Understanding Revit Category Uses for Component Families

 There are definitely some things that I love about Revit, that I consider a vast improvement on AutoCAD and 2D drafting. One of my favorites are the use of hard-coded categories instead of user defined layers. This makes standardization on a project much easier, but there’s also a ton of flexibility that can create issues for users. It helps to have a clear understanding of how the categories are to be used and see some changes Autodesk has made to expand the categories.

Every object in a project is divided in object style categories. Model, annotation, analytical model and imported objects represent the four primary object styles that can be edited and defined in a project.

Model objects are for physical representations of real-world objects. These include additional filters by these disciplines:

•           Architectural
•           Structural
•           Electrical
•           Mechanical
•           Piping
•           Infrastructure

 Autodesk has been expanded the default categories that are included, starting with the infrastructure discipline in 2021, then adding temporary structures, medical equipment and vertical circulation in 2022. The current release 2023 added Mechanical Control and Plumbing Equipment to help clarify and isolate these types from their previous categories.

By default, when a component family is defined, you select one of these categories for the overall model. Any solid model or imported object is automatically associated with the primary category, but you can also create sub-categories for the primary object style.

Be aware that not all of these categories are for model components – for example, system components include pipe and duct items as well as their associated insulation and placeholders. Ceilings and walls are also system families that are defined in the template and not as a family-based model component.

Another key item to note – users in the past switched between general model and specialty equipment based on whether the category was able to be “cut” for a section view. Revit 2023 now includes an “Enable cutting in view” option for Specialty Equipment families that eliminate the need to differentiate content based on this requirement.

Here’s a list of all of the primary model object styles (based on Revit 2023):

Each one of the model categories can include a subcategory. One way we use these is to help us refine the visibility of objects within a category. For example, electrical and mechanical equipment cover a wide range of family content:

A common use of a subcategory includes a clearance object, which is used in model coordination to help maintain areas that cannot be encroached per code requirements. Another use is to set the default 3D geometry so they can have different lineweight, color, patterns and materials assigned. By editing the solids in a family and assigning them to this subcategory, you can provide more specific settings for the visibility characteristics of a part and help isolate items in the same category.

Proper Uses and Assignment

Object styles provide multiple features that go beyond just visibility. While you can add sub-categories to expand visibility options, assigning the category also tells Revit about specific behavior a part may include. For example, electrical equipment covers any power distribution device, including power panels, switchboards, transformers and equipment switches. When a part type like this is assigned, Revit will automatically assume that a circuit or power connection is needed. If a connection is not made to the device, it will appear as an open circuit, letting the user know that it is available as needed.

The categories are assigned in the Family Editor under the Family Category and Parameters tool. When selecting different types of content, pay attention to the part type:

In this example, the electrical equipment category specifically references the part types that should be used. Equipment Switch, Panelboard, Switchboard and Transformer settings all include built in electrical data – so if a family is incorrectly defined in this part type, it could lead to Revit indicating an open electrical connection in error, when in reality the category is incorrectly applied.

So how do we select the correct category? To help with this, review this Revit Category Use document  to see recommendations for how we assign these, based on who the model element author (or owner) is, and what types of families would be typically assigned to these categories. In the long run, consistently using these assignments can help you create a cleaner and better organized project.

thanks - DB