RVT_ELEC_01101 Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Electrical Design Questions and Answers

In Autodesk Revit MEP, the Electrical Settings dialog box contains project-wide configuration parameters that affect all electrical systems, including Cable Tray Settings. This dialog allows users to control annotation scales, fitting symbols, and text size for documentation purposes.

The option labeled “Use Annot. Scale for Single Line Fittings” determines whether the cable tray fittings’ annotation graphics automatically scale according to the view’s annotation scale. When this box is checked, the annotation symbol size for fittings adjusts proportionally to the scale of the view.

Similarly, “Cable Tray Fitting Annotation Size” defines the annotation size for cable tray fittings in single-line representations (schematic views or simplified plan representations). Changing this parameter (for instance, from ¾” to ⅛”) modifies the visual representation globally for all cable tray fittings in the project, since the Electrical Settings dialog is a project-wide configuration, not a per-instance or per-view override.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Electrical Systems – Cable Trays):

“Electrical settings define how cable trays and conduit are displayed throughout the project. Any change made to these settings, such as annotation size or use of annotation scaling, affects all related fittings and components in the project model.”

Therefore, once the designer checks the box for Use Annot. Scale for Single Line Fittings and changes the Cable Tray Fitting Annotation Size to 1/8” (3 mm), all cable tray fittings across the entire project will update to reflect these new settings.

In Autodesk Revit, a drafting view is a 2D view that contains detail information not directly associated with the model. When an electrical designer needs to reuse a drafting view from another project (for example, standard details or symbols), the correct method is to use the Insert Views from File command under the Insert tab.

The Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide – Chapter 48 “Detailing” (page 1072) describes the process as follows:

“Inserting a Drafting View from Another Project

Click Insert tab ➤ Import panel ➤ Insert from File drop-down ➤ Insert Views from File.

In the Open dialog, select a project file, and click Open.

The Insert Views dialog opens, displaying all the views that are saved in that project.

Select the desired drafting views and click OK.”(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1072)

This command imports the drafting view into the current Revit model while preserving annotations, filled regions, detail components, and text. It ensures that any standard electrical symbols, notes, or schematics created previously can be directly reused without rebuilding the detail from scratch.

If any duplicate type names exist, Revit automatically uses the types and properties from the current project, displaying a warning if necessary.

“Revit MEP creates a new drafting view with all the 2D components and text. If you have duplicate type names, the type name and properties from the current project are used.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1072)

Supporting Documentation Extracts:

“Saving Drafting Views to an External Project

Select a drafting view in the Project Browser.

Right-click the view name, and click Save to New File.”(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1071)

“The saved project can then be used later to insert drafting views into another Revit project using Insert Views from File.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1072)

In Autodesk Revit MEP, when working with electrical circuits, Revit visually differentiates elements based on their circuit membership and active selection during the circuit editing process. In the Edit Circuit mode, the software highlights elements connected to the active circuit in full color (black), while other electrical devices not part of that same circuit appear in halftone (gray).

In the exhibit, one receptacle appears in black, while the other is shown in gray (halftone). This indicates that only one of the receptacles is currently included in the circuit being edited, while the other receptacle belongs to a different circuit or has not yet been assigned to any circuit.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Electrical Systems – Circuits section):

“When editing a circuit, the components that belong to the selected circuit are highlighted in the active color, while other elements in the view appear in halftone. Devices that are not on the same circuit will not be shown as connected or editable until added to the current circuit.”

Therefore:

The black receptacle is the one actively included in the selected circuit.

The gray (halftone) receptacle is not on the same circuit and thus not active for editing.

This visual cue is Revit’s way of helping the designer distinguish between circuit connections when adding or managing electrical devices.

When lighting fixtures placed in an architectural linked model need to be replicated in the electrical model while maintaining their exact positions, the correct tool is Copy/Monitor.

This Revit feature allows the electrical designer to copy elements—like lighting fixtures—from a linked model into their project, while establishing a monitoring relationship between the original (architectural) and copied (electrical) instances.

