Manuals:User manual

IFC Comptability

All the available MEP components are able to be exported to the by Vectorworks supported IFC formats. Additionally, clients can alter the parameters of the attached IFC records. Some parameters will be overwritten by the object itself.

Contact us directly if you would like to have additional information transferred to the IFC tags by default.

IFC is an open standard, developed and maintained by buildingSMART International, for building data that permits information to be shared and maintained throughout the life cycle of the construction project: design, analysis, specification, fabrication, construction, and occupancy.

Global Settings

Using the "//MEP DISCIPLINE// - Settings" menu command, a dialog appears to manage global settings for that specific discipline.

Available disciplines:

• Electrical
• Piping
• Ducting

Most settings are saved into the active drawing. If you are familiar with Vectorworks templates this is ideal to setup defaults for future projects.

General

Depending on the category, different common settings will be available.

Classification

Manage the classification system, create predefined family types to categorize and personalize your components.

Calculation

An overview of the available sizing and calculation methods. These methods can be extended by anyone using the SDK.

Materials

Manage available materials and dimensions. Dimensions are shown based on the active document unit settings.

Once a dimension is added to a material you can set it to be used as width and/or height by clicking the icons in the list browser.

Material settings are managed outside the document and are not part of a template.

Angles

Manage the available angles while using the MEP component tools.

Units

For some of our parameters, custom unit implementations are available. Our custom unit parameters fully support worksheets and the irrigation tag, translating the saved value to be displayed in the unit settings of your choice.

Both the Imperial and Metric unit system are supported.

Symbols

MEP components have an optional hybrid/2D view. These symbols will be displayed for each component type to indicate special cases in 2D plan view. (E.g drop, rise...)

Optional, you can set the symbol to rotate and scale:

• Rotating: This will rotate the symbol into the direction on the XY plane.
• Scaling: This will scale the symbol to match the component size. The scale will be calculated based on the pipe size versus the width of an 360°arc in the symbol definition. For best performance reasons you should put all the symbol contents into a group, except for the arc. The arc can be given an invisible pen and fill if you'd like to hide it.

Insulation

Manage insulation and lining predefined types.

Performance

Manage various settings with influence on performance:

Performance mode toggles the automatically recalculation of MEP system networks.

Support IFC export

Extrude 3D content

Segmentise "Straight Group Segments"

Straight Segment Groups will internally split into multiple Straight Segments based on

the material settings.

Assuming a Straight Segment Group with length 14 meter and a material dimension

with a max. length of 3 meter.

Internally there will be 5 segments.

Discipline specific settings

Fluids

Manage fluids by temperature, viscosity and density to be used when predefining family

types.

Underfloor heating

Manage reducing factors to be used with the underfloor heating object.

Load calculations

Manage common settings for electrical engineering, regarding power loads.

Classification

VectorMEP provides a classification system to categories MEP components.

Each discipline provides several hard-coded Families as base categories. However, for each

family available, it's possible to create unlimited family types, which are derived from the

parent family.

If your family type does not belong to any of the provided families, you can always use the

family "Other" to assign this custom family type.

Depending on the discipline and family, different setting appear while creating or editing a

family type.

Creating a family type

Family types can be managed in the Classification tab of the MEP settings dialog.

Assigning a family type

Each MEP component can be directly assigned to a family type, taking over the

predefined settings.

Connectors

Connectors are logical entities that are the missing link between a symbol/object and a MEP

component.

A connector is only valuable as part of an object.

We provide several fixtures for each discipline, that require the combination of connectors

and symbols to create smart responsive objects participating in MEP networks.

Choosing the right Connector

Different type of connectors are available depending on the discipline:

Pipe connectors are used for piping, pipe fittings, and other components that are

meant for transmitting fluids.

Duct connectors are associated with ductwork, duct fittings, and other elements that

are part of the air handling systems.

Electrical connectors are used for any type of electrical connection, including power,

telephone, fire alarm systems, and others.

CableCarrier connectors are used for any type of cablecarrier connection, including

power, telephone, fire alarm systems, and others.

Selecting the correct discipline is critical to the content working correctly. After this selection

is made, it cannot be changed without first deleting the connector and adding it again with

the correct discipline.

Choosing a family for a Connector

The base family type assigned to a connector determines the types of systems with which it

can interact and how it interacts with other system components.

Depending the discipline, different families are available as explained in the classification

article.

