Hvac

CADPIPE HVAC
®
INSTALLATION
Installing the CADPIPE HVAC software onto your system is a straightforward process. How-
ever, because there are so many computer systems and system configurations available, please read
and follow these instructions.
If CADPIPE HVAC has previously been installed on your machine, the installation program
will ask you what to do with your existing database files. You may:
Leave Alone: This option will not overwrite your existing database files by copying onto your
system the database files from the installation diskettes. You will want to select this option if you
have made changes to your databases.
Overwrite: This option will overwrite the existing database files on your system with the
database files found on the installation diskettes.
Backup: This option will create a subdirectory called BACKUP in your HVAC directory and
will copy your existing database files into this directory. The database files from the installation
disks will then be copied onto your system.
Installation
Before you begin installation

Before you start to install your software, be sure you have enough space on your hard disk. The
CADPIPE HVAC software requires 3MB of free disk space for installation.
If you currently have a version of CADPIPE HVAC installed on your system, we recommend
that you backup your database files before proceeding with the installation (see Chapter 8 – HVAC
Specifications for instructions on how to backup your database files).
Requirements
• Pentium-based computer running Windows 2000, XP, NT, or 98. It is recommended that you have
at least 128Mb of RAM available on your system (see AutoCAD system requirements in AutoCAD 2004).
• AutoCAD 2004, 2002, 2000i, or 2000 running on your system. CADPIPE HVAC does not run
on earlier versions of AutoCAD.
• An AutoCAD compatible mouse.
• A printer and/or a plotter.
• Training in the use of the AutoCAD drawing software.
• To load the CADPIPE HVAC software onto your machine:
Plug the hardware lock you received with your software into your computer parallel port. The
CADPIPE HVAC software will not operate unless this device is attached. Your printer should be
plugged into the back of the hardware lock. If you already have another CADPIPE product installed
on your system, simply plug your CADPIPE HVAC hardware lock into the back of the existing
hardware lock in a “piggy back” fashion.
Insert the CD Rom labeled CADPIPE Commercial HVAC into your CD Rom drive.
From the Start Menu, click on Windows Explorer and double click the drive your CADPIPE software
is located. Click the folder named HVAC and choose the setup.exe program. Follow the prompts on the
screen.
Once you have completed these steps, the CADPIPE HVAC files are copied to the drive and direc-
tory which you selected during the installation. A program group menu called CADPIPE will be created. It
will contain the CADPIPE HVAC icon.
If CADPIPE HVAC has previously been installed on your machine, the installation program will not
overwrite any existing database files found on your machine.
Starting CADPIPE HVAC for Windows

Click on the Start Menu and then programs. Choose the HVAC program from the CADPIPE HVAC
menu. At this point, AutoCAD will be loaded. The following chapters will show you how to run the
CADPIPE HVAC software once you are in AutoCAD.
Contents
INSTALLATION ........................................................................ 2
Installation ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Before you begin installation .............................................................................................................. 2
Requirements ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Starting CADPIPE HVAC for Windows .............................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO HVAC ............................ 13

HVAC Menus and Toggles.......................................................... 13
Before You Start To Draw .................................................................................................................. 15
Starting to Draw ................................................................................................................................. 15
CHAPTER 2. HVAC CONFIGURATION ................................. 17

Configure Rectangular ............................................................... 17
Drag Duct ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Metric ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Solids .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Show Flanges ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Show Prompts Dialog ......................................................................................................................... 19
Lining .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Collision Checking ............................................................................................................................. 19
Fitting Origin ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Rectangular Systems ......................................................................................................................... 19
Use Reference Base Elevation ......................................................................................................... 19
Starting Elevation for New Run ........................................................................................................ 19
Use Duct Inside Dimensions ............................................................................................................. 20
Use Double-Wall Duct ....................................................................................................................... 20
Undo Back Options ............................................................................................................................ 20
Configure Rectangular -- Text Options .................................... 20
Display Selected Tag Type ................................................................................................................ 21
Elevation Display Options ................................................................................................................. 21
Tag Options ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Text Size Options ............................................................................................................................... 21
Text Style ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Configure Rectangular -- Tooltip Query .................................. 22
Available Tip Info .............................................................................................................................. 22
Tip Info to Display ............................................................................................................................. 22
Show Dynamic Tooltip Query ............................................................................................................ 22
Label Each Tip ................................................................................................................................... 23
Configure Round/Oval ....................................................................................................................... 24
Rnd/Oval to Sqr: In Shape; Sqr to Rnd/Oval: Out Shape ............................................................... 24
CHAPTER 3. DRAWING DUCTWORK ........................ 25

Starting to Draw.......................................................................... 25
Start a Run ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Join To ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Fitting Specifications Menu ....................................................... 26
Fitting Selection ................................................................................................................................. 26
Up, Down, Normal-Rectangular and Oval Fittings ................. 27
Up, Down, Normal-Round Fittings............................................ 30
Ductulator.................................................................................... 31
View Drawing ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Special Fittings ............................................................................ 32
Straight ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Cut to Length ..................................................................................................................................... 33
Drop Cheek Fittings ................................................................... 34
Offsets and Transitions ............................................................... 35
Cheek and Wrapper Offset ........................................................ 35
Radius Cheek and Radius Wrapper .......................................... 38
Join To ................................................................................................................................................ 39
Takeoffs and Taps ........................................................................ 40
Align with Diffuser ............................................................................................................................. 41
Auto-Route to Diffuser ...................................................................................................................... 42
Place ................................................................................................................................................... 44
CHAPTER 4. AUTO-ROUTE/ROUTING LINE ........................ 45

Auto-Route .................................................................................. 45
Type of Auto-Route ........................................................................................................................... 46
Type of Elbow ..................................................................................................................................... 46
Elbow Angle Selection ....................................................................................................................... 46
Minimum Straight .............................................................................................................................. 47
Elbow Angle ........................................................................................................................................ 47
Elbow Throat ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Elbow Radius ..................................................................................................................................... 47
Rubberband ........................................................................................................................................ 47
Elbow Gores ....................................................................................................................................... 48
Join ..................................................................................................................................................... 48
Vertical Auto-Route ........................................................................................................................... 48
Routing Line ................................................................................ 50
Pedit .................................................................................................................................................... 50
Join ..................................................................................................................................................... 50
Elevation ............................................................................................................................................ 51
Slope ................................................................................................................................................... 51
Reference ........................................................................................................................................... 52
Placing Duct on a Routing Line ........................................................................................................ 52
CHAPTER 5. COLLISION CHECKING ................................... 54

Interactive Collision Checking .................................................. 54
View Collision ..................................................................................................................................... 55
Query Duct ......................................................................................................................................... 55
Batch Collision Checking ........................................................... 56
Color ................................................................................................................................................... 57
Check ................................................................................................................................................. 57
View .............................................................................................. 58
View .................................................................................................................................................... 58
Query .................................................................................................................................................. 58
Next .................................................................................................................................................... 58
Recolor ............................................................................................................................................... 58
CHAPTER 6. EDIT TOOLS .................................................... 59

