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

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, 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 — “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 an electrical designer wants to schedule parameters from Generic Annotations, the correct method is to use a Note Block, not a generic schedule. Revit documentation defines this process clearly under Annotation Schedules (Note Blocks):

“Annotation schedules, or note blocks, list all instances of annotations that you can add using the Symbol tool.”

“Creating an Annotation Schedule (Note Block):

Load the generic annotation family or families into your project and place them where desired.

Click View tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Schedules drop-down ➤ Note Block.

In the New Note Block dialog, for Family, select a generic annotation.”

This extract confirms that when working with generic annotation families, Revit requires the use of a Note Block to extract and list their parameters in a schedule. Standard schedules such as Generic Model or Family schedules cannot access data from Generic Annotations since they are annotation-based, not model-based.

The parameter “Lighting Calculation Luminaire Plane: Not Computed” in the Space Properties dialog appears when Revit cannot perform a lighting calculation because no valid lighting fixtures are present within that defined space.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter: Spaces and Lighting Analysis):

“Lighting calculations are performed based on the luminaire data available in the space. If no light fixtures are present, the parameter ‘Lighting Calculation Luminaire Plane’ displays as ‘Not Computed’. Revit requires at least one hosted or ceiling-mounted lighting fixture with a valid light source to calculate illumination.”

In this case, although the space has defined reflectance values (ceiling, wall, and floor) and a lighting calculation workplane height (2’-6”), Revit cannot compute the Luminaire Plane because the software has no lighting geometry to reference for the photometric analysis.

Explanation of incorrect options:

A. Missing IES file: This would cause inaccurate photometric output, but not “Not Computed.”

C. Lights not circuited: Circuiting affects load summaries, not lighting calculations.

D. Lights at different elevations: Revit still computes the average luminaire plane even with varied fixture heights.

Thus, the lighting calculation is not computed simply because no lighting fixtures are placed in the space.

According to Autodesk’s Revit MEP User’s Guide (Revit MEP 2011, Chapter 17 “Electrical Systems”), lighting fixtures in Revit are hosted components—this means they rely on another model element (like a wall, ceiling, or floor) to exist. Specifically, ceiling-hosted lighting fixtures must be placed on a ceiling element that is within the same model file in which the light is being placed.

From the document:

“Most lighting fixtures are hosted components that must be placed on a host component (a ceiling or wall). To place a lighting fixture in a view:

In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Floor Plans, and double-click the view where you want to place the lighting fixture.

Click Home tab ➤ Electrical panel ➤ Lighting Fixture.

In the Type Selector, select a fixture type.

On the ribbon, verify that Tag on Placement is selected to automatically tag the fixture.

Move the cursor over the drawing area.The lighting fixture is previewed as you move the cursor over a valid host or location in the drawing area.

Click to place the lighting fixture.”— Revit MEP User’s Guide, Chapter 17: Electrical Systems, p. 402

Additionally, in the Rendering section of the same guide, Autodesk clearly defines hosting relationships in lighting fixture templates:

“The names of all lighting fixture templates include the words Lighting Fixture. Be sure to select the appropriate template for the type of lighting fixture that you want to create. For example, to create a ceiling-based fixture for metric projects, use Metric Lighting Fixture ceiling based.rft.

Revit MEP opens the Family Editor. The template defines reference planes and a light source. For ceiling-based and wall-based fixtures, the template includes a ceiling or wall to host the fixture.”

— Revit MEP User’s Guide, Chapter 50: Rendering, p. 1148

This indicates that the ceiling host must physically exist within the same model environment. If the ceiling is part of a linked architectural model, the lighting fixture cannot attach to it directly because Revit does not allow cross-model hosting. In such cases, a work plane-based or face-based light family must be used instead.

Therefore, among the given options:

A (snapping using nodes) and B (hosted to a ceiling reference plane) are partial actions within a placement workflow, not hosting conditions.

C (defined in the ceiling layout pattern) is incorrect because pattern layout does not determine hosting.

D (placed in the same model as the ceiling) is correct since Revit requires the ceiling host and the light fixture to exist in the same project file for the hosting relationship to function.

Verified Reference Extracts from Revit for Electrical Design Documentation:

Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (2011), Chapter 17: Electrical Systems, p. 402 — “Most lighting fixtures are hosted components that must be placed on a host component (a ceiling or wall).”

Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (2011), Chapter 50: Rendering, p. 1148 — “For ceiling-based and wall-based fixtures, the template includes a ceiling or wall to host the fixture.”

Revit MEP Family Templates Description — Metric Lighting Fixture ceiling based.rft defines the ceiling as the hosting reference within the same model environment.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, when an electrical designer attempts to control a receptacle (an Electrical Fixture family) with a switch (a Lighting Device family) as part of a switch system, Revit will only allow this connection if the receptacle’s family has been configured as Switchable within the Family Editor.

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

“Revit allows you to add elements such as lighting fixtures or receptacles to a switch system only if the family includes a switchable connector. The ‘Switchable’ parameter must be enabled in the Family Editor to allow this connection.”

