The chiller is centered on the pad.
Copy the chiller to the other pad
17 With the chiller still selected, right-click, and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Copy.
18 To specify the base point for copying, click the top of the pad as shown.
19 Click the same point on the lower pad.

Add a pump
21 Pan and zoom to the 4 pump pads.

select Endpoint.
■ Click OK.
24 On the Equipment tab of the Piping tool palette group, click Base Mounted Pump.
■ For Part Size Name, select the 200x200 mm Base Mounted Pump.
26 In the drawing area, click on the endpoint snap on the upper-right corner of the left pad as
shown.
27 Use the compass to rotate the pump as shown, and click to place.

Center the pump on the pad
29 Select the pump, right-click, and click AEC Modify Tools ➤ Center.
30 Press Enter in order to specify 2 points for the line on which to center the pump.
31 Specify the endpoints for the long edge of the pad as shown.
32 Repeat the previous steps to center the pump along the short edge of the pad.
Copy the pump to the other pads
33 Select the pump, right-click, and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Copy.
34 Click the lower-left corner of the first pad, and then click the same corner on the other 3 pads.

Connecting Chillers to Pumps

In this exercise, you draw piping from the chillers to the pumps. You add vertical pipe runs, and you use
grips and pipe snaps.
Training File
PIPE_L01_E02.
Set up the drawing

Set up routing preferences
2 Click Manage tab ➤ Style & Display panel ➤ Style Manager drop-down ➤ Routing Preference
Definitions.
3 In the Style manager dialog:
■ In the left pane, expand Piping Objects ➤ Pipe Part Routing Preferences, and click Generic
Threaded & Flanged Steel.
■ On the Preferences tab, under Size Range 1, for Transition-Concentric select Threaded -
Generic Reducer_gbm.
Connecting Chillers to Pumps | 69

■ Under Size Range, 2, for Transition-Concentric, select Flanged - Generic Concentric
Reducer_gbm.
■ Click OK.
Add pipe from a chiller
4 Click the left viewport to activate it.

5 Select the top chiller, and click the middle Add grip for chilled water supply as shown.

■ Under Dimensions, for Routing preference, select Generic Threaded & Flanged Steel.
■ Under Placement, for Elevation, enter 2500.
7 Draw the pipe as shown.

9 Select the bottom chiller, and click the Add grip for chilled water supply.
10 On the Properties palette, under Placement, for Elevation, enter 2500.
11 Draw pipe from the second chiller to the main duct as shown.

12 Press Enter twice to accept the routing solution and end the command.
Connect pumps to the chillers
13 Select the first pump on the left, and click the Add grip on the outlet as shown.
14 On the Properties palette, under Basic-Placement, for Elevation enter 2500.

15 In the Choose a Part dialog, click OK.
Connecting Chillers to Pumps | 71

16 Move the cursor directly to the outlet on the next pump, and click the pipe end connector as
shown.
Connect chillers to pumps
17 Select the pipe between the 2 pumps, and click the Add grip.
18 Draw pipe to connect to the Pipe Curve Connector on the main pipe as shown.
19 Press Enter twice to end the command.

Modify pipe and fitting size
20 Select the pipe and tee as shown.

21 On the Properties palette, under Basic-Dimensions, select 200 for Nominal size.
22 Press Esc to deselect the pipe and fitting.
Starting the Pipe Run to the AHU

In this exercise, you continue drawing pipe to supply the air handling unit with chilled water.
Training File
PIPE_L01_E03.
Set up the drawing

Add pipe
2 Select the elbow, and click the Add grip as shown.
3 Draw a pipe segment to the approximate location shown, and click to insert.
Starting the Pipe Run to the AHU | 73

The elbow is converted to a tee.
Switch to 3D view to draw angled run
5 Click the viewport on the right to activate it and zoom to the end of the pipe just drawn.
6 In the drawing area, select the pipe and click the Add grip.

7 On the command line, enter p to change the plane.
8 In the drawing area, click to insert the pipe as shown.
9 Continue to draw pipe as shown.
Starting the Pipe Run to the AHU | 75

Modify the elevation for the lower run
11 Click in the left viewport to activate it.

12 Hover over the pipe to view the elevation, and then select the pipe.
13 On the Properties palette, under Basic-Placement, for Elevation, enter 1800.

14 Press Esc to deselect the pipe.
Move pipe without breaking connections
15 Select the pipe and click the Location grip as shown.
16 Use the Location grip to move the pipe as shown.

Note how the rest of the pipe run moved down as well. The tee moved down, and the connecting
pipe adjusted its length to accommodate the new location. The pipe run is still fully connected.
17 Click (Undo) to restore the pipe to its original location.
Completing the Pipe Run to the AHU

In this exercise, you connect the pipe run to the AHU.
Training File
PIPE_L01_E04.
Set up the drawing

Add pipe
2 Click the left viewport to activate it and zoom to the AHUs.

3 Select the equipment and click the Add grip as shown.
Completing the Pipe Run to the AHU | 77

4 Draw pipe from the AHU as shown.
5 On the Properties palette, under Basic-Placement, for Elevation, enter 1800.

6 In the drawing area, draw pipe as shown.

8 Click in the right viewport to activate it and zoom to the AHU.

9 Click in the left viewport to activate it, select the equipment and click the Add grip as shown.
10 Using the right viewport as a guide, draw pipe between the AHUs as shown.

11 Press Enter twice to accept the routing and end the command.
Change the pipe and fitting sizes
12 Select the pipe and fitting as shown.
13 On the Properties palette, under Basic-Dimensions, for Nominal Size, select 80.
14 Press Esc to deselect the fittings.
Connect the open ends
15 Click in the left viewport to activate it, and zoom to the pipe end.
16 Select the pipe and click the Add grip as shown.
17 Draw pipe to connect the AHU pipe as shown.
18 In the Choose a Part dialog, select Flanged - Water-Generic Reducer_gbm., and click OK.
19 In the Choose a Part dialog, select Flanged - Generic-Flange_gbm, and click OK.

21 Click in the right viewport to activate it and zoom to view the connections.
Adding Valves to Chiller Lines

In this exercise, you add gate valves to the chiller pipelines.
Training File
PIPE_L01_E05.
Set up the drawing

Change the view
2 Click in the right viewport to activate it.

3 In the drawing area, select the vertical pipe as shown.

4 Right-click and click Isolate Objects ➤ Isolate Objects.
Adding Valves to Chiller Lines | 83

Add valves
5 On the Accessories tab of the Piping tool palette group, click Gate.
6 Move the cursor onto the left pipe until the Pipe Curve Connector displays.
7 Click to insert the valve and rotate as shown.

8 Repeat the previous steps for the other vertical pipe.
Adding Valves to Chiller Lines | 85

Change the view
9 Right-click and click Isolate Objects ➤ End Object Isolation.
10 Close the drawing with or without saving it.
Adding Pipe Size Labels

In this exercise, you add pipe size labels to annotate the piping system.
Training File
PIPE_L01_E06.
Set up the drawing

Add labels
2 On the Annotation tab of the Piping tool palette group, click Label.
3 On the Properties palette under Basic-General:
■ For Style, specify Standard.
■ For Layout Method, specify One by One.

4 In the drawing area, select the pipes shown.
5 Press Enter to continue.

6 Click each pipe to specify the label location as shown.
You can pan and zoom as you specify locations without exiting the command.