CADPIPE Edit Tools .................................................................. 59
Move Fitting(s) .................................................................................................................................. 59
Raise Fitting(s) .................................................................................................................................. 59
Elevate Fitting(s) ............................................................................................................................... 60
Copy Fitting(s) ................................................................................................................................... 60
Erase Fitting(s) .................................................................................................................................. 60
Mirror Fitting(s) ................................................................................................................................. 61
Rotate Fitting(s) ................................................................................................................................. 61
Rotate 3D Fitting(s) ........................................................................................................................... 61
Query Fitting ...................................................................................................................................... 62
Elevation Information ........................................................................................................................ 62
Place Size ........................................................................................................................................... 62
Place Elevation .................................................................................................................................. 63
Place Length ...................................................................................................................................... 63
Place Selected Text ........................................................................................................................... 63
ISOLATE ........................................................................................................................................... 63
Digitize Run ....................................................................................................................................... 64
Select Objects .................................................................................................................................... 64
Ignore Annotation .............................................................................................................................. 64
Tag Tools Sub-Menu ................................................................... 64
BOM Tag ........................................................................................................................................... 64
Edit Tag# ............................................................................................................................................ 65
Renumber Tag # ................................................................................................................................ 65
Edit Digitized Items for Sub-Menu............................................ 66
Edit Vane/Seam Info .......................................................................................................................... 66
Edit Joint Info .................................................................................................................................... 66
Edit Fabrication/Purchase Status ...................................................................................................... 67
Edit Lining Descriptions .................................................................................................................... 68
Edit Wrapper/Insulation Info ............................................................................................................ 68
Edit Reinforcing Info ......................................................................................................................... 68
Update All Hidden Line Items ........................................................................................................... 69
CHAPTER 7. HVAC SPECIFICATIONS ................................. 70

Straight Lengths .......................................................................... 70
Default Lengths ................................................................................................................................. 70
Rectangular Fittings and Round/Oval Fittings ........................ 71
Fitting Dimensions ............................................................................................................................. 71
Fitting Name ...................................................................................................................................... 72
Joints .................................................................................................................................................. 72
Joint Name ......................................................................................................................................... 73
Alternate Joint Name ........................................................................................................................ 73
Joint Allowance .................................................................................................................................. 73
Flange Size ......................................................................................................................................... 74
Gasket Size ........................................................................................................................................ 74
Rectangular Systems-Round/Oval Systems .................................................................................... 74
Create System (Create-New) ............................................................................................................ 75
Material ............................................................................................................................................. 76
Gauge/Length .................................................................................................................................... 77
Joint Lookup ...................................................................................................................................... 77
Layer and Color Control ................................................................................................................... 78
Vanes/Seams/Reinforcing ................................................................................................................. 79
Use Reinforcing Settings ................................................................................................................... 80
Lining and Wrapper Options ............................................................................................................. 81
Descriptions ................................................................................. 82
Vane Descriptions .............................................................................................................................. 82
Seam/Styles Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 83
Vulcan Seam Configurations ............................................................................................................. 84
Guage Descriptions ........................................................................................................................... 84
Material Descriptions ....................................................................................................................... 85
Lining Descriptions ............................................................................................................................ 86
Wrapper/Insulation Descriptions ...................................................................................................... 86
Reinforcing Descriptions ................................................................................................................... 87
Fittings Allowing Vanes .............................................................. 88
Fabrication/Purchase Settings................................................... 88
Backup and Restore Databases.................................................. 89
Backup ............................................................................................................................................... 89
Restore ............................................................................................................................................... 89
Specification Database Names ......................................................................................................... 90
CHAPTER 8. ACCESSORIES ................................................. 91

Database Setup .................................................................................................................................. 91
Creating and Modifying C.F.M. Databases ..................................................................................... 91
Rectangular, Round and Linear Diffusers ................................ 93
Sizing Diffusers ............................................................................ 94
Use C.F.M. to Size Diffuser .............................................................................................................. 94
C.F.M. Database... ............................................................................................................................ 94
C.F.M. ................................................................................................................................................ 94
Diffuser Dimensions .................................................................... 94
Neck Length and Neck Width .......................................................................................................... 94
Elevation ............................................................................................................................................ 95
Angle .................................................................................................................................................. 95
Length, Width and Height ................................................................................................................. 95
Supply/Return .................................................................................................................................... 95
Contains Damper ............................................................................................................................... 95
Horizontal Placement ......................................................................................................................... 95
Diffuser Shape ................................................................................................................................... 95
Text Options ................................................................................ 96
Text ..................................................................................................................................................... 96
Comment ............................................................................................................................................ 97
System ................................................................................................................................................ 97
Area .................................................................................................................................................... 97
Grilles, Registers, and Louvers ........................................................................................................ 97
C.F.M. ................................................................................................................................................ 98
Grille, Register and Louver Dimensions................................... 98
Length, Width and Thickness ........................................................................................................... 98
Elevation ............................................................................................................................................ 98
Angle .................................................................................................................................................. 99
Text Options ................................................................................ 99
Comment ............................................................................................................................................ 99
System ................................................................................................................................................ 99
Area .................................................................................................................................................... 99
Supply/Return .................................................................................................................................... 99
Flex Duct/Spin Collar ................................................................. 99
Only Draw Flex Duct ....................................................................................................................... 100
Spin Collar Diameter ....................................................................................................................... 101
Spin Collar Length ........................................................................................................................... 101
Maximum Flex Length .................................................................................................................... 101
Minimum Pipe Length ..................................................................................................................... 101
Graphic Representation .................................................................................................................. 101
Placement on Duct ........................................................................................................................... 102
Volume Damper and Scoop ............................................................................................................. 102
Fire Damper .............................................................................. 102
Placing Fire Damper ........................................................................................................................ 103
Fire Damper Dimensions.......................................................... 103
Cheek and Wrapper ........................................................................................................................ 103
Inlet/Outlet Collar Length ............................................................................................................... 103
Wall Thickness ................................................................................................................................. 104
Use Separate Sleeve ....................................................................................................................... 104
Combo Smoke/Fire Damper ............................................................................................................ 104
Type of Fire Damper ................................................................. 104
Class ................................................................................................................................................. 104
Mounting .......................................................................................................................................... 104
Fire Damper Text Options ....................................................... 104
Comment .......................................................................................................................................... 104
System .............................................................................................................................................. 104
Area .................................................................................................................................................. 104
Auto-Route Fire Damper ................................................................................................................ 104
Other Dampers and Items ........................................................ 105
Comment .......................................................................................................................................... 106
System .............................................................................................................................................. 106
Area .................................................................................................................................................. 106
Access Doors .............................................................................. 106
Length and Width ............................................................................................................................ 107
Rectangular or Round ..................................................................................................................... 107
Side, Top or Bottom ......................................................................................................................... 107
Insulated ........................................................................................................................................... 107
Comment .......................................................................................................................................... 107
System .............................................................................................................................................. 107
Area .................................................................................................................................................. 107
VAV Boxes and Fan Units ......................................................... 108
Creating a VAV Box ......................................................................................................................... 108
Dimensions ................................................................................. 108
Length, Width and Height ............................................................................................................... 108
Angle ................................................................................................................................................ 108
Elevation .......................................................................................................................................... 108
Report Information ................................................................... 109
Text ................................................................................................................................................... 109
Comment .......................................................................................................................................... 109
System .............................................................................................................................................. 109
Area .................................................................................................................................................. 109
Inlet/Outlet Information .................................................................................................................. 109
Inlet/Outlet Dimensions............................................................ 110
Cheek and Wrapper ........................................................................................................................ 110
Length .............................................................................................................................................. 110
Side Offset ....................................................................................................................................... 110
Elevation Offset ............................................................................................................................... 110
Placing a VAV Box ........................................................................................................................... 110
Fan Unit ............................................................................................................................................. 111
Configure Accessory ..................................................................111
Accessory Layers ............................................................................................................................. 111
Accessory Text ................................................................................................................................ 112
Tooltip Query ................................................................................................................................... 112
Available Tip Info ............................................................................................................................ 113
Tip Info to Display ........................................................................................................................... 113
Show Dynamic Tooltip Query .......................................................................................................... 113
Label Each Tip ................................................................................................................................. 113
CHAPTER 9. REPORTS ...................................................... 114

