basics: make custom sized panels

[autocad.244673]

i hate asking things that im sure 90% of the forum users know, but here it goes. I want to create panels or switchboards a certain size. They dont need to look like panels, just need to represent the proper size. I have tried to just modify the size of a switchboard but the program alerts me that the data is incompatable. I tried modifing a transformer and creating a new part but in both cases I name it and it takes me to a seperate screen. then once im in the screen I dont know what to do? Is there a simple way of just creating a random cube a specfic size and then inserting it on my background?

[stelthorst]

i hate asking things that im sure 90% of the forum users know, but here it goes. I want to create panels or switchboards a certain size. They dont need to look like panels, just need to represent the proper size. I have tried to just modify the size of a switchboard but the program alerts me that the data is incompatable. I tried modifing a transformer and creating a new part but in both cases I name it and it takes me to a seperate screen. then once im in the screen I dont know what to do? Is there a simple way of just creating a random cube a specfic size and then inserting it on my background?

Hi autocad.244673,

It depends on if you want to use the panels for schedules etc or just need a physical representation of the panel. Most of the time I just need a physical representation so I just use mass elements for my panels. If this is what you need here are a few tips:

1. On wall mounted equpment enter the height as a negative number and then insert it at 6'. This way the top of the panel (6') will remain the same even if you change the panels height later.
2. If you are like me you get submittal information sporadically so I've created some PSD that pick up length, width, and height of the panels but also have fields for panel name and the date and source of the panel sizing information. This way I know what panels were sized from submittals and which ones I estimated and I know the date of the submittal I used in case I receive an updated submittal.
3. Create a tag that looks at a name PSD to easily tag all of your panels.
4. I create a separate drawing for my panels so that I can easily xref them in to the floor above or below without having to freeze a bunch of other unwanted information

Hope thsi helps and it proves to be useful information.

[trent.chambers]

If you don't need the circuiting features, you can try the items in the attachment. They are incomplete, I would like to add some more features and clean them up some. But they do work.
You may have to tweak them some for your use (Have fun in the Content Builder with parametric parts). These are fully adjustable panels, disconnects and transformers, with PSD's, tags and schedules.