Mapping Behaviors for Fixtures

Before or when copying fixtures from a linked model to an MEP model, specify a mapping behavior for each fixture category on the Specify Coordination Settings dialog.

Copy original

When a fixture is copied to the MEP model, the copied fixture has the same family type as the original fixture in the linked model.

If the MEP model already contains a family type with the same name, the type for the copied fixture is appended with a number. If you want to use an existing family type in the MEP model for copied fixtures, specify type mapping between the type in the linked model and the type in the MEP model.

When you use Copy original to copy a host-based fixture in an architectural model, the copied fixture is automatically converted to a face-based fixture in the MEP model. (The geometry of the original fixture family is copied to a face-based family in the MEP model.) This conversion enables easier hosting of these fixtures on surfaces in linked models.

Note: When a host-based family is converted in the MEP model to a face-based family, constraints and dimensions related to the host thickness no longer apply. If the position or geometry of the host-based family depends on the host thickness or the placement face of the host, then instances of the new face-based family may be positioned differently in the MEP model.

Specify type mapping

When copying fixtures to an MEP model, the software uses the specified mapping for each fixture category. This mapping defines a correspondence between fixture types in the architectural model and fixture types in the MEP model.

For example, for all lighting fixtures that are generic troffer lights in the architectural model, you may want these fixtures to be defined as 2x4 parabolic troffer lights in the MEP model. These refinements can provide the detailed information and capabilities that mechanical engineers need. By performing this type mapping before the fixtures are copied to the MEP model, you streamline the process, reduce errors, and save time.

For each fixture type in the category, you can select Copy original type, Don’t copy this type, or select a family type that is loaded into the model. These type mappings are used when fixtures are copied into the model.