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

In Autodesk Revit’s Electrical discipline, when electrical components such as panelboards are hosted incorrectly (for example, Panel B hosted to Panel A instead of a wall or level), the hosting relationship must be corrected by reassigning the work plane or host. This is essential because hosted electrical elements depend on the geometry or level of their host for placement, alignment, and coordination.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 45 “Work Planes and Element Hosting”):

“If a hosted element is placed incorrectly or the host has changed, use the Edit Work Plane or Pick New commands to redefine its host or work plane.”

Here’s how these two tools apply:

1️⃣ Pick New (Option A)

Located under the Work Plane panel on the Modify tab, this command allows you to select a new face or host (e.g., a wall, ceiling, or floor) for the existing component. It effectively reassigns the element’s host without deleting or recreating the element.

“Use Pick New to specify a different face or surface as the host for a component that was incorrectly placed.”

2️⃣ Edit Work Plane (Option E)

This command lets the designer redefine the reference level or named work plane to which an element is associated. For hosted electrical equipment (like lighting or panels), this ensures the object references the correct structural or architectural surface.

“To correct hosting errors, open Edit Work Plane from the Modify tab, and assign a new named plane, level, or face.”

Incorrect Options Explanation:

B. Edit Mounting value – changes only how the panel is mounted (e.g., recessed or surface), not the host itself.

C. Move command – repositions the element but does not change the hosting relationship.

D. Edit Host value – the “Host” parameter is read-only; it cannot be edited directly.

Thus, the correct methods to rehost Panel B from Panel A to the correct wall or work plane are through Pick New and Edit Work Plane, ensuring proper association and maintaining system connectivity.

The warning message — “Can’t create this kind of element in this view in the current mode” — appears when an electrical designer attempts to place a Generic Annotation family inside a model family (e.g., a data device or electrical fixture) that is not configured to host annotation elements.

According to the Revit Electrical Design documentation, Generic Annotation families are 2D annotation elements, and therefore, cannot be created or viewed in 3D model views unless configured as “Shared.” The official guide clarifies:

“You can create generic annotation families and nest them inside host model families so that the annotations display in the project.”

However, this only functions correctly if the annotation is enabled to act independently within the host:

“To allow a nested annotation to be visible and editable when placed in a host model family, the nested annotation must be set to Shared before loading it into the host.”

If the nested annotation is not set to Shared, Revit cannot create or display it in the host’s model view, triggering this exact warning.

Thus, the correct workflow is:

Open the Generic Annotation family in the Family Editor.

Go to Family Category and Parameters.

Check the box “Shared” under Family Parameters.

Save and reload the family into the host electrical device family.

Other options—changing view level, detail level, or annotation orientation—do not resolve this placement restriction.

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, the Collaborate tab provides the tools necessary for managing multi-user worksharing environments. The Synchronize with Central command allows users to save their local changes back to the central model. However, this command becomes disabled under certain conditions — most notably when the user is currently working directly within the central file rather than a local copy.

The Autodesk Revit User’s Guide – Worksharing and Collaboration section clearly explains this behavior:

“When you open the central file directly, the Synchronize with Central option is unavailable because all edits are already in the central file. Worksharing operations such as borrowing, relinquishing, or synchronization only apply to local copies created from the central model.”

This rule ensures that the integrity of the central model is preserved and that no user directly edits or synchronizes within it, preventing potential file corruption. In normal collaborative workflows, users open local copies of the central model. The local files maintain an editable subset of elements while allowing synchronization and relinquishing operations.

Thus, the disabled Synchronize with Central button (as shown in the exhibit) indicates that the designer is currently in the central model, not a local copy. Since synchronization is unnecessary in this state — all changes are automatically applied to the central file — the command is grayed out.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, the Interference Check tool allows designers to detect physical conflicts between elements in the current model and linked models, ensuring coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP systems.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 45 “Interference Checking”):

“You can check for interferences between elements within a single project or between elements in the host project and linked models. In the Interference Check dialog box, you can specify categories from the current project and from linked Revit models.”

The dialog box shown in the image displays two selection lists:

The left-hand side represents categories from the current electrical project.

The right-hand side represents categories from the linked structural model (STRUCTURE.rvt).

Since the task is to check for clashes between conduits (electrical) and beams (structural), the designer should select:

“Conduits” under Categories from Current Project (the electrical model).