Duct and Fittings Reports ........................................................ 114
HVAC Reports........................................................................... 114
BOM-to-Dwg Format ............................................................... 115
Place Headings with Report ............................................................................................................ 116
Columns/Information ....................................................................................................................... 116
Layers and Colors ........................................................................................................................... 117
Settings For, Etc ............................................................................................................................... 117
Open For Edit, Default Format ....................................................................................................... 117
Accessory Report ...................................................................... 117
CHAPTER 10. SECTION VIEWS ......................................... 120

Sheet Layout .............................................................................. 120
New Layout ...................................................................................................................................... 120
New Layout with Wizard ................................................................................................................. 120
Model Space Viewport(s) ................................................................................................................ 121
Manual Setup ................................................................................................................................... 121
Section/Floor Plan Views. . . .................................................... 122
Setup/Generate ................................................................................................................................ 122
Section .............................................................................................................................................. 122
Floor Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 124
Generate .......................................................................................................................................... 125
Clear Clipping Planes............................................................... 126
Settings ....................................................................................... 126
Dimension Styles ............................................................................................................................. 126
DIMSCALE ..................................................................................................................................... 126
DIMASZ .......................................................................................................................................... 127
DIMTXT .......................................................................................................................................... 127
Symbols ...................................................................................... 127
North Arrow ..................................................................................................................................... 127
Revision Cloud ................................................................................................................................. 128
Flow Arrow, Small ............................................................................................................................ 128
Flow Arrow, Large ............................................................................................................................ 128
Battery Limit .................................................................................................................................... 128
Annotation ................................................................................. 129
Place Coordinates ............................................................................................................................ 129
W.P. Elevation .................................................................................................................................. 129
CHAPTER 11. ARCHITECTURAL FUNCTIONS ...................... 130

Columns ..................................................................................... 130
Placing Rectangular Columns ......................................................................................................... 130
Height ............................................................................................................................................... 131
Width and Depth .............................................................................................................................. 131
Beams as Columns..................................................................... 132
Rotate ............................................................................................................................................... 133
Beams ......................................................................................... 133
Placing Beams .................................................................................................................................. 133
Pick Point ......................................................................................................................................... 133
Beam Size ......................................................................................................................................... 134
Pick a Column .................................................................................................................................. 135
Place By: Top, Center, Bottom ....................................................................................................... 136
Beam Orientation (channel, angle, and tee beams) ....................................................................... 136
CADPIPE Beam Database ............................................................................................................. 137
Edit Beam DB .................................................................................................................................. 137
Beam Names .................................................................................................................................... 137
Add... ................................................................................................................................................ 138
Change... .......................................................................................................................................... 138
Remove ............................................................................................................................................ 138
Print .................................................................................................................................................. 139
Joist ............................................................................................ 139
Placing Joists ................................................................................................................................... 139
Joist Dimensions ........................................................................ 139
Width and Depth .............................................................................................................................. 139
Elevation 1 and Elevation 2 ............................................................................................................. 140
Number of Webs (on top) ................................................................................................................ 140
Place By: Top, Center, Bottom ....................................................................................................... 140
Length, Angle, and Web Length ...................................................................................................... 140
Walls ........................................................................................... 140
Drawing Walls .................................................................................................................................. 141
Grids........................................................................................... 142
Drawing a Ceiling Grid .................................................................................................................... 142
Grid Dimensions........................................................................ 143
Width and Depth .............................................................................................................................. 143
Elevation .......................................................................................................................................... 143
Rotation ............................................................................................................................................ 143
Lights ......................................................................................... 143
Light Dimensions ...................................................................... 144
Width, Depth and Height ................................................................................................................. 144
Elevation .......................................................................................................................................... 144
Rotation ............................................................................................................................................ 144
Draw ‘X” in Light ............................................................................................................................ 145
Archictural Configure .............................................................. 145
Architectural Layers ........................................................................................................................ 145
Architectural Tooltip Query ............................................................................................................ 146
Available Tip Info ............................................................................................................................ 146
Tip Info to Display ........................................................................................................................... 146
Show Dynamic Tooltip Query. ......................................................................................................... 146
Label Each Tip ................................................................................................................................. 146
APPENDIX A. AVAILABLE FITTINGS .................................. 147

Round and Oval Fittings .................................................................................................................. 147
HVAC-13
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO HVAC
Welcome to CADPIPE HVAC, an AutoCAD-based HVAC program that allows you to draw and
report HVAC ductwork based on actual HVAC specifications. CADPIPE is a full three-dimensional
software program that uses the conventional AutoCAD environment. It allows you to draw or Auto-Route
duct runs in any direction without the need to change user coordinate systems or different projection planes,
while automatically checking for interference problems. With CADPIPE HVAC, you have the ability to
define different sets of system specifications (joint allowance, default lengths, flange size, and gasket size)
based on your design requirements and shop standards.
The AutoCAD HIDE, SHADE, and RENDER features can be used to create presentation
drawings of your duct system designs. CADPIPE HVAC remembers every fitting you draw and can gener-
ate a bill of materials catalogued according to fitting type. Other CADPIPE features include an architectural
function to create your background drawings and a complete HVAC accessory function to place and report
all accessory items needed in your design.
HVAC Menus and Toggles

CADPIPE HVAC replaces the AutoCAD standard pull-downs with a combination of AutoCAD and
CADPIPE menus. These menus and toolbars contain all the functions needed for your HVAC designs and
drawings. They are automatically loaded when you start a CADPIPE session and can be activated from
within the drawing. The CADPIPE pull-downs available are Rect, Rnd/Oval, CPTools, Arch, Accs,
Spec, and Drawing Sheets.
HVAC also has five toolbars: Design/Utilities, Rectangular, Round and Oval, Accessories, and
Architecture. These toolbars contain many commonly used commands found in the pull-down menus.
Figure 1-1 lists the CADPIPE commands associated with each HVAC toolbar button:
Rectangular Toolbar Round and Oval Toolbar
Cut-to-Length Join to Cut-to-Length Join to
Straight Start a Run Straight Start a Run
Collision Check On/Off Configure Collision Check On/Off Configure
Auto-Route Auto-Route
Undo Back Undo Back