Adding Pipe Size Labels | 87

88
Creating an Electrical
System
In this tutorial, you learn how to use AutoCAD MEP 2010 to design an electrical system.
89
90
Designing a Lighting
System 6
■ Create a panel.
■ Create an electrical project database to manage circuits for multiple drawings.
■ Add devices, such as lighting fixtures, junction boxes, and switches.
■ Assign devices to a circuit.
■ Tag lights for scheduling.
■ Add wiring.
91
Completed lighting system
Adding Panels and Circuits

In this exercise, you add a panel to a drawing, and you configure circuits for the panel. You use an electrical
project database, which controls the circuit configuration for a project. You can assign multiple drawings
and their electrical components to a single project database, which has a file extension of .epd.
Training File
On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, under Constructs ➤ Electrical ➤ Exercises, open
ELEC_L01_E01.
Set up the drawing

1 On the application status bar, verify that Electrical is the current workspace.
When the Electrical workspace is active, the Electrical tools are available on the Build panel of
the Home tab, and the Electrical tool palette group is active.
2 On the application status bar, click (Ortho Mode), (Object Snap)., and (Dynamic
Input) to switch them on.
92 | Chapter 6 Designing a Lighting System

select Node and Nearest.
Note that for the AutoCAD MEP settings, only Electrical Curve and Electrical Connector are
selected. Use Electrical curve to connect to electrical wires. Use electrical connector to connect
to electrical devices. The connections are maintained when a wire or device is moved.
■ Click OK.
Add a panel
5 In the drawing area, pan and zoom to Electrical 112.
6 On the Panel tab of the Electrical tool palette group, click Surface Mounted.
7 On the Design tab of the Properties palette, specify the following settings for the panel:
■ Under Location, for Align to objects, select Yes.
■ Under Advanced, for System, select 230V Lighting (230V LIGHTING).
■ Expand Advanced ➤ Circuits.
■ For Create Circuits, specify Yes. Click Circuit Settings.
■ In the Circuit Settings dialog, specify the following:
■ For System Type, select Power and Lighting.
■ For System, select 230V Lighting.
■ For Total number of slots, enter 42.
■ For Number of 2-pole circuits, enter 0.
■ For Number of 1-pole circuits, enter 2.
■ For Voltage (for 1-pole circuits), select 230.
■ Click OK.
■ Under Design Data, for Name, enter HP01.
■ For Rating, enter 100.
■ For Voltage phase-to-neutral, select 230.
■ For Voltage phase-to-phase, select 240.
Adding Panels and Circuits | 93

■ For Phases, enter 1.
■ For Panel Type, select ISO.
8 In the drawing area, move the cursor to the wall as shown, and click the Nearest snap to snap
to the nearest drawing geometry, in this case, the wall. The panel automatically aligns to the
wall.
9 When prompted to create a new or open an existing electrical project database file, click Create
a new EPD file.
10 For filename, enter Sample and click Save.
Configure circuits
12 Click Analyze tab ➤ Electrical panel ➤ Circuit Manager.

13 In the left pane of Circuit Manager, expand HP01 (Current Drawing), and expand Power and
Lighting.
Note the list of circuits created when you added the panel. You can add or remove circuits on
a panel at anytime using Circuit Manager.
14 Select Circuit 1, double-click the Description field, and enter 01 Floor: Conference Fluorescent.
15 Repeat the previous step to enter 01 Floor: Lobby Fluorescent for the Circuit 2 description, and
01 Floor: Service Cove Fluorescent for the Circuit 3 description.
Note the 20-amp rating on the circuits.
16 Close the Circuit Manager.


Adding Lights
In this exercise, you add lights to a conference room. You reference the electrical project database that
contains the panel and circuits. By using the electrical project database, you can share circuit information
across all project drawings.
Training File
ELEC_L01_E02.
Set up the drawing

Specify an electrical project database
2 Click Manage tab ➤ Preferences panel ➤ Electrical.

■ On the Circuiting tab, under Overload, select Check Overload when circuiting
■ On the Electrical Project Database tab, for Project Database, click Open.
■ In the Open dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My

Projects\Research_Building_MEP_M\Constructs\Electrical\EPD and open
lighting_exercise02.epd.
■ On the Electrical Project Database tab, select Use Relative Path.
■ Click OK.
Add pendant lights
3 In the drawing area, pan and zoom to Conference 111.

4 On the Power-Lighting Device tab of the Electrical tool palette group, click Pendant Light.
■ Under Basic, for General, click Style, verify that Pendant 450 is selected.
■ Under Layout, for Layout Method, select One by One.
■ Under Advanced, for Circuits, click Electrical Properties.
■ In the Electrical Properties dialog, under Connector Properties, for Load Phase 1, enter
100 VA.
■ Click OK.
6 On the application status bar, click (Object Snap) to switch it off.

7 Click to place the pendant light in Conference 111 as shown.
Adding Lights | 95
8 Press Enter to accept the default rotation of 0 (zero).
Rather than placing individual lights and setting the properties for each one, a more efficient approach is
to create a custom tool that place the light and applies the device properties, including the elevation and
circuit load. In the following steps, you use the Research_Building_MEP_M custom tool palette group to add
lighting and other devices.
11 On the application status bar, right-click (Object Snap) and click Settings.
■ For General, click (Clears all object snaps in the group).
■ Select Node and Nearest.
■ For AutoCAD MEP, select Electrical Curve and Electrical Connector.
■ Click OK.
13 On the Lighting tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click Pendant 450.
14 In the drawing area, click to place 4 additional pendant lights as shown.

16 Select the original pendant light placed and press Delete.
17 Repeat the previous steps to place a fifth pendant light in its place.
Adding Lights | 97
Add recessed lights
18 On the Lighting tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click 600x600 Recessed
Light.
19 On the Design tab of the Properties palette, under Location, for Align to objects, select Yes.
20 In the drawing area, use the ceiling grid to place 6 recessed lights as shown.

Add surface lights
22 On the Lighting tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click Surface 1.
23 On the application status bar, click (Object Snap) to switch it off.

24 In the drawing area, click to place the 3 surface lights as shown.
Adding Lights | 99
Add fluorescent lights
26 On the Lighting tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click 1200 Long Linear
Fluorescent.
27 On the Properties palette, under Basic-Location, for Align to Objects, click Yes.
28 In the drawing area, click to place a fluorescent light in Electrical 112 as shown.

29 Place an additional fluorescent on the wall as shown.
Adding Lights | 101

30 Move the cursor to the left and enter 1200 to place a third light.
31 Repeat the previous step to place a fourth light.

33 Select the fixture placed on the wall and press Delete.
Delete the default tags for the lights
34 In the drawing area, select one of the tags for the surface lights as shown, right-click and click
Select Similar.
Adding Lights | 103

35 Press Delete.
Add tags to recessed lighting
36 Switch to the Electrical tool palette group.

37 On the Annotation tab of the Electrical tool palette group, click Light ID.
38 In the drawing area, select the recessed light and specify the insertion point for the tag as shown.

39 In the Edit Property Set Data dialog, click OK.
40 On the command line, enter m and press Enter.
41 In the drawing area, select the remaining recessed lights and press Enter.
Adding Lights | 105

Assign lighting fixtures to a circuit
44 In the drawing area, select one of the recessed lighting fixtures, right-click and click Select Similar.
45 On the Design tab of the Properties palette, under Advanced, for Circuits, click Electrical
Properties.
46 In the Electrical Properties dialog:
■ Under Connector Properties, for Show Circuits from Panel, select HP01 (Current Drawing).
■ For Circuit, select 1[Load: 0VA].
■ Click OK.
47 Press Esc to deselect the fixtures.

48 Select the remaining lighting fixtures in Conference 111 and in Electrical 112.
49 Repeat the previous steps to assign these fixtures to the same circuit.
Adding Equipment and Wiring

In this exercise, you add junction boxes and wiring to the electrical design drawing.
Training File
ELEC_L01_E03.

Set up the drawing
Add a junction box

3 On the Lighting tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, click Round Data
Junction Box.
■ Under Basic-Location, for Elevation, enter 3500.
■ Under Advanced-Design Data, for ID, enter L.
5 In the drawing area, click to place 3 junction boxes as shown. Press Enter to end the command.
Add wiring
6 Switch to the Electrical tool palette group.

7 On the Wire tab of the Electrical tool palette group, click 230V Lighting Wiring.
■ Under Basic, for General, for Style, select PVC Single.
■ For Segment, select Arc.
■ Under Basic, for Location, for Height, enter 200, and for Elevation, enter 2600.
Adding Equipment and Wiring | 107

10 In the drawing area, move the cursor over the first junction box, and click the electrical end
connector as shown.
11 Click the electrical end connector on the second junction box.

12 Click the electrical end connector on the third junction box.

Add additional wiring for lighting devices
14 Select the wire as shown, right-click and click Add Selected.

15 Click the first recessed light, click the first junction box, and then click the second recessed light
as shown.

16 Enter n and press Enter to start a new run.
17 Repeat the previous steps to wire the second pair of recessed lights to the second junction box
as shown.

18 Repeat the previous steps to wire the third pair of recessed lights to the third junction box as
shown.

19 Repeat the previous steps to add wire between the pendant lights and the third junction box.

20 Repeat the previous steps to wire the surface lights and linear fluorescent lights to the third
junction box as shown.

Change wire location
22 Select the wire as shown, and click the Location grip to adjust the location of the wire between
the recessed light and junction box as shown.
23 Repeat the previous steps to change the wire location from the junction box to the other recessed
light as shown.

Check connectivity
24 Select the wire between the two pendant lights as shown, right-click and click Connected
Objects ➤ Show Connected Run.

25 Press Esc to deselect the wire.
Adding Switches and Additional Wiring

In this exercise, you add switches and additional wiring to your design. You also add a home run to point
to the panel added in the first exercise.
Training File
ELEC_L01_E04.
Set up the drawing

the Home tab, and the Electrical tool palette group is opened.

