2D Annotation placement for receptacle families

[Jason Roy]

My apologies if this is a major repeat, I did search but couldn't find anything similar.

I just want to know how everyone is dealing with the 2D annotation nested in their receptacle family when they have to place two receptacles tight to each other. Working in a 1:100 view you have to place the physical receptacles nearly a meter apart just so that in the plan view the 2D annotations are not overlapping but for construction managers and architects looking at your 3D model it doesn't make sense.
I have tried using dimensions linked to parameters in the family so that you can adjust the left/right position of the 2D annotation but this is a pain. I considered using yes/no check boxes to shift the annotation arbitrary distance left or right but it's not as flexible as the other method.
I also considered completely removing the 2D annotation from the family and actually placing it after the fact as a tag (would also address the 2D annotation on a sloped ceiling issue for lighting and ceiling mount receptacles).
Thanks.

[RobertB]

I have dealt with this issue and provided grips to help manipulate the nested annotation family. Offsets along the wall are tedious to setup but the grip works rather well. Offsets off the wall are easier to setup but the offset uses the annotation scale which makes the grip wonky at scales other than your nominal scale.

I have heard of others using the tag idea which might be better with 2011's tag on placement feature. I'm not a fan of the tag idea because it seems to be a potential coordination issue, e.g. I'm changing the receptacle from a normal to a life safety circuit but now I also need to change the tag graphic.

[Jason Roy]

Thanks for your reply Robert,
I'm intrigued about these grab handles you speak of, care to go into more detail on how you set that up?

[RobertB]

Thanks for your reply Robert,
I'm intrigued about these grab handles you speak of, care to go into more detail on how you set that up?Are you planning on going to AU or attend AUVirtual? I'm speaking on that very topic. ;)

[Jason Roy]

Ah perfect, I always attend the virtual event and try to squeeze as many classes in as possible with my work schedule.

[tabest]

I have a 3rd option for you... Combine both efforts, provide an instance based checkbox: Show Symbol, if the box is checked, you get the symbol, if not, then the symbol vanishes... Then use a special "tag" for those receptacles too close together. Another option is to hide in view one of the offending receptacles, and then use annotation to note that there are (2) receptacles in said proximity...

GL

[ree.espinoza]

I look forward to hearing about this after the conference. Unable to attend this year.

In the meantime I was wondering what the "tag" meant in this last part Can you include symbology in a tag? I for the most part have been hiding the overlapping elements and placing 2D annotation for printing. Thus maintaining the 3d model's integrity.

I come from an architectural background and until I started to learn Electrical MEP never realized the growing pains associated with Revit for Electrical. I have always heard how it was less straightforward but geez. Kuddos to those having made it work so far.

[rmcelvain.103137]

I look forward to hearing about this after the conference. Unable to attend this year.

Just a heads up, that was last year's AU event. You might be able to find it on the Subscription site if it was recorded. Robert, you out there?