Figure 1-1
HVAC-14
Design/Utilities Toolbar Architecture Toolbar
Turn Down HVAC Reports Arch Configure Lights

Turn Up Accessory Reports Beams Ceiling Grid
Routing Line Set up Section View Edit Beam DB Walls
CADPIPE Query HVAC Help Joist Column
Accessories Toolbar
Configure Rct. Diffuser/ Rnd. Neck Electric Duct Heater
CFM Database Rnd. Diffuser Hot Water Coil
Smoke Damper Linear Diffuser Flex Duct/Spin Collar
Backdraft Damper Plenum VAV Box
Fire Damper Access Door Fan Unit
Volume Damper Grille Custom Inline Fitting
Motor Damper Register Icon Menu
Rct. Diffuser/Rct. Neck Louver
Note the Three toggles on the Rect and Rnd/Oval pull-down menus: Text Grouping On/Off, Auto-
Spec On/Off, and Coll Chk On/Off.
The Text Grouping toggle controls how text is placed on the drawing. When Text Grouping is On,
the HVAC text is grouped with its fitting and the Edit commands (Erase, Move, Copy, etc) affect both fitting
and text. When Text Grouping is Off, the HVAC text can be modified independent of its corresponding
fitting.
The Collision Checking toggle tells CADPIPE to check for possible collisions every time you place a
piece. You should leave this toggle off unless you are working in an area where interference is likely so
CADPIPE HVAC can place the pieces without spending the time searching for collisions.
The Auto-Spec toggle controls the specifications for the placement of straight pieces and elbows.
When the toggle is on, CADPIPE HVAC uses the default dimensions defined in the specifications database.
If Auto-Spec is off, the Fittings Specifications menu appears, prompting you for fitting dimensions (see
Figure 1-2).
Using these toggles properly will increase drawing speed and reduce possible errors in material
selection and placement.
HVAC-15
Figure 1-2
Before You Start To Draw
Before you begin to draw ductwork, you can customize the specification database to include your
shop specifications for the systems you want to use in your designs and the default dimensions for each
fitting (see Chapter 7 – HVAC Specifications).
Drawing and editing duct in CADPIPE HVAC is very straightforward. The available fittings are listed
in the pull-down menus, along with the functions allowing you to edit, report, and configure the duct you
draw.
When you select a fitting, CADPIPE automatically draws that fitting according to the specifications
defined in the specification database and the parameters and options you defined in the Configure menu.
You can change parameters at any time by selecting Configure from one of the menus. CADPIPE places
the fitting using user-definable layers and colors associated with each system specification.
Starting to Draw
To actually begin drawing duct, select Start a Run from the Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down. This tells
CADPIPE to begin a new run of duct. The system prompts you for the elevation, starting point, and
direction (the AutoCAD direction angle) of the run (see Figure 1-3).
You can then begin selecting fittings from the pull-down menus. CADPIPE automatically adds any
fitting selected to the last fitting drawn in a run unless you select Start a Run again.
If you want to add to an existing run, just select Join to. CADPIPE HVAC prompts you to select a
fitting. Select it by picking the end of the fitting you wish to join to (see Figure 1-4). This fitting becomes
the last fitting drawn, and any subsequent fittings are added to this one.
You can use CADPIPE HVAC’s Auto-Route and Routing Line features to draw long runs of duct
without selecting each and every fitting. Instead of selecting a fitting, choose the Auto-Route option from
one of the Rect, Rnd/Ovl pull down menus or toolbars (see Chapter 4 – HVAC Auto-Route).
HVAC-16
Figure 1-3
Pick fitting here
Figure 1-4
HVAC-17
CHAPTER 2. HVAC CONFIGURATION
The CADPIPE HVAC Configuration options allow you to represent the ductwork and fittings in your
drawings exactly as they will be fabricated and installed. For example, you have the option of showing
flange joints with allowance for gaskets so that the dimensions on the drawing represent the exact dimen-
sions as installed. You can show turning vanes in fittings that are manufactured with turning vanes. You are
able to differentiate between different systems of ductwork and automatically annotate drawings, saving time
and avoiding costly installation errors.
Configure Rectangular
To configure your ductwork, select Configure from the Rect pull-down menu or from the Rectangu-
lar toolbar.
This menu option displays the CADPIPE HVAC Configuration Rectangular dialog box, allowing
you to set the parameters that control each fitting you draw (see Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1
Drag Duct
This toggle allows you to place the first piece of ductwork and then drag it to another location or select
a point and then move the duct to the desired relative location with the AutoCAD relative coordinate
command (@X,Y,Z). This combines the capabilities of AutoCAD’s SNAP FROM command with
CADPIPE’s Start a Run command (see Figure 2-2).
HVAC-18
Figure 2-2
Drag Duct
Metric
The Metric toggle allows you to access a set of metric databases so that you can design your duct
systems using metric dimensions. When drawing metric units, be sure that the AutoCAD UNITS command
is set accordingly (see the AutoCAD manual). If you are going to draw using metric units, CADPIPE
HVAC should be installed with the metric option. The metric database provided with CADPIPE HVAC is
based on the DW/142 Specifications for Sheetmetal Ductwork. These are English specifications similar to
the U.S. SMACNA standards.
Solids
The Solids toggle controls the method by which CADPIPE draws and presents HVAC. With solids
on HVAC is drawn using AutoCAD soilds, and when toggled off, HVAC is drawn using polyface mesh.
Show Flanges
This toggle, when activated, tells CADPIPE to draw flanges for the joints that require a flange (see
Figure 2-3). The system includes them in any collision checking and adds a gasket allowance depending on
the settings in the specification database. The flange size and gasket allowance are determined from the
Joint specification file.
show flange on
show flange off
Figure 2-3
HVAC-19
Show Prompts Dialog
This toggle controls the CADPIPE HVAC prompts dialog. If toggled ON, this dialog appears when
you select a fitting or other placement command (see Figure 2-4). The dialog box lists your starting elevation
and allows you to select a Snap Setting. If toggled OFF, the dialog will not appear.
Figure 2-4
Lining
This toggle tells CADPIPE HVAC to draw lining using the thickness and descriptions defined in the
Lining and Wrapper Options section of the Systems Configure dialog box (see Chapter 7 – HVAC
Specifications).
Collision Checking
This toggle tells CADPIPE HVAC to check for collisions every time a fitting is placed. The Color...
button allows you to specify the color used to highlight a potential collision (see Chapter 5 – Collision
Checking).
Fitting Origin
This option allows you to specify the starting elevation for your run of duct. If you choose At Top,
then the elevation you define in the Base Elevation box signifys the top of the duct. If you select At
Bottom, the elevation is measured to the bottom of the duct. All elevations are measured from the Au-
toCAD 0-Z coordinate.
Rectangular Systems
These selections contain a list of all rectangular systems that have been set up in the specifications
database (see Chapter 7 – Specifications). Simply select the system you wish to draw.
Use Reference Base Elevation
This toggle allows you to set a reference base elevation for drawing duct. When selected, it becomes
the default elevation after choosing the Start a Run command. The Base Elevation is updated as you
change elevations while drawing duct.
Starting Elevation for New Run
The Top of Duct Elevation field allows you to set the starting base elevation for a new run of duct.
You can enter a new elevation into the field or click the arrow button and pick a point on your drawing. The
True Top of Duct Elevation is updated as you change elevations while drawing duct.
HVAC-20
Use Duct Inside Dimensions
This toggle enables you to set a default Duct Wall Thickness. Simply enter your desired thickness
into the Duct Wall Thickness field. The wall thickness values are listed when you generate duct reports.
Use Double-Wall Duct
Selecting this toggle enables you to draw with double-wall duct.
Undo Back Options
This toggle controls the behavior of the Undo Back command located on the Rect pull-down menu
and Rectangular toolbar. When set to Classic Undo Last Fitting, the Undo Back command performs
undos fitting by fitting. When set to AutoCAD UNDO BACK, the Undo Back command uses the same
command as the AutoCAD Undo. Undo Back will then perform undos command by command. You can
toggle between the two at anytime.
Configure Rectangular -- Text Options
The Text Options tab allows you to set the parameters that control HVAC text. There are five
sections in the Text Options tab with controls for different aspects of HVAC text: Display Selected Tag
Type, Elevation Display Options, Text Size Options, Tag Options, and Text Style (see Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5
HVAC-21
Display Selected Tag Type
The Display Selected Tag Type section allows you to determine what HVAC Text is placed on your
drawing. Simply toggle the Tag Types you wish displayed as you draw (see Figure 2-6).
Figure 2-6
Elevation Display Options
The Elevation Display Options section allows you to how elevation is displayed. The TOD/BOD
toggle sets CADPIPE to display both Top of Duct and Bottom of Duct elevations. The Top of Duct
Only (TOD) toggle only displays TOD elevation. The Bottom of Duct Only (BOD) toggle sets
CADPIPE to display only the BOD elevation.
Tag Options
The Tag Options section allows you to customize a Tag # Prefix and set a New Tag #.
Text Size Options
The Text Size Options section allows you to determine the size of the HVAC Text placed on your
drawing. The Tag # and Text (PSPACE) fields allow you to set the size of text in Paper Space. The Tag #
and Text (MSPACE) fields allow you to set the size of the text in Model Space.
Text Style
The TextStyle drop-down allows you to select an AutoCAD text style for your HVAC text.
AutoCAD standard is the default style.
HVAC-22
Configure Rectangular -- Tooltip Query
The Tooltip Query tab contains two main sections labeled Available Tip Info and Tip Info to
Display, along with several buttons and toggles to set up the tooltip query function (see Figure 2-7).
Figure 2-7
Available Tip Info
The Available Tip Info field lists the available information that can be displayed when your cursor
hovers over a CADPIPE item. Use the arrow buttons or double click items to add or remove tip info.
Tip Info to Display
The Tip Info to Display field lists the information that is displayed when your cursor hovers over a
CADPIPE item (see Figure 2-8). Use the arrow buttons or double click items to add or remove tip info.
Show Dynamic Tooltip Query
The Show Dynamic Tool Tip toggle turns the Tip Info Display On and Off. With the Show Dynamic
Tool Tip toggle selected, CADPIPE displays the Tip Info (see Figure 2-8). With the Show Dynamic Tool
Tip toggle unchecked, CADPIPE will not display the Tip Info.
HVAC-23
Figure 2-8
Label Each Tip
The Label Each Tip toggle determines if the Tip Info Names are displayed along with the Tip Info.
WIth the Label Each Tip toggle selected, CADPIPE displays the Tip Info Names and Tip Info (see Figure
2-9) With the Label Each Tip toggle unchecked, CADPIPE displays just the Tip Info (see Figure 2-10).
Figure 2-9 Figure 2-10

