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.

In Autodesk Revit Electrical Design, a lighting device (switch) must be associated with lighting fixtures through a switch system, not through electrical circuits. Switch systems are independent of lighting circuits and wiring, as they are intended to represent the control relationship between a light switch and the lighting fixtures it operates.

According to the Autodesk Revit MEP User’s Guide (Chapter 17 – Electrical Systems, pages 475–478), the official method is described under “Creating a Switch System.”

“You can assign lighting fixtures to specific switches in a project.

The switch system is independent of lighting circuits and wiring.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 475)

“To create a switch system:

Select one or more lighting fixtures in a view, and clickModify | Lighting Fixtures tab ? Create Systems panel ? Switch.

Click Switch Systems tab ? System Tools panel ? Edit Switch System.

Click Add to System, and select one or more lighting fixtures.

Click Select Switch, and select a switch in the drawing area.

Click Finish Editing System.”**(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 476)

How It Works:

The switch system links a lighting device (switch) with lighting fixtures, enabling Revit to manage how light fixtures respond to specific switches.

Unlike electrical circuits, which define power flow and load connections to panels, the switch system defines control logic (which lights are turned on/off by which switch).

The designer begins by selecting the switch and then adding lights to its system, ensuring all lights associated with that switch are grouped correctly.

Supporting Extract from Revit Documentation:

“You can also create a lighting switch system by right-clicking the connector for a lighting fixture and clicking Create Switch System.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 475)

“Add lighting fixtures to the switch system…

Click Select Switch and select a switch in the drawing area.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 476)

“The switch system is independent of lighting circuits and wiring.”

(Revit MEP User’s Guide, p. 475)

Conclusion:

To associate a lighting device (switch) with light fixtures in a Revit electrical model, the designer must create a switch system. This is done by selecting the switch, then adding the desired lighting fixtures to that system using the Add to System and Select Switch tools under the Switch Systems tab.

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.