Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 - AutoCAD MEP 2010, User Manual, Page: 100 / 878

Part Sizes
To understand how individual part sizes relate to the definition files of a part, it is important to understand
how the part data is defined in the XML file. Part data stored in the XML definition file consists of 2 types
of properties: common parameters and size parameters.
Common parameters remain constant for all part sizes. They are defined once in a part family and are shared
by all part sizes. If you change a common parameter, it is updated for all part sizes. Common parameters
include domain, type, and subtype. The following examples show common parameters for a mechanical,
electrical, and plumbing part size.
■ Mechanical: Common parameters for the 6 x 4 inch Rectangular Floor Register part size are as follows:
rectangular floor register air terminal duct component
■ Electrical: Common parameters for the 13 Hole Large Outlet Box - 1 inch Conduit part size are as follows:
square outlet box junction box conduit component
■ Plumbing: Common parameters for the 5 x 5 inch Rectangular Floor Drain part size are as follows:
rectangular floor drain drain plumbing pipe component
Size parameters include a set of parameter attributes such as name, description, and units; and parameter
values such as size dimensions and material type. A size parameter can define one or more part sizes depending
on how the size parameter is stored in the part family. Different storage methods enable multiple part sizes
to be defined by various combinations of size parameters.
Viewing part sizes in Catalog Editor and in the part size table of the Add dialog
82 | Chapter 4 Drawing Essentials