OpenBuildings™ Designer Help

To hook up a device

The following are the generic steps followed to hookup a device using the (Device Hookup) tool for both HVAC and Plumbing:

  1. Determine the Type of connection.

    Rigid

    or

    Flexible

  2. Enter a value to limit the amount of flex (if the connection type is flexible).
    Note: If the flex length is more than the branch length it will stop the connection after encountering the next fitting and if the flex length encounters the elbow it will continue the connection even after surpassing the elbow.
  3. By default, the Item option is defined by the Type of connection selected.
  4. Set the desired Angle from the set of standard angles.
    • The standard angles for HVAC are: 30, 45, 60 or 90 degree.
    • The standard angles for Plumbing are: 30, 45, 60, 90, 11.25 and 22.5 degree.
  5. By default, the Freeform Path option is enabled.

    It enables the Single Line and allows you to move the main branch line and position it within the main duct range and beyond (if open-ended).

    Note: Double branch connection is possible.
  6. Enable the Invert Path option to connect to other side of the device in the hookup.
  7. For Calculated Path , select the main device and component placed. Switch between the Solution option to get the closest route. Accept/Reject to make a connection.
  8. For Group option, select a set of terminal devices (Diffusers or Sprinklers).
    1. Click Device Hookup on the ribbon. Enable the Group checkbox on the ribbon.
    2. Select the duct/pipe from which the branch connection is needed.
      After selecting the device, single line representing default connection can be seen in geometry.
      Note: During the process of adjustment if the red single lines occur then the connection is not possible.
    3. Left-click to accept and get the 3D branch lines or right-click to reject.
    4. If the Group checkbox is disabled it will directly make the connection and no single line will appear.

  • The following figure illustrates an example of Type Connection for Rectangular duct and Round duct using Group Option.

    Rigid Connection for Rectangular Duct and Flexible Connection for Round Duct using Group Option

  • The following figure illustrates an example of Flexible Connection for Rectangular duct with Diffusers of different shape and size using Group option.

    Flexible Connection for Rectangular duct with Diffusers of different shape and size using Group Option

    Note: Flexible Connection is applicable only for Round Duct.
  • The selected Branch Category from the HVAC Autofitting Preferences dialog is applied to the elements in the hook up connection. The following is an example of HVAC Autofitting Preference (Branch Category - Tee) for Rectangular Duct using Group Option.
    Note: Here, the Tee option is selected instead of Default Takeoff and Tap from the Branch Category.

    Autofitting Preferences (Branch Category - Tee) for Rectangular Duct using Group Option

  • The following figure illustrates an example of Pipe with Group Option.

    Pipe with Group Option

  • The following figure illustrates an example of multiselect without Group option.

    Multiselect without Group option

Parent topic: Device Hookup