HVAC-24
Configure Round/Oval
The Configure Round/Oval menu is identical to the rectangular menu except for two additional
options (see Figure 2-11).
Figure 2-11
Rnd/Oval to Sqr: In Shape; Sqr to Rnd/Oval: Out Shape
These options allow the user to draw round or oval fittings. To create round fittings, toggle on Round
for both In Shape and Out Shape. To create oval fittings, toggle on Oval for each. These options also
allow you to create round and oval fittings with different combinations of entering and exiting shapes. If you
toggle Round on for In Shape and Oval on for Out Shape, you will create a fitting with a round entrance
and oval exit end.
HVAC-25
CHAPTER 3. DRAWING DUCTWORK
CADPIPE HVAC offers you a quick, efficient way to make accurate drawings of ductwork. All duct
and fittings drawn with CADPIPE HVAC call their dimensions from the specification databases (where you
can enter your shop specifications). You have total control over how each fitting is represented on the
drawing.
Starting to Draw
Start a Run
This command must be used every time you start a new run of duct. To select Start a run, go to the
Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down menu or Rectangular or Round/Oval toolbar. When you select Start a
run, the following three prompts appear on the command line.
Starting elevation <X’-X”>:
The default elevation that appears is the base elevation set in the Configuration menu. You may
change the elevation for the new run by entering a number and pressing Enter.
From point:
Move the cursor and select a point to start the new run.
Angle:
This prompt refers to the AutoCAD drawing angle or direction you want the duct run to be drawn in
(0 degrees is to the right, 90 to the top, 180 to the left, and 270 to the bottom) (see Figure 3-6). After
entering elevation, location, and direction, the system places any fitting you choose. When you select the
next fitting, it is joined to the first with the entering cheek and wrapper dimension of the second fitting
matching the exit cheek and wrapper dimension of the first fitting. All subsequent fittings are added in the
order that you select them.
In some cases, the fitting you select will not be placed until the Fitting Specifications menu appears
and dimensional data is entered (see Fitting Specifications Menu explanation in this chapter).
Join To
This command allows you to join to an existing straight or fitting and continue to draw from there.
When you select Join to a run from the Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down menu or from the Rectangular or
Rnd/Oval toolbars, CADPIPE HVAC prompts you.
Select a duct to join to:
After you pick the fitting, CADPIPE HVAC automatically sizes the next piece’s opening to match the
exit end of the fitting you joined to. In addition, CADPIPE HVAC sets the elevation, layer, system, and
color to match that of the fitting you are joining to.
HVAC-26
Fitting Specifications Menu
Fitting Selection
When a fitting is selected from a menu, the system places it on the drawing or a Fitting Specifications
menu appear on the screens (see Figure 3-1). The Fitting Specifications menu appears each time you
select a fitting that has multiple openings or offsets (tee, transition, cross, or offset), or when a fitting is
selected with Auto-Spec Off. The Fitting Specifications menu allows you to change fitting dimensions, as
well as turn the fitting up or down. The dimensions that first appear in the Fitting Specifications menu are
the default spec dimensions from the specifications database (see Chapter 8 – CADPIPE HVAC Specifica-
tions).
Figure 3-1
The left half of the Fitting Specifications menu contains a list of dimensions that determine the size of
the fitting (Cheek 1, Wrapper 1, Length, etc.). The right half contains the Normal, Turn Up, and Turn
Down orientation buttons, as well as a picture of the fitting with dimension labels (C1, W1, T1, etc.). You
can edit the fitting dimensions by double clicking on the Fitting Dimensions text in the list on the left.
When you do this, an edit box appears allowing you to enter a new dimension (see Figure 3-2).
HVAC-27
Figure 3-2
After you have changed dimensions and selected OK, CADPIPE places the fitting sized according to
the dimensions entered.
The system automatically turns Auto-Spec On after a fitting is placed. This ensures that the next fitting
has the same entering dimensions. If you want to enter a dimension other than the default before you place
a fitting, turn Auto-Spec Off from the Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down menus before you select the fitting.
Up, Down, Normal-Rectangular and Oval Fittings
The Fitting Specifications menu also contains the Turn Up and Turn Down commands. The
commands Turn Up and Turn Down can also be activated from the Design/Utilities toolbar.
The up and down directions in CADPIPE HVAC are defined relative to the AutoCAD world coordi-
nate system. The world X-Y plane is considered the ground, so the up and down directions are the world
(+) or (-) Z directions, respectively.
The Turn Up and Turn Down commands are defined so that any fitting can be started in a vertical
direction, or any fitting can be drawn or turned in a vertical direction. This is done by turning Auto-Spec Off
before you select the fitting or selecting the Turn Up or Turn Down buttons from the Design/Utilities
toolbar. When you turn Auto-Spec Off and select a fitting, the Fitting Specifications menu appears,
from which you can select the Turn Up or Turn Down button. You may turn up or down with any elbow
or any fitting with multiple exits (tee, cross, Y-branch, etc.) (see Figure 3-3).
HVAC-28
Y-Branch
Tee
Elbow
Figure 3-3
If the fitting you choose to turn up with is an elbow, you can continue to draw in the vertical selecting
any fitting just as you can in the plan view or horizontal mode. It is important to note that with round fittings
you have the option to select a roll angle when you choose Turn Up or Turn Down while rectangular and
oval fittings will only allow you to turn up or down (see Up, Down, Normal-Round Fittings in this Chapter).
When you choose an elbow or turning fitting when drawing a vertical run, the system presents the
Select Angle dialog box (see Figure 3-4).
Figure 3-4
HVAC-29
This box allows you to choose the available angles for that fitting to return to a horizontal direction (see
Figure 3-5). Rectangular fittings can only return to horizontal using four available directional angles: 0, 90,
180, and 270 degrees.
Note: These angles correspond to the AutoCAD drawing direction in plan view, 0 to the right, 90 to the top of the
screen, 180 to the left, and 270 to the bottom of the screen.
5. Continue in Plan
4. Select Elbow
Select Angle Direction 90
3. Select Straight to
Continue in Vertical
2. Select Tee
Select Turn Up
Figure 3-5
1. Drawing in Plan
Round fittings can return to horizontal using any angle (see Up, Down, Normal-Round Fittings in this
chapter).
When you select a fitting with secondary branches (tee, cross, Y-branch, etc.) while drawing a vertical
run, the Select Angle dialog box appears allowing you to set a direction for the branches. The main run
may continue in the vertical. To place fittings from the branches, select Join to from the Rect or Rnd/Oval
pull-down menu. The system prompts you with the message.
Touch the exiting end of the branch (see Figure 3-6). Once the system has returned to the horizontal
direction, it continues in that direction until Turn Up or Turn Down is selected again.
HVAC-30
Continue vertically or Join to branch
Figure 3-6
Up, Down, Normal-Round Fittings
The process to Turn Up or Turn Down using round fittings is the same as rectangular or oval fittings
with a few additional options. With round fittings, you have the option to roll the fitting as you turn up or
down. When you select Turn Up or Turn Down, the system presents you with the HVAC Riser Mode
dialog box (see Figure 3-7).
Figure 3-7
Use this dialog box to select a roll angle for the fitting as it turns up or down. This angle can be any
angle from 0 to 90 degrees rolling to the left or 0 to 90 degrees rolling to the right. The system continues to
draw at that angle until you select another elbow (see Figure 3-8).
HVAC-31
Figure 3-8
SW ISO view
Plan view
When you select another elbow, the system brings up the Select Angle dialogue box, allowing you to
select an angle to return to horizontal or to continue in the vertical if the elbow is not a 90 degree elbow (see
Figure 3-9). To return to horizontal, activate the Go to Plan button and pick or enter an angle to continue
to draw.
Figure 3-9
Ductulator
The Duct Calculator or Ductulator is a calculator that solves for the correct duct sizes to keep equal
air flow volume. The Duct Calculator can be activated from the CPTools pull-down menu or any Fitting
Specifications box. The Duct Calculator calculates the round equivalent of any rectangular duct (see
Figure 3-10).
HVAC-32
Figure 3-10
By knowing the round diameter, you can then solve for any cheek or wrapper size of rectangular duct
to maintain equal volume of air flow.