■ Select Nearest.
■ Click OK.

Add switches
5 On the Power-Lighting Device tab of the Electrical tool palette group, click Single Pole Switch.
■ Under Basic-Location, for Elevation, enter 1000.
■ Under Advanced-Circuits, click Electrical Properties.
■ In the Electrical Properties dialog, under Connector Properties, for Show Circuits from Panel,
select HP01 (current drawing). For Circuit, select 1[Load: 1040VA]. Click OK.
7 In the drawing area, click to place the switch as shown.

■ Click Style.
■ In the Select a Style dialog, click Dimmer Switch, and click OK.
9 In the drawing area, click to place 2 dimmer switches as shown.

Add additional wiring
Adding Switches and Additional Wiring | 119

■ Under General, clear Nearest.
■ Click OK.
13 In the drawing area, select the surface lighting fixture and click the Add Wire grip as shown.
14 Click to Electrical End Connector on the switch to connect the wire as shown.

16 Select the wire and click the Location grip to move it as shown.
17 Press Esc to deselect the wire.

18 In the drawing area, select the pendant lighting fixture and click the Add Wire grip as shown.

19 Click the Electrical End Connector on the dimmer switch to connect the wire as shown.

Add a home run
21 Pan and zoom to Electrical 112.

22 Select the wire as shown, right-click and click Add Selected.
23 Click the electrical end connector on the lighting fixture as shown.

24 Press Enter to add a homerun.
25 Click to place the home run as shown.

Add a label
27 On the Annotation tab of the Electrical tool palette group, click Home Run Label.
28 In the drawing area, click the home run to place the label as shown.

Change the lighting device type
30 On the Lighting tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette group, right-click 600x600
Emergency Light, and click Apply Tool Properties to Device.
31 In the drawing area, select the lighting fixture as shown.

33 Select the fixture again.
34 On the Properties palette, under Location, for Rotation, enter -45.
35 Press Esc to deselect the lighting fixture.

124
Designing a Power System
7
■ Place devices using automatic and manual layout methods.

■ Create a schematic diagram.
125
Generating Devices
In this exercise, you place devices in a room using a layout method to generate devices with a set distance
between each one. You also check circuit loads, and move devices from one circuit to another to prevent
an overload condition.
Training File
ELEC_L02_E01.
Set up the drawing

the Home tab, and the Electrical tool palettes group is active.
2 On the drawing status bar, for display, select Electrical - Power.

Turn on overload checking
3 Click Manage tab ➤ Preferences panel ➤ Electrical.

4 In the Electrical Preferences dialog:
■ Click the Circuiting tab.
■ Under Overload, verify that Check Overload when circuiting and Display Overload in Circuit
Manager are both selected.
■ Click OK.
Display panel settings
5 In the drawing area, select the panel in Electrical 211.
6 Right-click and click Show in Circuit Manager.
126 | Chapter 7 Designing a Power System

The circuit 02 Floor:NE Laboratory has a rating of 20 amps and a 120V.
7 Close the Circuit Manager.

Generate devices
8 In the drawing area, zoom to Common Area 213.
9 On the Power-Lighting Device tab of the Electrical tool palette, click Single Switched Socket
Outlet.
10 On the Design tab of the Properties palette:
■ Expand Layout, and for Layout method, select Distance around space. This will place sockets
at a specific distance interval around the room.
■ For Distance between, enter 1800.
■ Expand Location, and for Elevation, enter 450.
■ Expand System, and for System, select 230V Power (230V POWER).
■ Expand Tag, and for Insert tag, select *NONE*.
■ Under Circuits, click the Electrical Properties icon.
Generating Devices | 127

■ In the Electrical Properties dialog:
■ Under Connector Properties, for Show Circuits from Panel, select Exercise Panel (Current
Drawing).
■ For Circuit, select 1 [Load: 0VA].
■ For Load Phase 1, enter 180.
■ Click OK.
11 Right-click Object Snap, and click Settings.

■ Click the Object Snap tab.
■ Select Nearest.
■ Click OK.
13 Move the cursor to the space outline for Common Area 213.
Note that a preview of the socket layout is displayed and the number of sockets is listed on the
Properties palette.
14 Click to place the sockets.

15 In the warning dialog, click Yes.
Delete devices
17 Select the sockets as shown, and press Delete.

Check the circuit loads
18 Click Analyze tab ➤ Electrical panel ➤ Circuit Manager.

19 In the Circuit Manager, under Exercise Panel (Current Drawing), select Power and Lighting.
Note how circuit 1 is highlighted in red to display an overload condition.
Move devices to another circuit
20 In the drawing area, select the sockets as shown.
Generating Devices | 129

■ Under Advanced-Circuits, click the Electrical Properties icon.
■ In the Electrical Properties dialog, for Circuit, select 2 [Load: 0VA] and click OK.
22 Press Esc to deselect the sockets.

23 In the Circuit Manager, under Exercise Panel (Current Drawing), select Power and Lighting.
Note how the overload condition has been removed, and note the new loads on circuits 1 and
2.
Manually Placing Devices

In this exercise, you manually place devices. You also use grips and auto-alignment to move the devices in
a room.
Training File

ELEC_L02_E02.
Set up the drawing

the Home tab, and the Electrical tool palettes group is active.

3 Right-click Object Snap, and click Settings.
■ Select Nearest.
■ Click OK.
Manually insert a device
5 In the drawing area, zoom to Corridor 212.
6 On the Power-Lighting Device tab of the Electrical tool palette, click Twin Switched Socket
Outlet.
■ Expand Layout, and for Layout method, select One by one.
■ Expand Location, and for Align to objects, select Yes.
■ Under Advanced-Circuits, click the Electrical Properties icon.
■ In the Electrical Properties dialog:

■ Under Connector Properties, for Show Circuits from Panel, select Exercise Panel (Current
Drawing).
■ For Circuit, select 2 [Load: 1440VA].
■ For Load Phase 1, enter 1560 VA.
■ Click OK.
8 In the drawing area, place the sockets in the corridor between the exterior windows as shown.
Manually Placing Devices | 131

Because you selected Yes for Align to objects on the Properties palette, the socket will
automatically align to the object to which you snap.

Move a device to another wall
10 In the drawing area, select the socket shown, and click the Show all insertion points grip.
11 Select the insertion point as shown.
12 Move the socket to the opposite wall and click the Nearest snap as shown.

Note how the socket automatically aligns to the wall surface.
13 Press Esc to deselect the socket.
Drawing a Schematic Design

In this exercise, you begin creating the diagram by adding symbols and drawing schematic lines. You add
the main utility transformer, and then add the fuses, the switches for the main distribution panel, and the
circuit breaker. Then, you label the components to complete the power distribution diagram.
Training File
None
Create a new view drawing
1 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand Views ➤ MEP ➤ Electrical ➤ Exercises and
right-click New View Dwg ➤ General.
Drawing a Schematic Design | 133

2 In the Add General View dialog, for Name, enter Schematic Riser Diagrams. Click Next twice,
and click Finish.
3 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand Views ➤ MEP ➤ Electrical ➤ Exercises and
open Schematic Riser Diagrams.
Set up the drawing
4 On the application status bar, switch to the Schematic workspace.

When the Schematic workspace is active, the Schematic tools are available on the Build panel
of the Home tab, and the Schematic tool palettes group is active.
5 Click View tab ➤ MEP View panel ➤ Solution Tips.

6 On the drawing window status bar, click Annotation Scale and select 1:1.
Add schematic lines
7 Click Home tab ➤ Draw panel ➤ Rectangle.

8 On the command line:
■ Enter 0,0 and press Enter.
■ Enter @210,270 and press Enter.
9 In the drawing area, zoom extents to view the rectangle.

Add schematic lines
10 On the Electric tab of the Schematic tool palette, click 400V Power.
11 In the drawing area, draw lines as shown.
NOTE To start a new run, enter n on the command line.

Add schematic symbols
13 On the Electric tab of the Schematic tool palette, click Circuit Breaker.
14 In the drawing area, click to place the circuit breaker to the right of the rectangle.
15 Press Enter twice to accept the rotation and end the command.
The circuit breaker will appear very small.

16 Select the symbol for the circuit breaker, right-click and click Edit Schematic Symbol Style.
17 On the Views tab of the Schematic Symbol Styles dialog:
■ Under Scaling, clear Use Annotation Scale.
■ For Override Scale, enter 10 for X, Y, and Z.
■ Click OK.