“Beams” under Categories from STRUCTURE.rvt (the linked structural model).

As the guide explains further:

“Interference checking identifies intersections or overlaps between the geometry of selected categories. For MEP users, this is commonly used to check for clashes between ducts, pipes, or conduits and architectural or structural elements.”

This process ensures early detection of coordination issues before construction documentation. The designer can then review results through Coordination Review, isolate elements in 3D, or tag affected areas for correction.

Incorrect Options:

Selecting both categories from the same model (e.g., Electrical and Conduits) would only check within that model.

Choosing unrelated linked files (e.g., ARCHITECTURE.rvt) would not detect clashes with the structural beams.

In Autodesk Revit, when placing electrical equipment such as transformers, disconnects, or switchboards onto a pad or foundation, precise alignment is essential for accurate coordination with architectural and structural elements. During component placement, Revit provides an intuitive way to align an object before final placement using the Spacebar in combination with the object’s edges.

When the cursor is hovered over an edge of the component (not just anywhere on it) and the Spacebar is pressed, Revit cycles the component’s orientation, rotating it 90 degrees around its insertion point each time. This technique allows the designer to visually align the equipment’s orientation with the pad or architectural geometry before clicking to place it.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide under “Placing and Modifying Components”:

“While placing a component, move the cursor over an edge and press the Spacebar to rotate the element incrementally. This method helps align electrical or mechanical equipment with nearby reference geometry before placement.”

This method is ideal for electrical designers positioning pad-mounted equipment, ensuring that components such as transformers or switchgear are oriented precisely to site geometry, conduit routes, or building walls.

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 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 in Autodesk Revit for MEP Electrical Design, lighting fixtures can be either hosted (such as ceiling-hosted or wall-hosted) or non-hosted. The movement of lighting fixtures in relation to linked model elements—like ceiling grids—is determined by the hosting condition and alignment constraints applied to those elements.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 24 “Ceilings” and Chapter 50 “Rendering”), a ceiling is a level-based element. You can create it on a specified level and host ceiling-based families such as lighting fixtures. When a ceiling is modified or repositioned, the hosted lighting fixtures will move with the ceiling itself, maintaining their relationship to the host surface. However, when ceiling grid patterns are changed or moved in a linked Revit model, the movement of those grid patterns does not automatically propagate to hosted elements in the electrical model unless those elements are directly linked or constrained to a movable reference plane.

As described:

“Ceilings are level-based elements… When you create a ceiling, you can host components such as lighting fixtures on its face. Hosted elements remain associated with their host even if the ceiling is modified.”

And further in the glossary section:

“Rehost: To move a component from one host to another. For example, you can use the Pick New Host tool to move a window from one wall to another wall.”

This confirms that a hosted light fixture maintains its attachment to the host element (the ceiling) but not to the grid pattern itself. Grid movement within a linked ceiling model does not alter the position of lights unless they are manually re-hosted or alignment-locked directly to a specific geometry within the host model.

Therefore, the correct interpretation is that when ceiling grid patterns move within a linked Revit model, the lights placed in the electrical model do not follow the grid pattern movement automatically. They remain stationary relative to the ceiling surface, provided they are hosted correctly.

This behavior reflects Revit’s parametric relationships — “hosted elements maintain dependency only on their host, not on graphical references like grids unless locked via constraints.”

In Revit, when editing a family in the Family Editor and reloading it into a project, Revit handles type changes using specific update rules. Types that are renamed overwrite their earlier version in the project because they retain the same internal type ID. Types that are added to the family also appear in the project once reloaded.

Initially, the family contains two types:

Above Counter

Plain

The changes made in the Family Editor are:

1️⃣ Rename Plain → Standard

2️⃣ Add a new type named GFCI

According to documented Revit behavior for type updates:

“When a family is reloaded into the project, any renamed family type replaces its previous version while maintaining its parameter assignments. Newly created types are added as additional family types available for placement within the project.”

Therefore:

Plain no longer exists because it was renamed

Standard now exists in its place

GFCI is added as a new family type

Above Counter remains unchanged

Thus, the family in the project now contains:

✅ Above Counter

✅ GFCI

✅ Standard

???? This matches answer choice:

B. Above Counter, GFCI, Standard

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 the exhibit, the designer expects the total connected load to equal the sum of the 4 motor loads:

4 motors × 1000 VA each = 4000 VA expected

However, Revit is showing a Total Connected Load of 3606 VA instead.

