System parameters in a generic face-based family

[RobertB]

I'm currently working on a safety switch family. I want it to be face-based so I started with the Generic Face-Based template.

However, this family is really electrical equipment. So I want all the system parameters for electrical equipment to be in this family. I cannot figure out how to get all the system parameters from the Electrical Equipment template into this family.

[cporter.207875]

When you change the category from Generic Model to Electrical Equipment (from the Family Category and Parameters dialogue) it should automatically pull in the system parameters you want. It seems to work on first glance, but maybe it misses one or two. I didn't compare one-to-one.

[RobertB]

In 2010, there are a bunch that are missing, especially from the Electrical - Loads group.

I have found that if I duplicate the parameter name, it appears to be treated as the system parameter, i.e. I can use it in a schedule, but I can edit it using the Modify button, unlike the "real" system parameter.

[cporter.207875]

In 2010, there are a bunch that are missing, especially from the Electrical - Loads group.

I have found that if I duplicate the parameter name, it appears to be treated as the system parameter, i.e. I can use it in a schedule, but I can edit it using the Modify button, unlike the "real" system parameter.

I tested it in 2010 and I don't seem to be getting the same result. Is it possible you are not matching the "Part Type" parameter in the Family Category and Parameters dialogue? Each Part Type comes with a different set of system parameters.

[RobertB]

I tested it in 2010 and I don't seem to be getting the same result. Is it possible you are not matching the "Part Type" parameter in the Family Category and Parameters dialogue? Each Part Type comes with a different set of system parameters.

That's the ticket. That explains why some come in and some don't.

However, I do find it odd that I can create a parameter that has the same name as a system parameter, and it still schedules.

Sample:

Start with generic face-based.
Change family category to electrical equipment.
Change part type to equipment switch.
Go to family types dialog.
Note there is no "Enclosure" parameter under Electrical - Loads.
Create that parameter.
Create a schedule for electrical equipment and the manually created Enclosure parameter can appear in the schedule as a field.



Mind, I'm not complaining, I rather like it. But the interface is misleading. It would appear to be treating it as a system parameter for scheduling, but it is not treating it the same way Voltage is in the dialog, e.g. you cannot modify Voltage but you can Enclosure.

[cporter.207875]

Yeah, this is weird but could be useful in some respects. Interesting find!