Creating An Electrical Project Database - Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 - AutoCAD MEP 2010 User Manual

For construction documents, panel schedules are created using the electrical project database. Also, circuit
data originates directly from the electrical project database.

Creating an Electrical Project Database

An electrical project database is a file that contains panel and circuit data for all drawings that are connected
to it. The electrical project database file can be specified at any time before circuits are created. If an electrical
project database file has not been specified, and circuits are created with the PANELADD command or in
the Circuit Manager, you are prompted to specify an electrical project database file. After you create this file,
you can link to it from other drawings. It is recommended that you use only one electrical project database
per project.
You create circuits in the electrical project database, and assign them to panels. As you create electrical
systems in other drawings, you can assign devices and wires to the circuits in the electrical project database.
To create a new electrical project database file before creating circuits:
1 Click Manage tab
2 Click the Electrical Project Database tab and click New.
3 Optionally, in the new drawing, reference a floor plan drawing for the placement of your panels.
4 To add panels to the drawing, use a panel tool on the Panel tool palette, or use the PANELADD
To create a new electrical project database file when prompted while creating circuits:
1 In the Electrical Project Database dialog, click Create a new EPD file.
2 Specify a filename and click OK.
To open an existing electrical project database file when prompted while creating circuits:
1 In the Electrical Project Database dialog, click Open an existing EPD file.
2 Browse to the location and name of the existing electrical project database file, and click OK.
382 | Chapter 9 Drawing Electrical Systems
Preferences panel
command.
Create circuits as you add a
Electrical
panel, or add a panel and add circuits later using the
.
Circuit Manager.