Revit Tip: Standardize Routing Preferences in Revit MEP

Routing Preferences in Revit MEP automate how elbows, tees, transitions, taps, and crosses are placed as you draw ducts, pipes, conduits, and cable trays—boosting speed, consistency, and model quality. If you’re standardizing an office template or tightening coordination workflows, set these once and let Revit do the repetitive work. For software, add-ons, and training, check NOVEDGE and their Revit selection.

Why it matters

• Consistency: Ensures the correct family is placed every time, reducing ad-hoc swaps.
• Speed: Auto-fittings during layout minimize manual edits and rework.
• Quality: Enforces system-specific rules (e.g., grooved vs. welded, radius vs. mitered elbows).
• Documentation-ready: Predictable geometry means cleaner schedules and takeoffs.

Where to configure

• Pipe Types, Duct Types, Conduit Types, Cable Tray Types: Edit Type > Routing Preferences.
• For Pipes and Ducts: Also review Segments and Sizes to control materials and size availability.

Setup workflow (fast start)

• Duplicate a Type (e.g., “Pipe - Steel - Grooved - Std Radius”).
• Load fitting families that match your system classification and connection types.
• In Routing Preferences, assign:
  • Elbow: Pick radius-based vs. short-radius per standard.
  • Junction: Choose Tee or Tap (branch fittings) to match discipline standards.
  • Transition: Concentric or eccentric as required by spec.
  • Cross and Union (if applicable): Set standard parts to avoid undefined placements.
• For Pipes: In Segments and Sizes, define material, schedule, roughness, and which sizes are allowed.
• Test by sketching a simple run with branches at common angles (90°, 45°, 30°).

Family requirements (avoid mismatches)

• Correct Part Type parameter (Elbow, Tee, Tap, Transition, Cross, Union).
• Connector System Classification aligns with your system (e.g., Hydronic Supply, Sanitary).
• Connector sizes and shapes (Round/Rect/Oval) match the parent type.
• Angle and radius parameters reflect your standard (e.g., 1.5D elbows for duct, long-radius for process pipe).

Pro tips

• Create separate Types for distinct construction methods (e.g., “Copper-Soldered” vs. “Steel-Grooved”).
• Lock in Segments and Sizes to prevent out-of-spec diameters sneaking into the model.
• Use View Filters to color-code runs by Type to visually QA which routing set is active.
• Add a Yes/No Type parameter “Shop-Fab” to drive schedules and fabrication notes alongside routing preferences.
• Protect standards with View Templates and controlled type editing permissions.

Troubleshooting

• Wrong fitting appears: Verify the family’s Part Type and System Classification, then reassign in Routing Preferences.
• Fitting won’t place: Check for missing sizes in the family or in Segments and Sizes; confirm connectors align.
• Unexpected tees vs. taps: Toggle Preferred Junction Type and ensure matching tap families are loaded.
• Performance dips: Limit excessive size variants and purge unused families regularly.

Bake your Routing Preferences into your project template and share with the team via Transfer Project Standards. For curated libraries, expert guidance, and licensing options, connect with NOVEDGE—their specialists can help align Revit MEP content with your fabrication standards.