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Modeling Disconnect and Equipment Connections

How do I model a circuit that feeds a disconnect, which then feeds a piece of mechanical equipment (MEQ), such as a motor?​

There are three different methods you can use to model this scenario in Revit. Each method has its own use case and limitations, detailed below.

Model the Disconnect and MEQ as a Single Device​

Model the disconnect and MEQ as a single device in Revit. This method is the simplest solution, allowing you to easily circuit both devices and display them accurately on the single-line diagram.

Limitations​

  • You may need to set up an accurate model family for the combined device.
  • You may not be able to define all of the necessary information, such as details of the feeder between the disconnect and MEQ.

Circuit the Devices in Series​

Model the disconnect as an Electrical Equipment with the Part Type ▾ set to Panelboard or Switchboard. Circuit the disconnect to the panel, then circuit the MEQ to the disconnect. This method is useful when you need to set information for each device independently and for the feeder between the devices.

Limitations​

  • The Revit Supply From parameter on the MEQ will show the disconnect and not the panel actually feeding it.
  • In large projects, defining every disconnect as an Electrical Equipment can bloat the device lists in the Panel Edit and Circuit Edit commands.

Circuit the Devices in Parallel​

Model the disconnect and MEQ as separate branch circuit devices. Assign them to the same circuit on the panel. This method is useful when you need the disconnect and MEQ to be modeled separately, but also need the Revit Supply From parameter on the MEQ to show the panel feeding it.

Limitations​

  • You may not be able to define all of the necessary information, such as details of the feeder between the disconnect and MEQ.
  • When the devices are inserted on the single-line diagram, they will be inserted as parallel devices on the same circuit to reflect their connection in the model. You will need to modify the single-line manually to show how the devices will actually be connected.