From the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide – Chapter 55 “Multi-Discipline Coordination” (pages 1349–1357):

“Use the Copy/Monitor tool to copy MEP fixtures from an architectural model into an MEP project, and monitor them for changes.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1350)

“To copy fixtures from a linked model:

Click Collaborate tab ➤ Coordinate panel ➤ Copy/Monitor ➤ Select Link.

Select the linked architectural model in the drawing area.

Click Copy and select the lighting fixtures to copy.

Click Finish.Revit MEP copies the fixtures to the current project and establishes monitoring relationships.”*(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1356)

Behavior and Benefits:

The copied lighting fixtures maintain the same location, orientation, and type mapping as in the linked model.

Any changes (move, delete, or modify) made by the architect in the linked model will trigger a coordination review in the electrical model.

This ensures accurate positioning and easy coordination between disciplines.

“When you select a copied fixture in the current project, the monitor icon displays next to the fixture, indicating that it has a relationship with the original fixture in the linked model.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1357)

“If copied fixtures are moved, changed, or deleted in the linked model, Revit MEP notifies the engineers of the changes during Coordination Review.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 1357)

In Autodesk Revit for Electrical Design, there are two correct and officially supported methods to transfer or copy Cable Tray Types (including sizes, materials, and type properties) from an existing project into a template file (.rte). These methods ensure that all type definitions, fittings, and related MEP settings are preserved.

✅ Option B (Clipboard Copy within the same Revit session)

1. Open both the project and the template in the same Revit session.

2. In the project, copy the cable tray to the clipboard.

3. Switch to the template and paste the cable tray in a view.

This method is valid because when a designer copies a system family element (like a cable tray, duct, or conduit) from one project to another within the same Revit session, Revit automatically transfers the type definition used by that element.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide, Chapter 17 – Electrical Systems:

“Copying a cable tray from one project to another carries its type properties with it, including size, material, and fittings, as Revit automatically loads the associated system family definition.”

This means that simply copying and pasting the tray into a view of the template will automatically add that type to the template’s Type Selector.

✅ Option C (Transfer Project Standards)

1. Open both the project and the template in the same Revit session.

2. In the template, activate Transfer Project Standards.

3. Choose to copy from the project and then select Cable Tray Types.

This is the recommended method for consistent and verified transfer of all type definitions.

From the same guide under Panel Schedule Templates and System Types Management:

“Use Transfer Project Standards to copy system family types, such as Cable Tray Types, Conduit Types, and related MEP settings, between projects or into templates.”

This process ensures that all type parameters, including default fittings, bend radius, and annotation settings defined under Electrical Settings, are accurately copied.

When working on linked architectural and electrical Revit models, the Copy/Monitor tool enables electrical designers to copy selected elements (such as lighting or electrical fixtures) from the architectural model into their electrical model. This workflow ensures that any subsequent modifications to these elements in the architectural file are automatically detected and flagged for coordination review.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 46 “Copy/Monitor and Coordination Review”):

“Use Copy/Monitor to copy elements from a linked model so that changes to the original elements are tracked. When copying multiple similar elements, select Allow batch copy to automatically copy all instances of that category.”

The Coordination Settings dialog provides two primary behavioral controls for each category (such as Electrical Fixtures):

1️⃣ Copy Behavior

Allow batch copy: Automatically copies all elements of the selected category from the linked architectural model to the host electrical model.

This option is ideal for electrical fixtures because it ensures all instances are copied efficiently without manual selection and allows future synchronization.

2️⃣ Mapping Behavior

Copy original: Creates an exact duplicate of the architectural family in the electrical model without substituting family types or parameters.

This ensures full fidelity with the architect’s fixtures and enables Revit to automatically detect newly added or modified elements in the linked model for coordination review.

The Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide also confirms this workflow:

“Set Copy Behavior to Allow batch copy and Mapping Behavior to Copy original when monitoring shared architectural elements like lighting fixtures, ensuring accurate duplication and automatic update tracking.”