This means that for the receptacle shown in the exhibit to appear as an available component for switching, the Electrical Connector within its family must have the Switchable property checked. This parameter is found under:

Family Editor → Select Connector → Properties Palette → Electrical - Data → Switchable.

If this option is not enabled, Revit treats the receptacle as a standard unswitched outlet and will not display it in the switch system creation dialog. Once the option is checked, the designer can reload the family into the project and associate it with a switch system normally.

Additionally, the Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide explains this concept as follows:

“To associate receptacles with lighting switches, ensure that the receptacle family has a switchable connector. Without this setting, the device will not appear as an assignable component to a switch system.”

This distinction is important in residential electrical modeling, where switched receptacles are common for plug-in lamps. Lighting circuits can include both Lighting Fixtures and Switchable Receptacles when the family configuration supports it.

Incorrect Options Explanation:

A. A switch system not being created is irrelevant — the issue occurs before system creation.

C. Being on the same circuit doesn’t affect switchability; it affects electrical load connection.

D. Incorrect — Revit supports switchable receptacles if properly configured.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. The receptacle’s “Switchable” option is not selected within the family editor.

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, phasing allows designers to track existing, demolished, and new elements across different project stages. Every model element includes two key phasing parameters:

Phase Created — defines when the element was built or introduced.

Phase Demolished — defines when the element is removed or demolished.

In the provided exhibits:

The project contains two phases: Existing and New Construction.

The receptacle’s Phase Created parameter is set to Existing, indicating it belongs to the pre-existing building condition.

The architectural wall hosting the receptacle is to be demolished during New Construction.

When a view’s Phase is set to New Construction and its Phase Filter is configured to show demolition, only elements whose Phase Demolished equals New Construction will appear as to be demolished. Therefore, the electrical designer must set the receptacle’s Phase Demolished value to New Construction so that it graphically displays as a demolished element in the demolition plan.

As explained in the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide – Phasing and Coordination:

“Elements created in one phase and demolished in a subsequent phase must have their ‘Phase Demolished’ parameter set to that later phase to display properly in demolition views.”

Thus, to correctly coordinate with the demolition of its host wall, the receptacle must be flagged for demolition during New Construction.

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.”

When all icons on the View Control Bar are dimmed (disabled), including the View Scale, it typically means the view is being controlled by a View Template. View templates apply standardized settings—such as scale, discipline, detail level, and more—across multiple views to ensure consistency. However, these templates can lock certain parameters, including the view scale, preventing manual changes.

According to Revit Electrical Design standards:

"If a view is governed by a View Template, properties such as view scale may be locked and appear dimmed in the View Control Bar. To regain control and allow changes like adjusting the view scale, the view template must be removed. This is done by setting the View Template to <None> in the Properties Palette."

Steps:

Select the view in question.

Open the Properties Palette.

Locate the View Template parameter.

Set it to <None>.

Now the View Control Bar becomes active and the scale can be changed freely.

Clarification of Other Options:

B (Edit the assigned view template): Changes apply to all views using that template, not just the one.

C (Duplicate the view with Detailing): Creates a copy but doesn't resolve template restrictions.

D (Right-click on the scale and select <Activate>): This is not a valid method in Revit.

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 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 MEP Electrical Design, the System Browser is used to analyze and verify electrical systems, including panelboard connections, circuit hierarchies, and connected loads.

From the exhibit, the Properties palette shows that the selected equipment is a Lighting and Appliance Panelboard (208V MLO, 100A), named P4. To determine the parent panel that feeds Panel P4, we refer to the System Browser, which organizes the entire electrical distribution network hierarchically under the Electrical discipline.

In the System Browser on the right, under the Electrical category, we can observe that Panel P4 is nested directly under Panel P2. This organization indicates that P4 is circuited to (or fed from) Panel P2.

According to the Revit MEP 2011 User’s Guide, Chapter 4, “Electrical Systems—Using the System Browser,” it states:

“The System Browser displays electrical systems in a tree structure. Each subpanel or device listed beneath a main panel is connected to that panel through an electrical circuit. When a panelboard appears under another, it indicates the subpanel is fed from that parent panel.”

This is further reinforced in Smithsonian Facilities Revit Electrical Template Documentation (April 2021), Section 8.3 “Documentation Views,” which describes:

“Panel schedules and browser hierarchies show the distribution sequence. Subpanels appear indented beneath their source panel, indicating electrical dependency and circuit assignment.”

Therefore, by interpreting both the Revit interface and Autodesk’s documentation, Panel P4 is a subpanel connected to Panel P2, confirming that its electrical feed is assigned from Panel P2.

Final Verified Answer: B. Panel P2

Reference Sources:

Autodesk Revit MEP 2011 User’s Guide, Chapter 4 — Electrical Systems and the System Browser

Smithsonian Facilities Revit Template User’s Guide, Section 8.3 — Electrical and Fire Alarm Templates: Documentation Views

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)