To Draw a Duct Run

Using the Styles Browser Palette

Search and select a duct with a predefined system, located in different drawings, folders and locations using the Styles Browser palette.

1. Home > Tools > Styles Browser > Object Type > HVAC Objects > Duct
2. Drawing Source: Choose from the drop-down list
3. Drawing File: Choose from the drop-down list
4. Search : Enter the name of the duct you are searching for
5. Select the duct from the gallery. Click to import it into the drawing, and to start drawing with it.

Using the Properties Palette

1. You can also directly add a duct with a predefined system by selecting a duct from Home > Tools > Styles Browser > Object Type > Duct > Gallery
2. In the HVAC workspace, open the Properties palette in one of the following ways:
   • Click Home tab Build panel Duct drop-down Duct .
   • Open the Duct tool palette, and select a duct tool.
     Note: When beginning a design by defining the duct runs according to system, select a duct tool with a predefined system, such as the Supply - Low Pressure tool. The duct that you draw inherits the system’s properties, such as its design parameters, display properties, and rise and drop style.
   • Click the Add grip on a part, duct fitting, or duct segment.
3. Add a description and specify a system.

   Click the icon to search, import () and add () a new duct system definition using the Styles Browser.

4. Select a routing preference, duct shape, and duct size.

   Click the icon to search, import () and add () a new duct routing preference using the Styles Browser.

   Use the instant sizing tool:

   To…	then…
   calculate size for round duct	accept the detected value for Flow rate, or enter a value for Flow rate. Click (calculator).
   calculate size for oval or rectangular duct based on a fixed height	accept the detected value for Flow rate, or enter a value for Flow rate. Specify a size for Height, and click for Width. You can change the height and recalculate the width repeatedly until you achieve a desirable duct size.
   calculate size for oval or rectangular duct based on a fixed width	accept the detected value for Flow rate, or enter a value for Flow rate. Specify a size for Width, and click for Height. You can change the width and recalculate the height repeatedly until you achieve the required duct size.
   calculate duct size by using outlet flow devices that are not yet connected to the duct	click and choose Add or Remove. Then select single flow devices. The flow value is calculated by adding or removing the different values. Click .

Friction and velocity are read-only and automatically refreshed when the flow rate changes.

5. To separate the duct into smaller parts, select Yes in the Specify Cut Length and enter a value for Cut Length.
6. Specify a coordinate system and value for Elevation:

   To…	then…
   draw a run at a defined elevation	select an elevation name for Elevation.
   draw a run at a specified elevation relative to a wall or other duct or duct	enter the desired elevation, specify justify and offset. Use AutoCAD snaps or AutoCAD MEP 2022 toolset snaps to specify points on the wall, duct, or other objects.
   start a branch at a specified elevation on a riser	enter the desired elevation and use AutoCAD MEP 2022 toolset snaps to specify a point on the riser.
   start a branch from a vertical run with a riser at a specified elevation	enter the desired elevation and use AutoCAD MEP 2022 toolset snaps to specify a point on the vertical run.
   extend a sloped duct or duct segment to a specified elevation	enter the desired elevation, Slope format, and a value for Slope. Then use AutoCAD MEP 2022 toolset snaps to specify the endpoint of a sloped duct or duct.

   If you lock the elevation of the duct and connect it to an object, the object's elevation is not inherited by the duct.

7. Specify the offset in either direction:

   To specify…	select…
   the horizontal offset	Left, Center, or Right justification. Enter the horizontal distance of the run from the wall or other objects.
   the vertical offset	Top, Center, or Bottom justification. Enter the vertical distance of the run from the ceiling or other objects.

8. Select a routing method:

   To…	then…
   use the default bend method	elbow is default bend method. All bends are drawn as elbows unless you specify differently.
   define your bend method in the Properties palette	select offset or transition-offset from the bend method drop-down. Click the Lock icon next to bend method your choice. All bends are drawn with the selected bend method.
   draw with multiple bend method	select the elbow, offset, or transition-offset bend methods from the drop-down as you draw. If you do not specify a bend method, then the bend is drawn as an elbow.
   draw with a predefined bend angle	select a bend angle.
   define your own bend angle in the drawing area	select User Defined, and specify a point for the bend angle. You can draw with or without the Compass.
   define your own bend angle in the Properties palette	enter a value for the bend angle.
   draw with only the selected bend angle	click the Lock icon next to bend angle. The next segments you draw will have the same bend angle.

9. Specify a start point, and continue specifying points to add more segments to your run.

   Connection fittings are inserted to connect each segment as you draw.

10. Change the elevation as needed, and continue specifying points to add more segments to your run.

    By default, a vertical segment is added when you change the elevation.

    Note: For more options when creating a duct, see the duct advanced properties.