19 On the Schematic tab of the Research_Building_MEP_M tool palette, click Fuse.
20 Repeat the previous steps to add the following symbols near the fuse to the right of the rectangle:
■ Single Throw Electrical
■ Motor Electrical
■ Panel General Electrical
■ Fuse Electrical
■ Transformer Electrical
Place schematic symbols
21 In the drawing area, right-click the transformer symbol and click Add Selected.
22 Click to place the transformers as shown.
23 Press Esc to end the command.

24 Repeat the previous steps to place the remaining symbols on the schematic lines as shown.
Modify schematic lines and symbols
25 Select the line as shown and use the Location grip to move the line as shown.

26 Select the line as shown and use the Lengthen grip to lengthen the line as shown.
27 Select the symbol as shown and use the Location grip to move the symbol as shown.
28 Select the fuse on the line on the left, right-click and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Copy.

29 Click to add a fuse both to the center and right lines as shown.
30 Repeat the previous steps to copy the switch from the line on the left to both the center and
right lines as shown.

Add circuit breakers
31 Using the same method for adding the other symbols to the design, add 3 circuit breakers as
shown.
Add distribution panels

33 Draw rectangles to represent the main and secondary distribution panels as shown.
Label the schematic design
34 Switch to the Schematic tool palette group.

35 On the Annotation tab of the Schematic tool palette, click Text Tool.
36 Specify the text location to the right of the top transformer.
37 Press Enter to specify a width of zero.
38 On the command line, enter the following:
■ 500 kVA

■ UTILITY COMPANY
■ TRANSFORMER
■ 230/400V SECONDARY
39 When you have entered all lines of text, press Enter to end the command.
40 Create text labels in the other locations as shown.
Modify the label style
41 Select any one of the labels.

42 On the command line, enter style.
43 In the Text Style dialog:
■ Under Styles, select Arial-Bold.

■ Click New.
■ In the New Text Style dialog, for Style Name, enter Schematic and click OK.
■ Under Size, for Height, enter 2.5.
■ Under font, for Font Style, select Regular.
■ Click Apply and then click Close.
44 Right-click the label and click Select Similar.

45 On the Properties palette, under Text, for Style select Schematic.
46 Press Esc to deselect the labels.

142
Creating a Plumbing
System
In this tutorial, you learn how to use AutoCAD MEP 2010 to design a plumbing system.
143
144
Designing a Sanitary
System 8
■ Add plumbing equipment, such as sinks and toilets.

■ Add plumbing lines to connect equipment.
■ Add vent lines.
■ Add annotation.
145
Adding Equipment
In this exercise, you add plumbing fixtures, including toilets, urinals, sinks, and drains.
Training File
On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, under Constructs ➤ Plumbing ➤ Exercises, open
PLMB_L01_E01.
Set up the drawing

1 On the application status bar, verify that Plumbing is the current workspace.
When the Plumbing workspace is active, the Plumbing tools are available on the Build panel of
the Home tab, and the Plumbing tool palette group is active.
■ Select Intersection.
■ Click OK.
Add toilets
5 On the Equipment tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click WC.
■ On the Part tab, under Water Closets, select Wall-Mounted Flush Valve Toilet.
■ On the Fixture Units tab, for Fixture, select Toilet-Flushing Valve.
TIP Fixture units and occupancy are needed if you are going to size plumbing lines. In this exercise,
you do not calculate the size of plumbing lines. Instead you place sized plumbing lines from fixture
and symbol defaults.
7 In the drawing area, zoom to the women’s rest room.

8 Use the linework to specify the insertion point, rotate the toilet, and click to insert it as shown.
9 Repeat the previous steps to place 5 additional toilets in the stalls as shown.
146 | Chapter 8 Designing a Sanitary System

Add urinals
11 On the Equipment tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Urinal.
12 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog, on the Part tab, under Urinals, select Wall-Hung Urinal.
13 In the drawing area, use the linework to specify the insertion point, rotate the urinal, and click
to insert it as shown.
14 Repeat the previous steps to place 1 additional urinal as shown.

16 Select the urinals, and on the Properties palette, for Elevation, enter 450.
17 Press Esc to deselect the urinals.
Add sinks
18 On the Equipment tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Sink.

■ Under Basins, select Oval Basin.
■ For Part Size Name, verify that 525 x 475 mm Oval Basin is selected.
20 In the drawing area, use the linework to specify the insertion point, rotate the sink and click to
insert it as shown.
21 Repeat the previous steps to place 3 additional sinks as shown.

23 Select the sinks, and on the Properties palette, under Location, for Elevation, enter 860.
24 Press Esc to deselect the sinks.
Add service sinks
25 On the Equipment tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Sink.
26 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog, under Sinks, select Service Sink.
27 In the drawing area, use the linework to specify the insertion point, rotate the sink and click to
insert it as shown.

29 Select the sink, and on the Properties palette, under Location, for Elevation, enter 860.
30 Press Esc to deselect the sink.
Add floor drains
31 On the Equipment tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Drain.
■ Select Round Floor Drain.
■ For Part Size Name, select 150 mm Round Floor Drain.
33 In the drawing area, click to place the floor drain in the location shown.

35 To replicate the drain in the corresponding stall in the other restroom, select the drain, right-click,
and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Copy.
36 Specify a base point on the existing drain and then specify the insertion point in the
corresponding stall.

Verify elevation settings
38 Move the cursor over the toilets and drains to verify that their elevation is 0 (zero). Move the
cursor over the urinals to verify that their elevation is 450. Move the cursor over the sinks to
verify that the elevation is 860.
View in 3D
39 Select all the equipment that you placed in this exercise.
40 Right-click and click Object Viewer.

41 In the Object Viewer dialog:
■ Click North.
■ Move the cursor over the view cube and click (Home).
■ Press Esc to close the Object Viewer.
Create a section view
42 On the Annotation tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Section Mark A2T.
43 In the drawing area, click to specify the first point of the section line as shown.

44 Click to specify the second point of the section line as shown. Press Enter to end the command.
45 Click to specify the section extents as shown.
46 In the Place Callout dialog:

■ Deselect Place Titlemark.
■ For Scale, select 1:50.
■ Click Current Drawing.
47 Click to place the section to the left of the drawing area.
The section created provides visual feedback.
Remove the section view
48 Click Undo twice to remove the section view and section mark.
Remove the linework
49 Select the linework used to position the equipment.

50 Press Delete.
Adding a Waste Line for Toilets

In this exercise, you add a waste line from the cleanout to the stack. Then, you connect the toilets to the
waste stack.
Training File
PLMB_L01_E02.
Turn off solution tips
1 Click View tab ➤ MEP View ➤ Solution Tips.

Verify elevations
2 In the drawing area, move the cursor over the vertical pipe as shown.
NOTE The major vertical pipe stack was created as piping so that you can check for interference.
3 Select the toilet and move the cursor over the Add grip as shown. Note the elevation is 225.
Adding a Waste Line for Toilets | 153

4 Press Esc to deselect the toilet.
Add a temporary waste line to check for space
5 On the Plumbing Line tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Sanitary Black Water.
■ For Slope, enter -2.
7 In the drawing area, draw a plumbing line from the left side of the chase past the vertical pipe
as shown.
NOTE This is to depict the longest pipe run from the lowest fixture elevation.
9 Move the cursor over the plumbing line you drew in the previous step, to check the elevation
at various points.
10 Click Undo to remove the plumbing line.

You can set the plumbing lines at 225 mm, knowing that there is sufficient space to accommodate the
required slopes.

Add fittings
11 On the Fittings tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click General Plumbing Fitting.
■ Click Style.
■ In the Select a style dialog, select Long Radius Double Branch with Boss, and click OK.
■ For System, select Sanitary Black Water.
14 In the Drafting Settings dialog, on the Object Snap tab, select Midpoint. Click OK.
15 In the drawing area, zoom to the end of the chase between the toilets, and position the cursor
to locate the midpoint of the chase.
16 Move the cursor to the right, click to place the fitting, and rotate the fitting as shown.

18 Move the mouse cursor over the fitting to verify that the elevation is 225.
19 Select the fitting, right-click and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Copy. Copy the fitting to the
additional locations as shown.

21 Select the 2 fittings below the urinals.
22 On the Properties palette, for Style, select Long Radius Bend with Boss. Click OK.
23 Press Esc to deselect the fittings.
Connect fixtures to waste line
24 On the application status bar, click (Object Snap Tracking) and (Object Snap) to switch
them off.
26 In the Drafting Settings dialog, on the Object Snap tab:
■ Clear Midpoint.
■ Under AutoCAD MEP, select Pipe Curve and Pipe Connector.
■ Click OK.
27 In the drawing area, select the fitting on the left and click the Add grip shown.
28 On the Properties palette, for Slope, enter 0.

