Revit Family Library: “Sanitary Appliances” – Why Are There Separate Folders for Architecture and MEP? Have you ever wondered about this? What exactly is the difference between these folders? In this article, I will share some valuable insights for BIM users and Revit professionals preparing for certification exams. When you first start modeling pipeline components, have you ever felt confused or stuck? If so, keep reading!
As shown in the image above, did you initially fail to distinguish between the “Sanitary Appliances” folder under Architecture and the one under Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)? The key difference lies in the presence of connectors. The “Sanitary Appliances” in the Architecture folder do not include connectors, whereas in the MEP folder, these families come with pipeline connectors. Please refer to the following image, where the arrow highlights the water supply and drainage pipeline connections.
Connectors: The defining feature that separates MEP components from architectural or structural ones is the concept of connectors. For system engineers, connectors are essential because they enable intelligent behavior within the model. These connectors can be for air ducts, electrical wiring, piping, cable trays, or conduits.
Summary: The “Sanitary Appliances” families in the Architecture folder lack connectors, meaning pipelines cannot be linked to these components. Conversely, the “Sanitary Appliances” in the MEP folder include pipeline connectors, allowing them to connect properly with pipelines and form organized systems.
Why did I mention feeling helpless earlier? If you are preparing for the Level 2 equipment certification exam from the Graphic Society and find that pipelines cannot connect to components to form a system, it might be because you are using families without connectors.
【 Related topic: What to Do If You Can’t Find the Family Library When Loading Revit 】
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