The cheek, wrapper, or round sizes can be entered by selecting the appropriate box followed by
typing in the value from the keyboard.
The options to Calculate Round or Calculate Rectangular can then be used to calculate the
appropriate dimension. By entering the cheek and wrapper dimensions of a piece of duct, you can calculate
the round equivalent. If you want to set the cheek at another dimension and want the system to calculate the
new wrapper dimension, you need only to enter the new Cheek dimension, leave the Round Diameter as
is, and blank the Wrapper box. When you select Calculate Rectangular, the system will give you a new
Wrapper dimension.
The Previous Results box lists the last five calculations that have been performed for your reference.
View Drawing
This option allows you to view the drawing without exiting the Fittings Specification menu. This
prompt appears at the command line.
Press a key to return to Fitting Specifications Menu...
Pressing any key returns the Fitting Specifications menu to the screen.
Special Fittings
This section of the chapter deals with certain fittings that have some special dimensions or attributes
that need additional explanation.
Straight
The Straight option places a piece of straight duct using the default length and joint allowance estab-
lished for the system you have selected in the Configuration menu (see Chapter 2 – HVAC Configuration).
This default length is determined in the HVAC specifications database (see Chapter 7 - HVAC Speci-
fications). When the straight is placed, the allowance for the particular joint is subtracted from the default
length and the fitting is drawn accordingly. If the default length is 60" and the joint allowance is 1/2", the
straight duct appears on the screen as 59" in length (see Figure 3-11).
HVAC-33
Figure 3-11
Cut to Length
The Cut to Length option is used to define a length for a straight piece of duct as you place it, or to
place straight duct between two fittings.
If you select Cut to Length from the pull-down or from the Rectangular toolbar, the following
prompt appears.
Join/Length
At this prompt you have three options. First, you can type a length such as 40" and the system will
draw a 40" length of straight duct. Second, you can pick two points to determine the length or you can use
the Join option (type J and Enter) and then pick another duct or fitting to connect to. The fitting or duct you
connect to must be aligned so as to allow for connection with a straight.
Note: When you enter a length, the system draws the duct that exact length. It does not deduct any joint allowance from
the length as it does for default duct.
Using the Join option rather than typing a length ensures that the proper connection is accounted for.
If the fitting requires a gasket allowance, the Join option connects the fittings, accounting for the gasket.
When you type J and Enter, the following prompt appears.
Select the fitting to which you wish to connect, and the system places it accounting for proper length
and connection type (see Figure 3-12).
HVAC-34
Figure 3-12
The Cut to Length command can also be used to draw long runs of duct. When you select a length
or distance that is greater than the default length straight specified in the specifications database, the system
places the correct number of straight (default length) pieces and then a Cut to Length piece to make up the
difference (see Figure 3-13).
Note: If you are joined to a fitting and select Cut-To-Length, you only need to select one point to determine the
distance. The system draws the cut to length piece from the last fitting drawn.
Figure 3-13
Drop Cheek Fittings
The Drop Cheek Fittings are elbows, tees, crosses, and Y-branches that move in both the horizontal
and vertical planes at the same time.
A drop cheek elbow, for example, turns right or left while moving the exit end (C2,W2) up or down
depending on the wrapper offset dimension (see Figure 3-14). All drop cheek fittings can move in two
planes at the same time while changing the sizes of the exit ends (see Figure 3-15).
Note: The Wrapper Offset direction up or down is determined by entering a positive (+) number for up and a negative
(-) number for down.
HVAC-35
Figure 3-14
Figure 3-15
Offsets and Transitions
Offsets and transitions are special fittings because they can be drawn so that the exiting end (C2, W2)
can move right or left (Cheek Offset) or move up or down (Wrapper Offset). They can also be used to
connect fittings that are different sizes and are at different elevations.
Cheek and Wrapper Offset
The Cheek Offset is always measured from the right side of the fitting. A positive number (+) moves
the right side of the fitting that distance to the right while a negative number (-) moves the right side of the
fitting that distance to the left. The right side of the fitting is determined by the direction in which the fitting
was drawn (see Figure 3-16).
HVAC-36
Figure 3-16
When you select the Cheek Offset from the Fitting Specifications menu, the system provides you
with a quick method to center the fitting, keep the fitting straight on the left, or keep the fitting straight on the
right. Each time you select the Cheek Offset to edit, a Fittings Dimensions box gives you the option
buttons Flat on Right, Center Offset, and Flat on Left (see Figure 3-17).
Figure 3-17
When you select one of these options, the system computes the amount of offset needed to draw the
fitting correctly. It is important to remember that a 0 cheek offset keeps the fitting flat on the right.
HVAC-37
The Wrapper Offset direction up or down is determined by entering a positive (+) number for up and
a negative (-) number for down. When you select the Wrapper Offset from the Fitting Specifications
menu, the system provides you with a quick method to center the fitting, keep the fitting flat on the top, or
keep the fitting flat on the bottom. Each time you select the Wrapper Offset to edit, a Fittings Dimen-
sions box gives you the option buttons: Flat on Top, Center Offset, or Flat on Bottom (see Figure 3-
18).
Figure 3-18
When you select one of these options, the system computes the amount of offset needed to draw the
fitting correctly based on the Fitting Origin setting At Top or At Bottom that is active in the Configura-
tion dialog box. It is important to remember that a 0 wrapper offset keeps the fitting flat on the top if the
At Top button is selected in the Fitting Origin box on the Configure Rectangular dialog box, or flat on
bottom if At Bottom is selected (see Figure 3-19).
Figure 3-19
HVAC-38
Radius Cheek and Radius Wrapper
The Offset fitting can be drawn with the radius on the cheek side (Radius Cheek) or on the wrapper
side (Radius Wrapper) (see Figure 3-20).
Figure 3-20
The system default is Radius Cheek, which places the radius on the cheek side. When you select the
Radius Wrapper from the Fitting Specifications menu, the radius is drawn on the wrapper side of the
offset (see Figure 3-21).
Figure 3-21
HVAC-39
Join To
The Join to button found at the bottom of the transition and offset Fitting Specifications menu is a
useful function that connects two ducts or fittings of different sizes or at different elevations using an offset or
transition.
When you select an offset or transition, the Fitting Specification menu appears (see Figure 3-22).
Figure 3-22
When you select the Join to option, the following prompt appears.
Select duct to join to:
This prompt allows you to select the duct you want to join to. Pick the fitting you want to Join To on
the entering end (see Figure 3-23).
Figure 3-23
HVAC-40
The offset or transition is automatically sized to connect the duct or fittings. The Fitting Specifica-
tions menu appears a second time allowing you to check the dimensions to determine whether you want to
use that fitting. You might find the length too long or the offset too big and decide to move or modify the
existing duct before you join to it. If the dimensions are acceptable, select OK and the system creates the
offset or transition to connect the duct (see Figure 3-23).
Note: The offset and transition Join To option will join fittings at different elevations and different sizes
.
Takeoffs and Taps
The CADPIPE HVAC software allows you to place takeoffs (Straight and Radius) and taps (Rectan-
gular and Round, Straight, or Reducing) on straight duct, transitions, and reducers. The takeoffs and taps
can be placed on the side, top, or bottom of rectangular or round/oval duct (see Figure 3-24).
Figure 3-24
To place a takeoff, select Takeoff from the Rect pull-down menu. When you select Takeoff, a
secondary menu appears with the options to place a Straight or Radius takeoff either With the Flow or
Reverse Flow. These selections ensure the takeoff is placed correctly on the duct (see Figure 3-25).
Note: The Flow is determined by the direction in which the duct is drawn.
Figure 3-25
HVAC-41
When you select a takeoff or tap, the Placement Options dialog box appears (see Figure 3-26).
Figure 3-26
This dialog box has three options for the placement of takeoffs and taps: Align with Diffuser, Auto-
Route to Diffuser, and Place.
Align with Diffuser