Adding connectors

You can add connectors using the following methods:

Using the Insert MEP connector menu command.

Connectors

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This command requires an active selection of fixtures.

Using the correspondenting connector tool.

Connectors should only be added while being in the Connector group. Each fixture h

as a button on the OIP to enter this group.

Connector oriëntation

While selecting a connector, the direction is highlighted. The connector should always point

outside of the fixture.

Connectors

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Connector types

Pipe connectors

Pipe connectors are used for piping, pipe fittings, and other components that are meant for

transmitting fluids.

The following list shows the different connector parameters, by property group and a brief

description of their functionality.

Preferences

Class

Description

Primary

Min. flow

Max. flow

Classification

Family

Mechanical

Flow configuration

Flow direction

Loss method

Loss coefficient

Pressure drop

Flow

Dimensions

Shape

Radius

Width

Height

Extrusion height

Duct connectors

Duct connectors are associated with ductwork, duct fittings, and other elements that are

part of the air handling systems.

Duct connectors contain the following parameters:

Preferences

Class

Description

Primary

Min. flow

Max. flow

Classification

Family

Mechanical

Flow configuration

Flow direction

Loss method

Loss coefficient

Pressure drop

Flow

Dimensions

Shape

Radius

Width

Height

Extrusion height

Electrical connectors

Electrical connectors are used for any type of electrical connection, including power,

telephone, fire alarm systems, and others.

Electrical connectors contain the following parameters:

Preferences

Class

Description

Primary

Classification

Family

Electrical

Apparent load ballance

Apparent load phase 1

Apparent load phase 2

Apparent load phase 3

Load category

Number of poles

Power factor

Voltage

Power factor state

Dimensions

Shape

Radius

Width

Height

Extrusion height

CableCarrier connectors

CableCarrier connectors are associated with CableCarriers, CableCarriers fittings, and

other elements that are part of CableCarrier systems.

CableCarriers connectors contain the following parameters:

Preferences

Class

Description

Primary

Classification

Family

Dimensions

Shape

Radius

Width

Height

Extrusion height

CableCarrier connectors

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Managing systems

Use of systems

When fixtures have connectors assigned, it is possible to create logic groups of fixtures by

connecting the connectors.

For electrical engineering, systems can be seen as circuits, connecting devices together.

For mechanical engineering, systems are logic groups of components.

Creating systems

There are two ways of managing systems, by using the tools are menu available menu

commands.

When adding a device to a system, VectorMEP will search for a free connector matching the

family type of the system you are about to create. If it can't find a viable connector, a dialog

pops up to choose another specific connector.

Additionaly, when using the menu command to create a new system, a checkbox can be

used to activate the system manager tool as well.

Using the system manager tool

When using the system manager tool, you can select an existing system, or start with a new

one.

When a system is active, the containing objects are selected and highlighted in the drawing.

Use the specific mode bar option to add/remove elements to the active system.

When hovering objects, the highlighted color determines them being eligible.

Electrical systems can also be assigned to a panel directly using the tool.

Managing Insulation

MEP components can have insulation or lining attached.

Managing the addition of removal is done by the specific menu commands under the

VectorMEP ribbon.

Insulation ranges

When creating insulation/lining materials in the MEP settings dialogs, predefined ranges can

be supplied to set up default insulation sizes associated with MEP sizes.

In any MEP component, you can opt in for the dynamic insulation sizing based on the

material ranges. On any dimension change of the MEP component, the insulation thickness

will be verified based on the available ranges. If needed, the insulation thickness will be

updated accordingly.

Adding insulation/Lining

The dialog will suggest a thickness based on the available ranges. The specific range will be

highlighted in the listbrowser below.

Sizing and Calculation Methods

The "MEP Component sizing" menu command allows sizing of MEP components by

predefined methods.

Both these methods can be restricted for use with specific disciplines and/or families.

Calculation methods

Calculation methods calculate various factors, including the flow, velocity and pressure loss.

Calculation methods need be assigned to specific family types in order for them to be used.

Components based on a family type without a calculation method assigned will not make

any calculation.

Sizing methods

Sizing methods size MEP components based on the results of a calculation method, within

user defined boundaries.

If multiple sizing methods are available, and selected for use, it's possible to choose

between an AND or OR combination.

Depending on the discipline and family type, specific fluid settings are used in the

calculation.