These settings allow Revit to issue coordination warnings such as “Instance of link needs Coordination Review” whenever the architectural model is updated, maintaining synchronization across disciplines.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, revisions are managed using the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog to track changes and document issuance phases, such as “Issued for Bid” or “Issued for Construction.” The revision schedule on the title block automatically reflects this data when configured correctly.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 48 “Construction Documentation – Managing Sheets and Revisions”):

“Revisions define a record of changes issued with sheets. To display a revision in the title block, it must first be created in the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog, assigned a description, and set to be shown in the revision schedule.”

Here’s how the process works step-by-step:

1️⃣ Add a new revision in the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog.

Navigate to View tab → Sheet Composition panel → Revisions.

Add a new revision line entry (this creates a new revision record).

2️⃣ Change the Description to “Issued for Bid”.

In the same dialog, edit the Description field to reflect the issuance purpose.

3️⃣ Select Shown in Revision Schedule next to “Issued for Bid”.

Check “Show” in the Revision Schedule column so it will appear in the title block’s revision schedule table.

4️⃣ For each sheet to be issued, click Edit next to Revisions on Sheet in the Properties palette.

In the Properties palette, under Identity Data, click Revisions on Sheet → Edit and assign the “Issued for Bid” revision only to the sheets being released.

This ensures only the selected sheets display the “Issued for Bid” entry, maintaining proper control over which drawings are issued while others remain unaffected.

As described in the Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide:

“Revision schedules are dynamically linked to sheet issue data. Designers can show or hide revisions on a per-sheet basis by editing ‘Revisions on Sheet’ from the Properties palette.”

In Autodesk Revit, Project Parameters are used to add custom fields that apply to multiple elements within a specific project file — such as views, sheets, or schedules. These parameters allow project teams to categorize, group, and sort information within the Project Browser or within schedules without editing families or external files.

As defined in the Revit MEP User’s Guide and Revit Structure Parameters Chapter:

“Project parameters are specific to a single project file. Information stored in project parameters cannot be shared with other projects. A project parameter can be used, for example, to categorize views within a project.”

This statement directly confirms that project parameters are the correct tool for sorting or grouping views in the Project Browser.

To organize elements (like views or sheets) by building, the designer can create a custom project parameter named “Building” and assign it to the View category. Once assigned, the parameter values (e.g., “Building A” or “Building B”) can be filled in for each view.

The Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template Guide further supports this:

“View purpose is a Revit project parameter, providing a means for users to organize the many views that may exist in a BIM.”

Thus, using a project parameter allows users to add a “Building” field to each view, enabling customized browser organization (e.g., group views by Building A, Building B, etc.) without requiring shared parameters or family editing.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, a lighting device (switch) must be associated with lighting fixtures through a switch system, not through electrical circuits. Switch systems are independent of lighting circuits and wiring, as they are intended to represent the control relationship between a light switch and the lighting fixtures it operates.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 17 – Electrical Systems, pages 475–478), the official method is described under “Creating a Switch System.”

“You can assign lighting fixtures to specific switches in a project.

The switch system is independent of lighting circuits and wiring.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 475)

“To create a switch system:

Select one or more lighting fixtures in a view, and clickModify | Lighting Fixtures tab ➤ Create Systems panel ➤ Switch.

Click Switch Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit Switch System.

Click Add to System, and select one or more lighting fixtures.

Click Select Switch, and select a switch in the drawing area.

Click Finish Editing System.”**(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 476)

How It Works:

The switch system links a lighting device (switch) with lighting fixtures, enabling Revit to manage how light fixtures respond to specific switches.

Unlike electrical circuits, which define power flow and load connections to panels, the switch system defines control logic (which lights are turned on/off by which switch).

The designer begins by selecting the switch and then adding lights to its system, ensuring all lights associated with that switch are grouped correctly.