29 In the drawing area, click to connect to the Pipe End Connector on the toilet.

30 In the Select Connector dialog, verify that Connector 2: Waste is selected and click OK.
31 Repeat the previous steps for the toilet on the other side of the chase.
33 Select the fitting and click the Add grip.
34 Draw plumbing line and click the Pipe end Connector on the next fitting to connect it.
36 Repeat the previous steps to draw waste lines to the remaining toilets and between the remaining
fittings on the right.

Add a cleanout
37 Select the fitting between the toilets on the left.

38 Click the Add grip and draw plumbing line from the fitting to the left and up as shown.

40 On the Fittings tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click General Plumbing Fitting.
■ Click Style.
■ In the Select a Style dialog, select End of Line Cleanout and click OK.
42 In the drawing area, click the Pipe End Connector on the end of the pipe to place the cleanout
as shown.

44 Zoom out to view the completed plumbing lines.
Adding a Waste Line for Urinals and Sinks

In this exercise, you connect the sinks and urinals to the waste line.
Training File
PLMB_L01_E03.
Set up the drawing

1 On the drawing status bar, click Annotation Scale and select 1:25.
Connect urinals to the waste line
2 In the drawing area, select the urinal on the left and click the Add grip on the drain.
Adding a Waste Line for Urinals and Sinks | 159

3 Draw plumbing line to connect to the waste line.
4 In the Plumbing Line - Elevation Mismatch dialog, click Add a Riser to the Connecting Plumbing
Line.
6 Repeat the previous steps for the next urinal.

Connect sinks to the waste line
7 Select the fitting between the basins on the left, and click the Add grip.
8 Draw a plumbing line to the sink and click the Pipe End Connector.
9 In the Select Connector dialog, select Connector 3: Waste and click OK.
10 In the Plumbing Line - Elevation Mismatch dialog, click Add A Riser.
12 Repeat the previous steps for the next 3 sinks.

13 Select the utility sink, and click the Add grip for the drain.
14 Draw plumbing line from the sink toward the wall and click to place as shown.

15 On the Properties palette, for Elevation, enter -200.
16 Draw plumbing line down toward the waste line and click to insert as shown.

17 On the Properties palette, for Elevation, enter -3375 and click the waste line to connect to it.

18 In the Plumbing Line - Elevation Mismatch dialog, click Add a Riser to the Fixture.
Add a waste line for floor drains
20 Select the floor drain and click the Add grip as shown.

21 On the Properties palette, for Elevation, enter -300.
22 Draw the plumbing line and click to insert as shown.
23 On the Properties panel, for Elevation, enter -3375.

24 In the drawing area, continue the plumbing line as shown.

25 Press Enter the command.
26 Repeat the previous steps for the other floor drain.
Adding Vent Lines

In this exercise, you add vent lines to the sanitary system.
Training File
PLMB_L01_E04.
Add vent lines to toilets

1 In the drawing area, select the fitting on the left and click the Add grip as shown.
Adding Vent Lines | 167

■ For System, select Sanitary Vent.
3 In the drawing area, draw the vent line as shown. Press Enter to end the command.
4 Select the next fitting and click the Add grip as shown.

6 In the drawing area, draw a vent line to the previously drawn vent line, and click the Pipe Curve
Connector.

8 In the drawing area, select the sanitary tee as shown.

■ Click Style.
■ In the Select a Style dialog, click Branch and click OK.
Adding Vent Lines | 169

11 In the drawing area, zoom to the fitting shown, select it, and click the Add grip.

13 In the drawing area, draw a vent line from the fitting to connect to the main vent line.

14 Repeat the previous steps to connect the remaining fittings to the main vent line. Select each
of the sanitary tees and use the Properties palette to change each tee to a branch.
15 Zoom out to view the completed vent lines.
Adding Annotation
In this exercise, you add labels and tags to plumbing lines. The labels and tags will update automatically as
you change plumbing systems. Data is also automatically updated in the plumbing schedule. You can use
schedules as you design to get feedback on changes as you work.
Training File
PLMB_L01_E05.
Add labels
1 On the Annotation tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Label.
2 On the Properties palette, verify these settings:
■ For Label Style: Standard
■ For Layout method: One by one
3 In the drawing area, select the plumbing line segments shown and press Enter.
4 Specify the location for each label.

5 Press Enter to continue.
6 On the Properties palette, for Style, select Size and System Label.
7 In the drawing area, select the waste and vent lines shown and press Enter.
Adding Annotation | 171

8 Specify the location for each label.
Add tags
10 On the Tag & Schedule tab of the Plumbing tool palette group, click Plumbing Fixtures & Piping
Connections - Text.
11 In the drawing area, select the toilet as shown and specify an insertion point for the tag.

13 On the command line, enter m to specify multiple fixtures.
14 In the drawing area, select all of the fixtures, including the toilets, urinals, sinks, and floor drains
as shown.

All equipment is labeled as AHU. Later in this exercise, you will select groups of equipment and
override the labels.
Override property set data for the toilets
17 In the drawing area, select the toilets shown.
18 On the Extended tab of the Properties palette, under Property Sets:

■ For MarkAbbreviation, enter WC.
■ For Mark AutoIncrement#, enter 1.
■ For MarkUnderlineTextToggle, select False.

■ Expand GEquipmentCommonObjects.
■ For BasisofDesign-Manufacturer, enter WC Manufacturing Co.
■ For CatalogNumber, enter P40-3.
■ For Description, enter Water Closet, Flush Valve, Disability Compliant.
■ Collapse GTagEquipmentCommonObjects.
■ For ColdWaterConnectionSize, enter 25.
■ For VentConnectionSize, enter 25.
■ For WasteConnectionSize, enter 100.
19 Press Esc to deselect the toilets.

20 Double-click the top viewport with the schedule. Zoom to view the entire schedule.
Notice that the schedule has been updated to include the data for WC-1.
21 Use the data in the final schedule shown to tag the remaining equipment.
Add an MText for waste and vent stack
22 Click Annotate tab ➤ Text panel ➤ Text.

23 In the drawing area, zoom to view the vent stack and click to add a text box as shown.
24 On the command line, enter Connect Sanitary Waste to Chase Line on Floor Below.


176
Drawing a Riser Diagram
9
In this lesson, you learn how to use schematic lines and symbols to draw a riser diagram. The riser diagram represents the
waste system for the second floor of the office building.
Starting the Riser Diagram

In this exercise, you create the initial drawing for a sanitary waste system riser diagram.
Training File
None.
Create a new view drawing
1 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand MEP ➤ Plumbing, right-click the Exercise
folder and click New View Dwg ➤ Detail.
2 In the Add Detail View dialog, for Name, enter Plumbing Riser Diagrams. Click Next twice, and
click Finish.
177
3 on the Views tab of the Project Navigator, open the Plumbing Riser Diagrams view just created.
Set up the drawing area
4 On the drawing window status bar, click Annotation Scale and select 1:1.
6 On the command line:
■ Enter 0,0 and press Enter.
■ Enter @297,210 and press Enter.
7 In the drawing area, zoom extents.

8 Switch the workspace to Schematic.
9 Right-click Object Snap , and click Settings.

■ Under General, click Clears all object snaps in the group.
■ Under AutoCAD MEP, select Schematic Connector and Schematic Curve Connector.
■ Click OK.
Add schematic lines
11 On the Isometric Plumbing tab of the Schematic tool palette group, click Schematic Line.
■ Under General, for Style, select Flanged Pipe.
■ Under System, for System, select P-Sanitary Black Water (BW).
■ Under Drawing Mode, for Isoplane, select Top.
■ Under Design Data, for ID, enter 100.
NOTE The plane of the line is the default plane for any symbols placed on the line. Draw the schematic
line on the plane that best represents the orientation of the symbols.
13 Specify a start point near the left side of the rectangle, move the cursor straight down, and enter
60 and press Enter.
178 | Chapter 9 Drawing a Riser Diagram

14 Move the cursor to the approximate location shown, enter 210, and press Enter.
15 Move the cursor to the approximate location shown, enter 60, and press Enter.
Starting the Riser Diagram | 179

The schematic line style displays end conditions that are controlled by the line style.
17 Select the schematic line, right-click and click Edit Schematic Line Style.
18 In the Schematic Line Styles dialog, on the Annotation tab, under Connections:
■ For Connection Node, select None.
■ Under Start & End Settings, for Start, select None, and for End, select None.
■ Click OK.
19 Press Esc to deselect the schematic line.

The schematic line style is connected and can be edited with grips.
20 Select the schematic line again.