This option aligns the takeoff or tap with a diffuser located on the drawing (see Chapter 9 – HVAC
Accessories). When you select this option, the following prompt appears.
Select duct to join to:
When you select the duct or fitting onto which to place the takeoff or tap, the following prompt ap-
pears.
Select diffuser to align to:
Select the diffuser and the system automatically aligns the takeoff or tap with the diffuser (see Figure 3-
27).
Figure 3-27
HVAC-42
Auto-Route to Diffuser
The Auto-Route to Diffuser option aligns the takeoff or tap to the diffuser and then automatically
connects to the diffuser using straight or round/oval duct and an elbow (see Figure 3-31).
When you select Auto-Route to Diffuser, the HVAC Auto-Route dialog box appears (see Figure
3-28).
Figure 3-28
This allows you to change any Auto-Route parameters you wish. For a complete explanation of these
settings, see Chapter 4 — Auto-Route. When you have set the parameters and select OK, the following
prompt appears.
Select the duct onto which you want the takeoff or tap to be placed. When you select the duct the
system prompts you.
Select a diffuser to align to:
After selecting the diffuser, the Fitting Specifications menu for the takeoff or tap appears (see Figure
3-29).
HVAC-43
Figure 3-29
This menu allows you to change a dimension for the takeoff or tap. The Cheek and Wrapper size of
the takeoff or tap is automatically set when you select the diffuser, and the takeoff or tap is placed at the
center of the side of duct unless you want to offset it up or down. If you choose to offset it up or down,
select Offset from Cent by double clicking on the text. If you enter a (+) positive value, the takeoff or tap
is offset that distance up from the center of the duct. If you enter a (-) negative value, the takeoff or tap is
offset that distance down from the center of the duct (see Figure 3-30).
Figure 3-30
After you finish changing parameters and select OK, the system Auto-Routes the duct and fittings to
the diffuser (see Figure 3-31).
HVAC-44
Figure 3-31
Place
This option places the takeoff or tap on the duct or fitting at the point you select. When you select
Place, the Fitting Specifications menu for the takeoff or tap appears (see Figure 3-30).
This dialog box appears so you can set the dimensions for the size and angle of your takeoff or tap and
the offset from the center for the takeoff or tap.
Note: The system places the takeoff or tap in the center of the side of the duct selected unless you set an Offset from
Cent dimension before you place it.
HVAC-45
CHAPTER 4. AUTO-ROUTE/ROUTING LINE
Auto-Route
The Auto-Route function in CADPIPE HVAC allows you to create long runs of duct without having
to select individual pieces. You have the option to use an Angle or Offset pattern when you Auto-Route
(see Figure 4-1).
Angled Auto-Route
Offset Auto-Route
Figure 4-1
The Angled option uses one elbow. The Offset option uses two elbows, returning the Auto-Route to
the original direction. The Auto-Route function can be used in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
The system always uses as many default lengths of straight as possible in an Auto-Route with any additional
lengths either added to the elbow or made as a short cut-to length straight piece. All default length straights
used in the Auto-Route are given the same Tag #. You can Auto-Route from any fitting to which you are
joined, or you can begin an Auto-Route by selecting Start a Run and selecting Auto-Route without choos-
ing a fitting.
Selecting Auto-Route from the Rectangular or Round toolbar or the Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down
menu activates the HVAC Auto-Route dialog box (see Figure 4-2).
Figure 4-2
Rectangular Auto-Route
HVAC-46
Figure 4-2
Round/Oval Auto-Route
These dialog boxes allow you to set the options that control the Auto-Route function. They appear
every time you select Auto-Route from the menu. When you press OK, CADPIPE prompts you to select
the ending point for the Auto-Route. It will then place fittings according to the options set in this dialog box.
Type of Auto-Route
This option tells CADPIPE which Auto-Route pattern you want to use (see Figure 4-1). An angled
Auto-Route places only one elbow, while the offset Auto-Route uses two, allowing the run to continue in the
same direction.
Type of Elbow
This option allows you to select the type of elbow used in the Auto-Route operation.
Elbow Angle Selection