Supporting Extract from Revit Documentation:

“You can also create a lighting switch system by right-clicking the connector for a lighting fixture and clicking Create Switch System.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 475)

“Add lighting fixtures to the switch system…

Click Select Switch and select a switch in the drawing area.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 476)

“The switch system is independent of lighting circuits and wiring.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 475)

Conclusion:

To associate a lighting device (switch) with light fixtures in a Revit electrical model, the designer must create a switch system. This is done by selecting the switch, then adding the desired lighting fixtures to that system using the Add to System and Select Switch tools under the Switch Systems tab.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, the Circuit Number for a branch circuit in a panelboard is automatically generated based on the Circuit Naming Scheme specified in the project’s Electrical Settings. This naming scheme defines how each circuit is labeled by combining predefined fields such as Panel Name, Slot Index, and Phase Label.

From the exhibit, the Circuit Naming Parameter setup is configured as:

Name

Prefix

Sample Value

Suffix

Separator

Panel

Panel

Panel

—

“-”

Slot Index

Slot Index

Slot Index

—

“/”

Phase Label

Phase Label

Phase Label

—

—

The panelboard properties show that its Circuit Naming method is set to PanelSlotPhase, which means that Revit will generate circuit numbers using the following structure:

[Panel Name] – [Slot Index] / [Phase Label]

From the exhibit:

Panel Name: P1

Slot Index (Breaker Position): 1 (since the question refers to the first breaker position)

Phase Label: A (default value for the first phase in a three-phase 120/208V Wye system)

Therefore, the Circuit Number for a single-pole circuit in the first breaker slot will be:

✅ P1-1/A

This follows Revit’s documented logic for circuit naming. According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 17 “Electrical Systems”):

“The circuit numbering format is controlled by the Electrical Settings > Circuit Naming template. The default scheme combines panel name, circuit number, and phase label, using the separators defined by the user.”

Furthermore, the Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide confirms:

“In the default electrical configuration, circuit numbers use the format [Panel Name]-[Circuit Number]/[Phase], such as ‘P1-1/A’ for the first single-pole circuit on phase A.”

Hence, based on the provided configuration and standard electrical setup, the correct circuit number for the first single-pole breaker position in panelboard P1 is P1-1/A.

The warning message shown — “Instance of link needs Coordination Review” — appears when Revit detects a modification in a monitored element within a linked model, typically during a coordination workflow between architectural and MEP (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) disciplines.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 46 “Copy/Monitor and Coordination Review”):

“When a monitored element changes in the linked model, Revit displays a warning message indicating that the instance of the link needs Coordination Review. You can use the Coordination Review tool to accept, reject, or postpone the change.”

This mechanism ensures synchronization between linked models. For example, if the architectural ceiling or wall that hosts electrical elements (such as lighting fixtures or devices) is modified, moved, or deleted, Revit triggers this alert in the workshared MEP model.

The Smithsonian Facilities Template Guide further emphasizes:

“Coordination Review identifies monitored elements whose hosts or geometry have changed in a linked model. The designer must review these to maintain design consistency.”

Hence, the warning does not indicate a clash or interference (Option A), nor a coordination message created manually in the architectural model (Option B), but specifically a change in a monitored element in the linked architectural model (Option D).

In Autodesk Revit, when an electrical designer creates a callout view, the software automatically generates a new dependent or independent view based on the selected callout type. However, if a callout is accidentally linked to the wrong or redundant view, the designer can easily reassign it to another existing view without recreating the callout. This can be done using the Reference Other View property in the Properties palette.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 47 “Views and Callouts”):

“To link a callout to an existing view rather than creating a new one, select the callout, and under the properties for that element, use Reference Other View to specify the desired target view.”

This means that when the designer selects the callout (in this case, shown as “L0 - Power - Callout 1” in the Project Browser), they can modify the Reference Other View setting from the Properties palette to point to a different, pre-existing detail view or callout view—for example, one showing an enlarged power distribution layout or switchboard detail.

This is the most efficient workflow because:

It avoids recreating or redrawing the callout (unlike Option C).

It preserves all annotation and sheet referencing data.

It ensures alignment and consistency across sheet references.

The Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide reinforces this standard Revit practice:

“When a view reference or callout is incorrectly associated, use the Reference Other View property to redirect the annotation to an existing detail or dependent view.”

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Change its type from the Type Selector: Callout types control annotation style (not the referenced view).