21 Click the Location grip on the short segment to move the line to the right as shown.

22 Press Esc to deselect the line.
23 Zoom to the open connection on the left short segment.
Add schematic symbols
24 On the Isometric Plumbing tab of the Schematic tool palette group, click Cleanout.
■ Under System, for System, select P-Sanitary Black Water (BW).
■ Under Design Data, for ID, enter WC0.
26 Click to place the cleanout at the end of the schematic line using the schematic end connector
as shown. Press Enter to end the command.
Edit the symbol style
27 Select the symbol for the cleanout, right-click and click Edit Schematic Schematic Symbol Style.
28 In the Schematic Symbol Styles dialog, on the Views tab, under Scaling:
■ Clear Use Annotation Scale.
■ For X, enter .5.
■ For Y, enter .5.
■ For Z, enter .5.
Starting the Riser Diagram | 181

■ Click Apply to All Views and click OK.
All blocks used for different views are now resized.
Add additional symbols
29 Place a second cleanout symbol on the line segment on the right.
30 On the Isometric Plumbing tab of the Schematic tool palette group, click Lateral Left-Facing.
■ In the Select a Style dialog, for Style, select Double Lateral and click OK.
■ For System, select Sanitary Black Water (BW).
■ For Isoplane, select Top.
■ For ID, enter DL-1.
32 In the drawing area, click to insert a double lateral in the approximate location shown.
33 Move the cursor directly up the line to orient the fitting as shown, and click to place it.

Edit the symbol style
35 Select the double lateral symbol, right-click and click Edit Schematic Symbol Style.
37 Save the file and continue with the next exercise.
Completing the Riser Diagram

In this exercise, you complete the drawing for the sanitary waste system riser diagram.
Training File
Open the file you created in the previous exercise and continue.
Add fixture branches for toilets

1 Select the schematic line, right-click and click Add Selected.
■ For Isoplane, select Left.
■ For ID, enter 80.
3 Click the double lateral and drag the cursor to the top left. Enter 60.
4 Enter n for new run.
Completing the Riser Diagram | 183

5 Click the schematic end connector on the double lateral, move the cursor to the bottom right
as shown, and enter 60.

7 Zoom out to view the branches.
Add traps for the toilets
8 On the Isometric Plumbing tab of the Schematic tool palette group, click P-Trap.
■ For Style, in the Select a Style dialog, select P-Trap Connection 2 and click OK.
■ For System, select P-Sanitary Black Water (BW).
■ For ID, enter WC-1H.
10 Click the schematic end snap on the pipe, and move the cursor to orient the direction as shown.

11 Repeat the previous step to place a second fixture symbol on the end of the other line segment
as shown.
Edit the style for the trap
12 Select the trap symbol, right-click and click Edit Schematic Symbol Style.
■ For X, enter 8.
■ For Y, enter 8.
■ For Z, enter 8.
14 Press Esc to deselect the trap symbol.

Next, you move components using grips.
Move schematic components
15 Select the double lateral.

16 Click the Location grip to move the double lateral to the right as shown.
Note how the schematic line moves with the symbol.
17 Use the Location grip to move the double lateral back to its original location and press Esc to
deselect the double lateral.
Copy the schematic style
18 Select the waste lines and symbols as shown.

19 Right-click and click Basic Modify Tools ➤ Copy.
20 Click to place the copy as shown.
21 Press Esc to deselect the waste lines and symbols.

Edit the ID of the trap
22 Select the traps at the ends of the duplicate line.

23 On the Properties palette, for ID, enter WC-1. Press Esc to deselect the traps.
Add another trap
24 On the Isometric Plumbing tab of the Schematic tool palette group, click Lateral Left-Facing.
■ For System, select P-Sanitary Black Water (BW).
■ For ID, enter LL-1.
TIP You can edit selections of symbols or lines at the same time, so you don’t need to enter any
values, such as when you placed the symbol or line. These values are used in labels and schedules.

26 In the drawing area, select the long line segment.
NOTE The isometric plane changes to match the plane of the line. Since you want the symbol to be
flat on the right plane, you must change the isoplane.
27 On the Properties palette, under Drawing Mode, for Isoplane, select Right.
28 In the drawing area, click to place the trap on the line as shown.
29 Zoom to view the trap symbol you placed. Press Enter to end the command.
Edit the style for the trap
30 Select the trap symbol, right-click and click Edit Schematic Symbol Style.
32 Press Esc to deselect the trap symbol.

You can adjust the isoplane using grips.

Adjust the isoplane using grips
33 Select the trap symbol you placed in the previous step. Click the Isometric Plane grip 3 times
to cycle through the planes and return to the right plane.
34 Press Esc to deselect the symbol.

Add additional segments
35 Zoom to view the short line segment.

36 Select the schematic line, right-click and click Add Selected.
37 On the Properties palette;
■ Under Drawing Mode, for Isoplane, select Left.
■ Under Design Data, for ID, enter 80.
38 In the drawing area, click the trap symbol again, move the cursor up, and enter 30. Press Enter
to end the command.
39 Zoom out to view the second double lateral, select it, right-click and click Add Selected.
40 In the drawing area, click the end of the schematic line as shown. Press Enter to end the command.

41 Zoom to view the trap symbol.
42 Select the 80 mm riser, right-click and click Add Selected.
43 In the drawing area, starting from the double lateral, draw a 60 mm side branch to the left.
44 Right-click and click New Run.
45 Draw a 60 mm branch in the opposite direction. Press Enter to end the command.
46 On the Isometric Plumbing tab of the Schematic tool palette group, click P-Trap.
47 In the drawing area, click to place a trap at each end of the line segments as shown.

49 Select the trap symbol again.
50 Repeat the previous steps to edit the style and override the scaling values using a value of 5.
51 In the drawing area, select an area to include the riser branch as shown.
52 Copy the riser branch to the location shown. Press Esc to deselect the riser branch.
53 Select the P-Trap symbol.

54 Click Schematic Symbol tab ➤ General panel ➤ Select Similar.
55 On the Properties palette, under Design Data, for ID, enter LAV-1.
56 Press Esc to deselect the symbol.


192
Generating Construction
Documents
In this tutorial, you learn how to use AutoCAD MEP 2010 to create views and place them on sheets. You also learn how
to publish a sheet set for your design.
193
194
Creating Views
10
■ Create electrical, plumbing, and piping views using constructs provided in the tutorials project.
■ Generate detail and section views.

■ Create a mechanical schedule view.
A set of completed view drawings is included for reference on the Views tab of the Project Navigator. The name of each
completed view ends with “_final.”
You can follow the exercises in this lesson to create the views or use the “_final” views in order to create sheets in the next
lesson.
195
Creating an Electrical Plan View
In this exercise, you create a general view drawing for the electrical system.
Verify electrical constructs
1 On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, expand Architectural ➤ Spaces.

2 Right-click 02 Spaces and click Properties.
Notice the construct is assigned to the Second Floor.
3 In the Modify Construct dialog, click Cancel.

4 On the Constructs tab of the Project Navigator, expand Electrical.
5 Right-click 02 Lighting and click Properties.

Create a general view of the electrical system
7 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand MEP.

8 Right-click Electrical, and click New View Dwg ➤ General.
9 In the Add General View dialog, for Name, enter 02 Floor - Lighting Plan.
10 Click Next.
11 Select Second Floor.
12 Click Next.
13 Specify the drawings to xref into your view:
■ Under Architectural-Slab, deselect 02 Slab.
■ Under Electrical, deselect 02 Power.
■ Deselect Mechanical, Piping, and Plumbing.
■ Select Open in Drawing Editor.
The drawings you specify here are included as xrefs in the view drawing. If a construct drawing
has an xref overlay, the xref overlay is not transferred to the view. If a construct drawing has
an attached xref, then the xref drawing information is transferred to the view.
This view drawing references the electrical lighting construct. If you modify the construct
drawing, you simply need to open the view drawing or reload the construct xref to display the
most current drawing on the view.
14 Click Finish.
The view displays in the drawing area.
196 | Chapter 10 Creating Views

Change the display configuration
15 On the drawing status bar, for display configuration, select Electrical-Lighting.
Create a model space view
16 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, right-click 02 Floor - Lighting Plan and click New
Model Space View.
17 In the Add Model Space View dialog:
■ For Name, enter 02 Lighting Plan.
■ Click Define View Window .
■ In the drawing area, click 2 points at the upper left and lower right of the view as shown.
Creating an Electrical Plan View | 197

■ Click OK.
On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, note the model space view for 02 Floor - Lighting
Plan.
18 Save and close the file.
Creating a Plumbing Plan View

In this exercise, you create a general view drawing for the plumbing system. Then you create a detail view.
You add a detail mark to the plan view drawing, and you create the detail in its own view drawing.
Verify plumbing constructs

1 In the Project Navigator, click the Constructs tab, and expand Plumbing.
2 Right-click 02 Sanitation Pipework and click Properties.