This difference occurs because Revit applies Motor Demand Factors automatically when a load classification is set to “Motor.” Demand factors modify the total connected load based on electrical engineering rules.

Revit documentation confirms:

“Assign demand factors to load classifications.”

“Demand loads can be shown on panel schedules.”

In the exhibit, the Load Classification shows Motor with a Demand Factor of 117.87%, which modifies the connected load values in the switchboard totals.

Revit is therefore calculating the effective connected load based on the applied demand factor, not a simple arithmetic sum. That is why the panel’s connected load number ≠ 4000 VA.

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In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, the Project Browser can be customized to organize views according to disciplines, levels, and view types using the Browser Organization Properties dialog box. This feature allows electrical designers to create structured view hierarchies that align with project standards and simplify navigation — especially in multidisciplinary projects.

According to the Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 41 “Browser Organization and View Management”):

“Browser organization defines how project views are grouped and displayed in the Project Browser. You can customize sorting by Discipline, Level, View Type, or any parameter applicable to views.”

In the given exhibit, the Project Browser structure shows views grouped first by discipline (“Coordination,” “Electrical”), then by level (“Level 1,” “Level 2”), and finally by view type (e.g., “Floor Plans,” “Ceiling Plans”). This organization allows the electrical designer to isolate MEP-related views while maintaining logical grouping under each building level.

To achieve this layout, the designer must apply the following browser organization setup in the Browser Organization Properties dialog box:

1️⃣ Group by: Discipline – creates top-level folders such as Architectural, Structural, Electrical, etc.

2️⃣ Then by: Associated Level – organizes each discipline into subfolders based on floor levels (Level 1, Level 2, etc.).

3️⃣ Then by: Family and Type – further organizes the level folders into view categories (e.g., Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans).

This configuration is supported by the Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide:

“Grouping by Discipline, Level, and View Type provides logical organization for MEP coordination, facilitating efficient access to electrical floor and ceiling plan views.”

Sorting by View Name (Ascending) ensures consistent alphabetical listing under each category.

In Autodesk Revit MEP, conduit systems can be represented in plan views using either detailed or single-line symbology. The Single Line Symbology display setting is used for schematic or simplified representations — often in electrical riser or distribution diagrams.

The setting that controls whether conduits display in single-line or detailed form is found in the Type Properties of the conduit family, not in Object Styles or Electrical Settings. Specifically, it is accessed by selecting a conduit in the model and navigating to:

Properties Palette → Edit Type → Single Line Symbology

From there, users can define how fittings, rise/drop symbols, and conduits themselves are represented in single-line schematic mode. Adjusting this type parameter affects the graphical display for that conduit type throughout all applicable views where single-line graphics are used.

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

“The conduit type properties define the graphical representation in single-line drawings. By editing the Single Line Symbology in the Type Properties dialog, designers control how the conduit and fittings appear in plan views.”

This parameter is especially important in electrical documentation where simplified representations are required for coordination and electrical diagrams.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, ensuring that all electrical connectors are properly connected to circuits is critical to obtaining accurate load summaries and panel schedules. When nearing project completion, designers must confirm that every load (e.g., lighting fixture, power receptacle, or equipment) is associated with a circuit.

The Show Disconnects command is specifically designed to identify any electrical components whose connectors are not associated with a circuit or power system.

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

“The Show Disconnects tool allows designers to visually identify elements in a project that contain electrical connectors not currently assigned to any circuit. Using this tool, Revit highlights unconnected components, helping to ensure load summaries and panel schedules accurately reflect all modeled elements.”

The command is found under Analyze tab ➤ Electrical panel ➤ Show Disconnects. It highlights any devices—such as lighting fixtures, receptacles, or equipment—that are not circuited, enabling correction before final load calculations are performed.

Other options explained:

A. Check Circuits: Verifies that existing circuits are complete, but it does not identify unconnected components.

B. System Browser: Lists systems hierarchically but does not flag disconnected devices.

C. Circuit Schedule: Displays circuit data only for connected components.

Hence, to identify unconnected elements before finalizing design documentation, the correct tool is Show Disconnects.