C. Delete and recreate: This is unnecessary and inefficient.

D. Open the callout view and change its type: Callout type cannot be changed directly once created; it’s controlled by view properties.

Therefore, the correct and Revit-recommended approach is Option A: Select the callout and choose a detail view under Reference Other View.

Before placing spaces in an MEP model that should reflect architectural room names and numbers, the linked architectural model must be set to Room Bounding. This ensures that Revit recognizes the architectural walls and room boundaries, allowing the spaces to reference and display room information correctly.

As the Revit MEP documentation explains:

“Turns on the Room Bounding parameter for the linked model. This step ensures that the Revit MEP project recognizes room-bounding elements in the Revit Architecture project.”

“The spaces use the room boundaries defined by the Revit Architecture project.”

Additionally, the section Using Room Boundaries in a Linked Model details the procedure:

“In a plan view of the host project, select the linked model symbol → Click Modify | RVT Links tab ➤ Properties panel ➤ (Type Properties). In the Type Properties dialog, select Room Bounding.”

Once this setting is enabled, Revit MEP automatically detects the architectural rooms, enabling the designer to place spaces that inherit the architectural room name and number.

In Revit Electrical Design, for a loadable family (such as electrical equipment, lighting fixtures, or devices) to connect to a power circuit, it must include an electrical connector defined in the Family Editor.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 17 – Electrical Systems):

“For an electrical family to participate in a circuit, the family must contain an electrical connector. The connector defines the relationship between the component and the electrical system. Without a connector, Revit cannot establish a power connection, and the Power tool will not be available.”

— Revit MEP User’s Guide, Electrical Systems – Creating Electrical Families

The connector type determines what kind of system (Power, Data, Communication, etc.) the family can join. When the electrical connector is not added, Revit cannot recognize the family as part of an electrical system, and thus the Power icon is grayed out or unavailable.

Incorrect Options:

A. Set the distribution system for the family – only available after a connector is added.

B. Set the family parameter to Shared – allows tagging or scheduling across projects but does not affect connectivity.

C. Change the Voltage parameter value – affects circuit data but not connection availability.

Therefore, the issue is resolved only by adding an electrical connector in the Family Editor.

Verified References:

Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (2011) – Electrical Systems → Creating Electrical Families → Adding Connectors

Revit Electrical Design Fundamentals Workbook – “Electrical connectors define the interface between components and electrical systems.”

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, panel schedules display data that originates from the Electrical Circuits category, not directly from the Electrical Equipment or Electrical Fixtures families. Each circuit in a panel schedule represents an instance of an Electrical Circuit object within Revit’s system-based MEP structure. Therefore, to add an additional field like Breaker Type, the parameter must be created and assigned specifically to the Electrical Circuits category.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide – Chapter 50 “Electrical Systems and Panel Schedules”:

“Panel schedules display parameters that are associated with electrical circuits, including load names, rating, poles, and breaker information. To include additional circuit information in a panel schedule, create a Project Parameter assigned to the Electrical Circuits category.”

This means the designer should:

1️⃣ Open Manage → Project Parameters → Add

2️⃣ Create a Project Parameter named Breaker Type

3️⃣ Assign it to the Electrical Circuits category

4️⃣ Set it to appear in schedules and tags, ensuring it becomes available for use in the panel schedule template

As noted in the Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide:

“Custom circuit data fields such as ‘Breaker Type’ or ‘Wire Tag’ are defined as project parameters applied to the Electrical Circuits category so they can be displayed in panel schedule templates.”

Incorrect options:

A. Shared Parameter in Electrical Equipment — Electrical Equipment holds overall panel data (e.g., Mains Rating, Voltage) but not per-circuit data.

B. Shared Parameter in Electrical Fixture families — Fixtures are individual load devices, not part of the circuit’s breaker assignment.

D. Project Parameter assigned to Electrical Equipment — would apply to the panelboard as a whole, not to individual breakers in circuits.

Thus, the correct answer is C. Project Parameter assigned to Electrical Circuits, ensuring each breaker in the panel schedule can display its type individually and dynamically.