Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of building information modeling (BIM), efficient and accurate electrical layout design is critical for successful construction projects. Traditional 2D CAD methods often lead to coordination clashes, design errors, and costly rework on-site. Revit MEP, a powerful BIM software, specifically addresses these challenges by enabling electrical engineers and designers to create intelligent 3D models of electrical systems within a holistic building context. This allows for real-time interference detection, automated calculations, and seamless collaboration with other building disciplines (architectural, structural, mechanical). Moving beyond simple drafting, Revit MEP facilitates data-rich design, where every electrical component carries information, enabling smarter analysis and improved project outcomes throughout the building lifecycle. Without proficiency in Revit MEP for Electrical Layout Design, professionals risk falling behind industry standards, experiencing reduced productivity, and encountering significant coordination issues, underscoring the vital need for specialized training in this transformative software. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Revit MEP for Electrical Layout Design.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, BIM modelers, designers, drafters, and project managers with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to effectively utilize Revit MEP for Electrical Layout Design. Participants will gain hands-on experience in creating detailed electrical circuiting, placing lighting fixtures and power devices, designing conduit and cable tray systems, performing load calculations, and generating comprehensive documentation directly from the 3D model. The course will delve into topics such as setting up electrical projects, working with families and content, understanding electrical analytical models, performing clash detection, generating schedules and panel schedules, and collaborating effectively within a BIM workflow. By mastering the principles and practical application of Revit MEP for Electrical Layout Design, participants will be prepared to streamline their design processes, enhance accuracy and coordination, improve project delivery, and contribute significantly to building smarter, more efficient structures in the modern construction industry.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers
• Electrical Designers and Drafters
• BIM Modelers (Electrical focus)
• Project Engineers (Building Services)
• MEP Coordinators
• Architectural Technologists (with electrical interest)
• Construction Managers (for understanding electrical BIM)
• Facility Managers (for understanding BIM models for operations)
• Engineering Students specializing in Electrical Building Services
• CAD Professionals transitioning to BIM

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the context of electrical design.
• Learn to navigate the Revit MEP interface and manage electrical projects effectively.
• Acquire skills in setting up electrical systems including voltages, distribution systems, and load classifications.
• Comprehend techniques for placing and connecting electrical devices (lighting, power, communication).
• Explore strategies for designing and routing conduit and cable tray systems in 3D.
• Understand the process of performing basic electrical load calculations within Revit.
• Gain insights into generating accurate panel schedules and circuiting.
• Develop a practical understanding of working with Revit families for electrical components.
• Learn to collaborate effectively with other disciplines in a multi-disciplinary BIM project.
• Master creating and documenting electrical drawings directly from the Revit model.
• Acquire skills in performing interference checking (clash detection) for electrical elements.
• Understand the application of Revit's analytical models for early design analysis.
• Explore scheduling and quantity take-off for electrical components.
• Develop proficiency in exporting and linking Revit models with other software.
• Prepare to streamline electrical layout design workflows and enhance project coordination using Revit MEP.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to BIM and Revit MEP for Electrical Design

• Overview of Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts and benefits.
• Introduction to Revit MEP interface and workflow for electrical discipline.
• Understanding the Revit project environment: levels, grids, views.
• Key differences between 2D CAD and 3D BIM for electrical design.
• Setting up a new electrical project template.

Module 2: Basic Revit Navigation and Project Setup for Electrical

• Navigating the 3D model: pan, zoom, orbit, section boxes.
• Understanding project browser and view management.
• Linking architectural and structural models into an electrical project.
• Setting up phases and design options for electrical elements.
• Creating and managing worksets for collaboration.

Module 3: Electrical System Setup and Configuration

• Defining electrical settings: voltages, distribution systems, wire types, load classifications.
• Setting up demand factors and load categories.
• Understanding panel naming conventions and numbering schemes.
• Creating and managing custom electrical system types.
• Basic understanding of electrical analytical model.

Module 4: Placing Electrical Equipment and Devices

• Placing electrical equipment: panels, transformers, switchgear.
• Inserting lighting fixtures from Revit families.
• Placing power receptacles, switches, and other electrical devices.
• Understanding device connection points and connectors.
• Creating custom families for specialized electrical components.

Module 5: Circuiting and Panel Schedules

• Connecting electrical devices to panels to form circuits.
• Understanding circuit numbering and circuit properties.
• Creating and customizing panel schedules.
• Balancing loads across phases and panels.
• Troubleshooting circuiting issues.

Module 6: Lighting Design and Analysis (Basic)

• Placing lighting fixtures and understanding their photometric data.
• Creating lighting circuits.
• Introduction to lighting analysis tools within Revit (e.g., Illuminance calculations).
• Understanding emergency lighting circuits.
• Coordination with architectural lighting design.

Module 7: Power Layout Design and Wiring

• Laying out power circuits for receptacles and equipment.
• Drawing various types of wiring: arc wiring, home run wiring.
• Annotating wiring with tick marks and circuit tags.
• Understanding conduit fill requirements (basic).
• Connecting equipment with feeders.

Module 8: Conduit and Cable Tray Systems

• Designing and routing conduit runs in 3D.
• Understanding conduit fittings (elbows, bends, couplings).
• Routing cable trays for main feeders and distribution.
• Sizing conduit and cable tray based on wire count and fill.
• Clash detection for conduit and cable tray against other services.

Module 9: Communication and Fire Alarm Systems

• Placing communication devices (data outlets, telephone jacks).
• Designing communication pathways (conduit, cable trays).
• Placing fire alarm devices (smoke detectors, pull stations, horns/strobes).
• Creating fire alarm circuits and panels.
• Understanding typical fire alarm zoning and notification.

Module 10: Electrical Load Calculations and Analysis

• Performing basic load calculations using Revit's built-in tools.
• Understanding connected load vs. demand load.
• Analyzing voltage drop for feeders and circuits.
• Exporting load data for external specialized calculation software.
• Using Revit's analytical model for early design studies.

Module 11: Annotation, Tagging, and Detailing

• Adding text notes, dimensions, and symbols to electrical drawings.
• Tagging electrical components automatically.
• Creating key plans and legends for electrical drawings.
• Detailing typical electrical connections and installations.
• Using detail components and repeating details.

Module 12: Schedules and Quantity Take-Off

• Creating electrical equipment schedules (panels, transformers).
• Generating lighting fixture schedules.
• Creating receptacle and switch schedules.
• Performing quantity take-offs for electrical components (e.g., conduit length, wire length).
• Exporting schedules to external formats (e.g., Excel).

Module 13: Collaboration and Coordination with Other Disciplines

• Linking and managing models from architectural, structural, and mechanical disciplines.
• Performing interference checking (clash detection) between electrical and other trades.
• Using the Coordination Review tool.
• Resolving clashes and communicating issues using BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) or other tools.
• Understanding the role of a BIM coordinator for MEP.

Module 14: Documentation and Plotting

• Organizing views on sheets for plotting.
• Creating title blocks and customizing sheet information.
• Setting up plot configurations and printing/exporting drawings.
• Creating PDF sets and e-transmittals.
• Managing revision clouds and drawing revisions.

Module 15: Advanced Topics and Workflow Optimization

• Introduction to Dynamo for visual programming and automation in Revit MEP.
• Customizing Revit families for specific project needs.
• Best practices for model performance and efficiency.
• Troubleshooting common Revit electrical issues.
• Future trends in BIM for electrical design (e.g., generative design, cloud collaboration).

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.