Create a general view of the plumbing system
4 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand MEP.

5 Right-click Plumbing, and click New View Dwg ➤ General.
6 In the Add General View dialog, for Name, enter 02 Floor - Plumbing - Sanitary - Enlarged Areas.
7 Click Next.
8 Select Second Floor. The construct developed in the Plumbing tutorial is assigned to the second
floor. The floor plan drawing is also assigned to the second floor. On the next worksheet of the
dialog, you specify the xrefs to include in the view. The available xrefs are the ones assigned to
the same level you specify here.
9 Click Next.
■ Under Architectural-Slab, deselect 02 Slab.
■ Deselect Electrical, Mechanical, and Piping.

Note how this view drawing references the sanitation pipework construct. If you modify the
construct drawing, you simply need to open the view drawing or reload the construct xref to
display the most current drawing on the view.
11 Click Finish.
The view displays in the drawing area.
12 On the drawing status bar, for display configuration, select Plumbing.
Create a model space view
13 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand MEP ➤ Plumbing ➤ Exercises.
14 Right-click 02 Floor Plumbing - Domestic - Enlarged Areas and click New Model Space View.
■ For Name, enter Main Restrooms.
■ Click Define View Window.
Creating a Plumbing Plan View | 199

■ Click OK.
Create another model space view
16 Pan and zoom to Laboratory 221.

17 Repeat the previous steps to create a model space view named NE Laboratory with a scale of
1:50.
Create a final model space view
18 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, open the Main Restrooms model space view.
19 Repeat the previous steps to create a model space view named Main Restroom - Chase Wall with
a scale of 1:20.
Open the model space views
20 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, open each of the model space views.

Creating a Piping Section View
In this exercise, you create a piping section view.
Create a section view of the piping system
1 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand Views ➤ MEP.

2 Right-click Piping, and click New View Dwg ➤ Section/Elevation.
3 In the Add Section/Elevation View dialog:
■ For Name, enter B Piping Section.
■ For Description, enter Basement Piping Section with Air Handling Units, Chillers, and Pumps.
Click OK.
4 Click Next.
5 Select Basement.
On the next worksheet of the dialog, you specify the xrefs to include in the view. The available
xrefs are the ones assigned to the same level you specify here.
6 Click Next.
■ Under Spaces-Exercises, deselect MECH_L1_E3_gbXML_data.
■ Deselect Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing.
The drawings you specify here are included as xrefs in the view drawing. If a construct drawing
has an xref overlay, the xref overlay is not transferred to the view. If a construct drawing has
an attached xref, then the xref drawing information is transferred to the view. The
Completed_Piping_Plan drawing includes the penthouse shell drawing as an xref overlay, so it
will not display in the view unless you select it here.
Note how the view drawing references the piping construct. If you change the construct drawing,
you need to open the view drawing or reload the construct xref to display the most current
drawing on the view.
8 Click Finish.
9 On the drawing status bar, for display configuration, select Mechanical.
Creating a Piping Section View | 201

Add a section to the view
10 On the Annotation tab of the Piping tool palette group, click Section Mark A2T.
11 Click to place the section mark on the floor plan as shown.
TIP You can select Ortho Mode on the application status bar to restrict object orientation to
horizontal or vertical directions only. You can do this without ending active commands.
12 Press Enter.
13 Move the cursor to the left to specify the section mark boundary and click to set the boundary.
Everything included inside this boundary will be included in the section view.

■ For New Model Space View Name, enter Piping Section - Chillers.
■ Verify that both Generate Section/Elevation and Place Titlemark are selected.
15 Click Current Drawing.

16 Click to the right of the drawing area to specify the insertion point for the section.
Add another section to the view
17 On the Annotation tab of the Piping tool palette group, click Section Mark A2T.
18 Specify the section mark boundary as shown.
Creating a Piping Section View | 203

■ For New Model Space View Name, enter Piping Section - Pumps.
■ Verify that both Generate Section/Elevation and Place Titlemark are selected.
20 Click Current Drawing.

21 Click to the right of the drawing area, and below the previous section to specify the insertion
point for the section.
22 On the Project Navigator, open each of the piping section views.

Creating a Mechanical Equipment Schedule

In this exercise, you create a schedule for air diffusers in the HVAC plan. You add the schedule to a view
drawing, and then you link to the HVAC construct drawing. The schedule is populated with air diffuser data
from the view drawing.
Create a general view drawing
1 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand Views ➤ MEP.

2 Right-click Models, and click New View Dwg ➤ General.
3 In the Add General View dialog, for Name, enter Model - Mechanical.
4 Click Next.
5 Right-click Division and click Select All.
6 Click Next.
■ Deselect Constructs.
■ Select Mechanical.
8 Click Finish.

9 Click View tab ➤ Appearance panel ➤ SW Isometric.
All mechanical data is available from this one view drawing.

Next, you create a schedule in the plot sheet to reference the Model-Mechanical view.
Create a general view for the schedule
11 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Mechanical and click New View
Dwg ➤ General.
12 In the Add General View dialog, for Name, enter Mechanical Schedule.
13 Click Next.
14 Click Next.
No levels are selected.
15 Click Finish.
No categories or constructs are selected.
Next you add the schedule to the view.

Add the schedule to the view
16 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, under Mechanical, open Mechanical Schedule.
17 Switch to the HVAC workspace.
18 On the Tag & Schedule tab of the HVAC tool palette group, click Air Terminal Devices.
19 Press Enter.
20 Click to specify the location for the upper-left corner of the schedule table, and press Enter to
automatically size the schedule table.
Link the schedule to an external drawing
21 Select the schedule table.

■ Under Advanced ➤ External Source ➤ Schedule External Drawing, select Yes.
■ For External drawing, select Browse.
Creating a Mechanical Equipment Schedule | 205

■ In the Select a drawing file dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My
Projects\Research_Building_MEP_M\Views\MEP\Models.
■ Select Model-Mechanical, and click Open.
23 With the schedule table still selected, right-click and click Update Schedule Table.
The schedule updates to show data from the diffusers and grilles used in the view drawing. Each
item is listed on its own row, and several rows show question marks (?) for data. You will fix
those issues by modifying the schedule table style.
Modify the schedule table style
24 Select the schedule table.

25 Right-click and click Edit Schedule Table Style.
26 In the Schedule Table Style Properties dialog:
■ On the Applies To tab, under Classifications, expand MvPart Type, and select Air Terminal.
■ This restricts the schedule table to only objects classified as air terminals.
■ On the Columns tab, select Include Quantity Column.

This will group all similar parts on the same row, and add a quantity column to the schedule
table.
■ On the Sorting tab, click Add. In the Select Property dialog, select
GTagAirTerminalObjects:Mark-Unformatted, and click OK.
This sorts the rows alphanumerically by tag name.
■ Click OK.
The schedule table updates to reflect the style changes. The diffusers are now grouped in rows,
and listed in order by tag. The question marks that displayed previously were the VAV boxes in
the drawing. By restricting the schedule table to only air terminals, you removed the references
to the VAV boxes.
TIP If you customize a schedule table style, you can copy and paste it in other drawings using Style
Manager.
27 Save the file.

