AutoCAD MEP 2023 toolset determines the connectors on a pipe fitting or segment and adds the appropriate joints as specified in the pipe part routing preferences. The number of joints that the software adds depends on the connection type. The illustration shows a pipe segment and fittings. The software determines the number of joints, as follows:
The pipe segment (#1) inherits the connection type from the female grooved coupling (#2). The connector on the elbow fitting (#3) inherits the connection type from the female grooved coupling (#2), as specified in the routing preferences.