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.
Piping
Classification
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Electrical
Classification
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Ducting
Classification
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Assigning a family type
Each MEP component can be directly assigned to a family type, taking over the
predefined settings.
Classification
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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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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
Pipe connectors
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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
Duct connectors
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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
Electrical connectors
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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
31
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.
Creating electrical systems
Creating piping systems
Creating ducting systems
Using the system manager tool
Managing systems
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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 systems
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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
Managing insulation
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The dialog will suggest a thickness based on the available ranges. The specific range will be
highlighted in the listbrowser below.
Managing insulation
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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 and Calculation Methods
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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
Sizing and Calculation Methods
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Both the sizing and calculation methods can be customized by adding additional
implementations using our API.
Sizing and Calculation Methods
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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
Working with MEP components
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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
Working with MEP components
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Shape
Size
Nominal width
Lock width
Nominal Height
Lock height
Working with MEP components
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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
Working with MEP Placeholders
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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
Working with MEP Placeholders
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Size
Nominal width
Lock width
Nominal Height
Lock height
Working with MEP Placeholders
44
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
Remodelling components
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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.
Remodelling components
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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
Remodelling components
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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 components
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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.
Remodelling Placeholders
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Remodelling Placeholders
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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
Working with fixtures
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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.
Working with fixtures
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Working with fixtures
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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
MEP Labeling
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MEP Labeling
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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.