You can apply constraints to limit the maximum height and width for the sections being

sized. When both the size constraints and the flow constraints cannot be matched, the size

constraints take priority, and an alert is displayed, indicating that not all of the sizing

parameters could be satisfied.

Custom methods

Both the sizing and calculation methods can be customized by adding additional implementations using our API.

Working with MEP components

Each discipline contains two tools to create rigid and flexible MEP components.

When using the rigid tool, fittings are automatically created depending on the situation you

create. This includes elbows, transitions and junctions.

Both the tools allow components to be drawn in all directions, including sloped parts.

Pipe Component tool

The "Pipe Component" tool draws pipework in a project.

Duct Component tool

The "Duct Component" tool draws ductwork in a project.

Cable Carrier Component

The "Cable Carrier Component" tool draws cable carries in a project.

Creating MEP components

Tool Modebar

1. Horizontal outline. (left, center, right)

2. Additional horizontal offset.

3. Vertical outline. (top, center, invert, bottom)

4. Additional vertical offset.

5. Slope.

6. Object properties.

Contextual menu

The right click contextual menu contains the following custom actions:

Select upwards: Selects the connected chain in upwards direction.

Select downwards: Selects the connected chain in downwards direction.

Reverse direction: Reverses the direction of the active component.

Divide slope: Evenly distribute the slope based on the first and last vertex height.

Apply slope: Applies a given slope.

OIP

Display

Class

UID

Profile rotation

Has cover

Attach tag

Constraints

Start offset

End offset

Slope

Top elevation

Bottom elevation

Classification

Type

Family

Family type

Section

Area

Dimensions

Material

Shape

Size

Nominal width

Lock width

Nominal Height

Lock height

Working with MEP Placeholders

Each discipline contains a tool to create placeholders. These are a simplified variation of

regular MEP components.

Placeholders do not contain any fittings and can be used to sketch a layout much more

quickly.

Pipe Placeholder tool

The "Pipe Component" tool draws pipework in a project.

Duct Placeholder tool

The "Duct Component" tool draws ductwork in a project.

Cable Carrier Placeholder

The "Cable Carrier Component" tool draws cable carries in a project.

Creating MEP Placeholders

Tool Modebar

1. Width/Diameter

2. Height

3. Vertical offset (used in 2D sketching)

4. Slope.

5. Object properties.

Contextual menu

The right click contextual menu contains the following custom actions:

Select upwards: Selects the connected chain in upwards direction.

Select downwards: Selects the connected chain in downwards direction.

Reverse direction: Reverses the direction of the active component.

Divide slope: Evenly distribute the slope based on the first and last vertex height.

Apply slope: Applies a given slope.

OIP

Display

Class

UID

Profile rotation

Has cover

Attach tag

Constraints

Start offset

End offset

Slope

Top elevation

Bottom elevation

Classification

Type

Family

Family type

Section

Area

Dimensions

Material

Shape

Size

Nominal width

Lock width

Nominal Height

Lock height

Remodelling components

Existing MEP components can be remodeled in various ways.

All conduit/duct/pipe based components are path based. With the native reshape tool you

can modify the vertexes of the path. While we don't disable this we do discourage this for

any component besides the Straight Segment (Group) and the Transition Segment.

Straight Segment (Group)

The OIP holds a parameter "Length". On setting a new value the segment will use the new

provided length.

Elbow Segments

The OIP holds a parameter "Radius". On setting a new value the segment will use the new

provided radius. The radius is the length of the first leg.

If the Object has adjacent connecting objects, this will only succeed if those objects can be

modified as well to match the new situation.

Modifying the angle

1. Select an elbow, click on the center CP (A).

2. Rotate the mouse to the desired angle. The toolbar displays the angle between the

legs.

3. Click to verify the new position.

Converting into a junction

1. Select an elbow, click on any outer CP (B).

2. Click on any outer CP (B) to switch between enabling legs.

Transition Segments

The OIP holds a parameter "Taper angle" and "Taper length". On setting a new value the

segment will use the new provided angle or length.

If the Object has adjacent connecting objects, this will only succeed if those objects can be

modified as well.

Horizontal shift

Each transition has 3 controlpoints to control a horizontal shift. From the OIP you can set an

additional vertical shift as well.

1. Select a transition, click on any CP (A).

2. Move the mouse to the desired location.

3. Click to verify the new position.

Junction Segments

The OIP holds a parameter "Radius". On setting a new value the segment will use the new

provided radius.

