Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 User Guide - Page 399

Using the circuit features, you can automate some tasks, such as calculating circuit loads, checking circuit overloads, or calculating wire sizes. For example, create panel schedules automatically from the circuit data in the electrical project database file. Also, you can add home run tags to wire runs, to automatically display the panel and circuit assignments in the home run tag. Also, the circuit features are also very flexible. They can accommodate different workflows. For example, you can create panels and circuits first, and then assign devices to circuits when you add the devices to drawings. Also, you can add devices to drawings before creating any circuits. After you create circuits, you can go back and assign devices to them. As you refine your electrical system designs, you can change circuit assignments for devices, modify circuit properties, and move circuits around on a panel. Using an Electrical Project Database In AutoCAD MEP, an electrical project database is a file that contains the panels and circuits to which you assign devices and wires. The electrical project database resides in its own file, which is assigned a file extension of .epd. The devices that make up electrical systems reside in separate drawings that are linked to the electrical project database file. You use the electrical project database to manage your circuits and loads across all electrical drawings in a project. As you create and refine your circuited systems, the electrical project database keeps track of devices and loads in all linked drawings. Using an electrical project database ensures that circuit assignments and loads are accurate even if devices in multiple drawings are assigned to the same circuit. How the Electrical Project Database Works An electrical project database is required for any drawing that contains circuits. It can be specified at any time before or after circuits are created. If an electrical project database has not been specified and circuits are added to a drawing, you will be prompted to specify the name of an electrical project database file. The electrical project database manages the circuit assignments in all linked drawings. As you create and refine electrical system drawings, you can use the Circuit Manager to view and manage panel and circuit information. Access the Circuit Manager from either the panel drawing or any of the linked drawings. As you work on electrical systems, you can view current circuit information, such as total load and number of devices assigned to each circuit. Using an Electrical Project Database | 381