Create a model space view for the schedule
28 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Mechanical Schedule and click New Model
Space View.
■ For Name, enter Air Terminal Schedule.
■ Click Define View Window .
■ Click OK.
Creating a Mechanical Equipment Schedule | 207

208
Adding Views to Sheets
and Publishing 11
■ Place views on sheets to create construction documents.

■ Create a cover sheet.
■ Publish the sheet set.
You create new sheet drawings using the view drawings you created in the previous lesson. A set of completed sheet
drawings is included for your reference. They are located in the Exercises_final subset on the Sheets tab of the Project
Navigator.
The exercises in this lesson are sequential, and it is recommended that you complete them in the order presented. You
can use the completed view drawings from the previous lesson or use the “_final” views in order to create sheets in this
lesson.
Creating an Electrical Plan Sheet

In this exercise, you create a sheet drawing using the electrical plan view drawing.
Create a new sheet subset

1 On the Sheets tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Research_Building_MEP_M and click
New ➤ Subset.
209
2 In the Subset Properties dialog:
■ For Subset Name, enter Exercises.
■ For Sheet Creation Template, click (Browse).
■ In the Select Layout as Sheet Template dialog, for Drawing template file name, click
(Browse).
■ In the Select Drawing dialog, select Aecb Sheet (Global Ctb).dwt, and click Open.
■ In the Select Layout to as Sheet Template dialog, select ISO A0 (841 x 1189), and click OK
twice.
The new sheet subset is added to the Sheets tab.
Create an electrical plan sheet
3 On the Sheets tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Exercises, and click New ➤ Sheet.
4 In the New Sheet dialog:
■ For Number, enter E-1.
■ For Sheet title, enter Electrical Plan.
■ Click OK.
Place a view on the sheet
5 On the Views tab of the Project Navigator, expand MEP ➤ Electrical ➤ 01 Lighting Plan.
6 Drag the Tutorial Area model space view onto the sheet.
7 Click to specify the insertion point for the lower-left corner of the view.
8 Repeat the previous steps to place the 01 Electrical Plan model space view from the Views tab
onto the sheet.
210 | Chapter 11 Adding Views to Sheets and Publishing

9 Pan and zoom to the title block. This sheet was created using a standard AutoCAD MEP sheet
template. Note how the title and sheet number are automatically populated using the sheet
information. You can add and edit text in the title block.
The sheet drawing references the view drawing, which in turn references the construct drawing.
If you modify the construct drawing, just open the sheet to see the latest construct geometry.
Creating a Plumbing Detail Sheet

In this exercise, you create a sheet for the detail view. When you place the view on a sheet, the detail view
number will automatically be added.
Create a new sheet
1 On the Sheets tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Exercises and click New ➤ Sheet.
Creating a Plumbing Detail Sheet | 211

■ For Number, enter P-1.
■ For Sheet title, enter Plumbing - Enlarged Area.
■ Click OK.
3 Click the Views tab on the Project Navigator.

4 Under Views, expand MEP ➤ Plumbing ➤ 02 Floor - Plumbing - Sanitary - Enlarged Areas.
5 Drag the Main Restrooms model space view onto the sheet.
6 Specify an insertion point for the view on the sheet.
7 Repeat the previous steps for the NE Laboratory view and the Main Restroom-Chase Wall view.
Creating a Piping Section Sheet

In this exercise, you create a sheet for the section view. When you place the view on a sheet, the section
view number will be added.
Create a new sheet
■ For Number, enter P-2.
■ For Sheet title, enter Basement Piping Sections.
■ Click OK.

3 Click the Views tab in the Project Navigator.

4 Under Views, expand Piping ➤ B Piping Section.
5 Drag the Piping Section - Chillers view onto the sheet. Right-click and click 1:50 to set the scale.
6 Specify an insertion point for the view on the sheet.
7 Repeat the previous steps for the Piping Section - Pumps view.
Creating an Mechanical Schedule Sheet

In this exercise, you place the mechanical equipment schedule view on a sheet.
Create a new sheet
■ For Number, enter M-1.
■ For Sheet title, enter Mechanical Schedules.
■ Click OK.
Place the view on the sheet
3 Switch to the HVAC workspace.

4 On the Tag & Schedule tab of the HVAC tool palette group, click Air Terminal Devices.
5 Move the cursor to the drawing area and press Enter.
6 Specify an insertion point on the sheet for the upper-left and lower-right corners of the schedule
table as shown.
Creating an Mechanical Schedule Sheet | 213

Modify table properties
7 Select the schedule table, right-click and click Properties.

■ Under Basic-General, for Update Automatically, select Yes.
■ Under Selection, for Add New Objects Automatically, select Yes.
■ Under Advanced-External Source, for Schedule External Drawing, select Yes.
■ For External Drawing, click (Browse).
■ In the Select a Drawing File dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My

Projects\Research_Building_MEP_M\Views\MEP\Models, select Model - Mechanical.dwg
and click Open.
9 In the drawing area, right-click the schedule table and click Update Schedule Table.
Modify the table style
10 Select the schedule table, right-click and click Edit Schedule Table Style.
11 In the Schedule Table Style Properties dialog:
■ On the Applies To tab, under Classifications, expand MvPart Type and select Air Terminal.
This restricts the schedule table to only objects classified as air terminals.
■ On the Columns tab, select Include Quantity Column.

This will group all similar parts on the same row, and add a quantity column to the schedule
table.
■ On the Sorting tab, click Add.

■ In the Select Property dialog, select GTagAirTerminalObjects:Mark-Unformatted and click
OK.
This sorts the rows alphanumerically by tag name.

■ On the Layout tab, under Format, for Title, click Override Cell Format.
■ In the Cell Format Override dialog, under Text Appearance, for Style, select Arial-Bold
and click OK.
■ Click OK.
Creating a Cover Sheet

In this exercise, you learn how to create a cover sheet. You insert a sheet list table that is dynamically linked
to all sheets in the set.
Create a new sheet
■ For Sheet Title, enter Cover Sheet.
Sheets in the set are ordered based on their location in the subset.
■ Click OK.
Add a sheet list
3 On the Sheets tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Exercises, and click Insert Sheet List Table.
4 In the Sheet List Table dialog, select Show Subheader and click OK.
5 In the drawing area, click to specify the location for the sheet list.
6 Zoom in to view the sheet list.
Creating a Cover Sheet | 215

Note that only the sheets in the Exercises subset are included.
TIP As you add or remove sheets in a project, you can update the sheet list table by selecting it,
right-clicking, and clicking Update Table Data Links.
7 Select the sheet list table, right-click and click Properties.

8 On the Properties palette, for Table Style, select Sheet List.
9 Press ESC to deselect the table.
Publishing the Sheet Set

In this exercise, you publish the sheet set to DWF™. A sample DWF is linked from the Project Browser. A
DWF can be posted on the internet, red-lined, and plotted as needed.
1 On the Sheets tab of the Project Navigator, right-click Research_Building_MEP_M and click
Publish ➤ Publish to DWF.
2 In the Specify DWF File dialog, click Desktop, and click Select.
3 When publishing is complete, use Windows® Explorer to browse to Desktop, and double-click
Research_Building_MEP_M.dwf to open it.
NOTE You can also use the link provided to view plot and publishing details.
4 In the left pane of the sheet set, click a thumbnail of a drawing to view it in the right pane.
The DWF file contains live links. You can click a drawing title in the sheet set list to view that
drawing. Note the detail and section marks on the Sanitary Detail and Piping Section sheets.
You can click the marks to switch to the detail or section sheet.

For reference, a completed sheet set is included in the Exercises\completed sheet set directory.
Publishing the Sheet Set | 217

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Chapter 1 Using the Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2 Understanding the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Creating a Mechanical & Piping System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Chapter 3 Determining Loads and Air Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Chapter 5 Designing a Chilled Water Supply System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Creating an Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Chapter 6 Designing a Lighting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Chapter 7 Designing a Power System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Creating a Plumbing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Chapter 8 Designing a Sanitary System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Chapter 9 Drawing a Riser Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Generating Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Chapter 10 Creating Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Chapter 11 Adding Views to Sheets and Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

What is in the Tutorials

How the tutorials are organized

■ Reference the architectural floor plan.

■ Add basic MEP elements, such as duct, lighting, and piping.

■ Analyze systems and refine MEP elements.

■ Create schedules, views, and sheets to document the project.

■ Create detail views, annotations, add tags.

Locate the training files

Working with Metric Content

Verifying the Current Profile

Use the training files

Specify the training project

1 On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Browser).

4 | Chapter 1 Using the Tutorials

4 On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Navigator).

6 To save a training file with a new name, click ➤ Save As.

7 Complete the information in the Save Drawing As dialog:

■ For File name, enter the new file name.

Close a training file

Accessing Training Files | 5

Understanding the Concepts

Designing with Objects

Understanding AutoCAD MEP 2010 terms

Working in the Product

8 | Chapter 2 Understanding the Basics

To minimize the ribbon

1 Click (Show Full Ribbon) to the right of the ribbon tabs.

2 The minimize behavior cycles through the following minimize options:

■ Show Full Ribbon: Shows entire ribbon.

■ Minimize to Panel Tiles: Shows tab and panel labels only.

■ Minimize to Tabs: Shows tab labels only.

Ribbon Tabs and Panels

Ribbon Tab Includes commands for...

Home many of the tools you need to create the

Insert tools to add and manage secondary items

Annotate tools used for adding 2D information to a

View tools used for managing and modifying

Manage project and system parameters, and set-

Contextual Ribbon Tabs

■ General: contains the Add Duct command.

■ Modify: contains Duct Modify command.

■ Calculations: contains Calculate Duct Sizes command.

10 | Chapter 2 Understanding the Basics

On the application menu, click... to...