How do I size ductwork automatically in Revit?

First, create a fully connected air system by linking your AHU to all terminals through ductwork. Select the air system or a duct in the system, then click Duct Sizing in the contextual ribbon. Set the sizing method (Equal Friction is most common — use 0.08 to 0.10 in.w.g. per 100 feet), set maximum velocity limits, and click OK. Revit recalculates all duct dimensions to carry the assigned airflow. Review results in a duct schedule filtered by system name.

What is the Revit System Browser and how do I use it?

The System Browser (View > System Browser, or press W then S) is a tree view of all MEP systems in the model, organized by discipline: Mechanical (air systems), Electrical (power, lighting, data), and Piping (domestic water, sanitary, fire protection). Each system shows connected elements and highlights open circuits or disconnected elements in red. Use it to verify system completeness before exporting for coordination or running load calculations.

How do I create a panel schedule in Revit?

Go to View > New > Panel Schedule and select the panelboard family placed in your model. Revit automatically generates the panel schedule from circuit data — listing circuit numbers, phase, load descriptions, amperage, and calculated demand load. The schedule updates automatically when you add, modify, or delete circuits connected to that panel. Place the panel schedule view on a sheet like any other view.

How do I model sloped sanitary drain pipe in Revit?

Select the Pipe tool (Systems > Plumbing & Piping > Pipe), choose your pipe type (DWV copper or PVC), and in the Options Bar click the Slope dropdown. Enter the slope value: 1/4 inch per foot (2.08%) for pipes 3 inches and smaller, or 1/8 inch per foot (1.04%) for 4-inch and larger per IPC requirements. Draw the pipe in plan view and Revit automatically adjusts the downstream end elevation based on the run length and slope.

What MEP connector types are used in Revit families?

Revit MEP families use connector objects to define how equipment participates in systems. Duct connectors define air system type, CFM, and connection shape. Pipe connectors define pipe system type, size, and flow. Electrical connectors define voltage, poles, apparent load, and load classification. Conduit connectors define conduit size and system. Without correctly configured connectors, equipment cannot be connected to systems and will not appear in the System Browser.

How do I export a Revit MEP model for Navisworks clash detection?

Go to File > Export > NWC. Set coordinates to Shared Coordinates so the MEP file aligns with architectural and structural NWC files. Enable 'Convert linked files' if your MEP model contains architectural or structural links. Under Export scope, choose Entire Project. Import the resulting NWC into Navisworks by going to Home > Append and selecting your NWC file. Repeat for each discipline file, then save the combined model as an NWD for coordination.

Engineering·12 min read·June 19, 2026

⚙️ MEP Modeling in Revit: HVAC Ductwork, Electrical Circuits, and Plumbing Systems

A complete guide to MEP modeling in Revit — setting up mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, routing ductwork with auto-sizing, building electrical circuits and panelboards, modeling pressurized and gravity plumbing, and preparing MEP models for coordination and clash detection.

📖Structural Engineering Drawing Set — Illustrated Reader (Full Access)

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MEP Template Setup: The Foundation of a Productive Model

MEP modeling in Revit begins with the right template. Autodesk ships three MEP-specific templates with Revit: Mechanical-Default.rte, Electrical-Default.rte, and Plumbing-Default.rte. Most firms start from one of these and customize it extensively. Alternatively, some firms maintain a single combined MEP template that includes all three disciplines, simplifying coordination when one team handles all MEP work.

Critical template settings to configure before modeling begins:<

Topics covered

Revit MEP modelingRevit ductwork routingRevit HVAC systemsRevit electrical circuitsRevit plumbing systemsRevit System BrowserRevit duct sizingMEP Revit familiesRevit fire protection sprinklersRevit MEP templateRevit panelboard scheduleMEP BIM coordination