Removing junction legs

1. Select a junction.

2. Click on any outer CP (B) to remove and existing leg.

Adding junction legs

You can add infinite legs to a junction. Each time you draw a segment starting/ending on a

junction object, a new leg is being added.

Remodelling Placeholders

Existing MEP Placeholders can be remodeled in various ways.

All conduit/duct/pipe based components are path based. With the native reshape tool you

can modify the vertexes of the path.

Control points

Each placeholder contains exact 4 controlpoints. Two blue dots at the beginning and

endpoint of the segment, two additional controlpoints at distance from these points.

The blue controlpoints can be used to quickly reshape the placeholders.

The other controlpoints function likewise to the "create similar" command. The big difference

is that the tool will actually launch at the exact connectionspot, using it as a startpoint. This

makes drawing much faster and ensures a correct connection.

On default, these additional controlpoints have a red dot. Once they have a valid connection

to another Placeholder, the dot will be indicated green.

Working with fixtures

VectorMEP provides several fixtures for each discipline. While some fixtures have unique capabilities, they all work following the same logic.

Fixtures require connectors in order to take part in MEP networks. Without any connectors, a fixture is nothing more then a symbol.

The following fixtures are available:

• Piping engineering
  • Pipe accessory
  • Plumbing fixture
  • Mechanical equipment
• Ducting engineering
  • Duct accessory
  • Air terminal
  • Mechanical equipment
• Electrical engineering
  • Power fixtures
  • Electrical fixture
  • Electrical device
  • Lighting fixture
  • Electrical switch
  • Junction box
  • Data fixtures
  • Data device
  • Telephone device
  • Communication device
  • Security device
  • Fire alarm device
  • Nurse call device
  • Switch
  • Panel boards
  • Branch panel
  • Switch board
  • Data panel

Customizing the symbol

Each fixture has at least one parameter controlling the used symbol.

Electrical fixtures have a primary and secondary symbol for a specific purpose:

The secondary symbol can have a horizontal shift and rotation versus the insertion poi

nt. This can be of use when electrical fixtures are stacked on top of each other, but

need to be displayed separately on a 2D-plan view.

Reference levels

The electrical settings menu command offers custom story-alike settings named reference

levels, which are predefined relative heights.

When vertically aligning fixtures, it's common to have default installation heights of

components. Reference levels can be applied to add a relative height to an object, no matter

the layer it is on.

Electrical panels

Panel fixture types allow connections of circuits. The panel fixture itself can also be part of a

circuit, connected to another panel.

Panels require a valid distribution system before they can be used with circuits.

The Organisation - Electrical panels menu command manages the relations between all

available circuits and panels in one overview.

Load Classifications

You can classify each type of electrical load connected to a panel. These classifications are

called load classification types.

Demand factors

You use demand factors to adjust the rating of the main service for a building based on the

expectation that at any given time, not all of the electrical equipment will be drawing at the

full rated load.

MEP Labeling

The MEP Label tool is capable of labeling/tagging all available MEP components.

The object is symbol based and uses a predefined record to transfer data into the symbol.

Clients can customize this symbol and choose which fields to show.

The MEP Label will automatically position itself vertically on top of the bounding cube. This

ensures it is always visible from the top view.

If you have the Vectorworks designer of landmark installed, the tag label from the

irrigation tool set can also be used for tagging, which is far more superior.

Tool Modebar

1. Select component mode.

2. Object properties.

OIP

Class

Dimension text: Switches between the nominal size and the size based on the

document settings.

Show leader: Shows a leader line to the middle of the referenced object.

Overwrite defaults: Leave blank to use defaults.

Prefix

Separator

Suffix

Label symbol

Symbol

Scale

Select symbol

Edit symbol

Customizing the MEP Label symbol

Clients can customize the MEP Label symbol.

Best practice is to duplicate one of the default symbols and to modify it to your needs. Each

MEP Label can select a different symbol for different situations.

If the custom symbols are added to the MEP Label symbol library they will become available

in all your drawings, when the "Select Symbol" dialog is present.

Attached record with data

Make sure the record "MEPLabel_Fields" is attached to the symbol. For those fields you

would like to display, link the appropriate record field to a text field inside the symbol.

This makes sure the data is correctly transferred.

The size fields can hold the nominal material size OR the size based on the document unit

settings.