This option allows you to define the angle for an Auto-Route. You can either enter an angle in the
Elbow Angle edit box to the right, or if you do not know the angle, pick two points on the drawing to
determine the angle (see Figure 4-3).
Figure 4-3
HVAC-47
Minimum Straight
This option defines the minimum length of the cut-to-length pieces used in the Auto-Route. Cut-to-
length pieces are required when there is a leftover length because the distance routed is not a perfect sum of
default straight pieces. CADPIPE HVAC automatically places a cut-to-length piece to fill in this leftover
length completing the run. If the cut-to-length piece required is less than the minimum straight, the leftover
length is automatically added to the elbow (see Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4
Elbow Angle
This option allows you to set the angle for the elbow(s) used in the Auto-Route. When the angle
selection is set to Enter, the elbow’s angle setting is defined in degrees. This setting should be greater than
0 and less than or equal to 90.
Elbow Throat
This option defines the minimum throat length for the elbow(s) used in the Auto-Route. The elbow’s
throat may be longer than this value, depending on the leftover length and the minimum straight settings.
Elbow Radius
This option allows you to set the radius of the elbow(s) used in the Auto-Route. This option applies
only when the Type of Elbow is set to Radius and overrides the default dimension radius setting in the
specifications database.
Rubberband
The Rubberband option displays an image of the Auto-Route as you move the cursor. This image
continues until you select a point.
With the Rubberband option turned off, the system prompts you to pick an end point and then
displays the Auto-Route image. At this point you may continue to pick points. When you have decided on
the exact location to end your Auto-Route, press Enter.
HVAC-48
Note: If you wish to end an Auto-Route a certain distance from a wall or centerline, it is best to turn off the Rubberband
mode so that you can pick an endpoint. Then, using the AutoCAD RELATIVE command (@X,Y,Z), move the end point
to an exact location and press Enter.
Elbow Gores
This option allows you set the number of gores in the elbow when auto-routing round/oval duct.
Join
The Join command in the Auto-Route function enables you to Auto-Route and join to another duct or
fitting. This ensures that the connection type (gasket allowance) is accounted for when the Auto-Routed
duct connects to the fitting or straight selected.
The Join function works in the horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal, the duct or fittings
must be at the same elevation. In the vertical, the Join function only works when Auto-Route is selected
while a duct or fitting is in vertical mode and the connecting ducts are lined up in a way which facilitates a
connection (see Figure 4-5).
Figure 4-5
Vertical Auto-Route
The CADPIPE HVAC Auto-Route function allows you to Auto-Route in the vertical direction with
the elbow returning to horizontal at a given elevation. To Auto-Route in the vertical, select Auto-Route
while joined to a vertical opening (see Figure 4-6).
HVAC-49
Figure 4-6
When you select Auto-Route while joined to a vertical opening, the HVAC Auto-Route dialog box
appears. When you have set the Auto-Route parameters and selected OK, the following prompt appears.
Final Elevation:
The system is prompting for the final top or bottom elevation of the duct when it returns from vertical
to horizontal. The elevation will be the top or bottom dependent on which button, At Top or At Bottom,
has been selected in the Configuration dialog box.
Enter an elevation value and press Enter to continue the Auto-Route. If Rubberband mode is on, an
image of the Auto-Route appears on the screen; if it is off, the system prompts you for a pick point to end
the Auto-Route. You can continue to drag or pick points until you are satisfied with the Auto-Route end
location. Press Enter to complete the Auto-Route.
When you select Auto-Route, as the duct moves in the vertical, the system allows you to return to
horizontal in another direction. If you are auto-routing rectangular duct, you are limited to the horizontal
directions 0 , 90 , 180 , and 270. If you are auto-routing round duct, the system allows you to choose any
direction (see Figure 4-7).
Figure 4-7
HVAC-50
Routing Line
The Routing Line function in CADPIPE HVAC allows you to place horizontal, vertical, rolled and
sloped routing lines. Simply place duct on the line by selecting the line and its start and end points. When
you select the Routing Line button from the Design/Utilities toolbar the following prompt appears on the
command line:
Elevation<current elevation>
Pedit/Join/Elevation/Slope/Reference/<First point>:
The options sub-menu gives you a number of ways to edit and change your routing line. The available
options are: Pedit, Join, Elevation, Slope, and Reference.
Pedit
The Pedit option is similar to AutoCAD’s PEDIT command. This option allows you to edit an existing
routing line. When you select this option CADPIPE displays the current vertx, total vertices, X,Y, and Z
(elevation) coordinates as well as the Pedit options:
2:7 x=82’-2 7/8” y=65’-11 3/4” z=10’-0”

##/Next/Previous/First/Last/Insert/Remove/Move/Elevation/<Exit>:
The ## option selects a specific routing line vertex. Type the number of the vertex you wish to edit.
The Next, Previous, First, and Last options select vertices on the routing line in relation to the
currently selected vertex.
The Insert option inserts a new vertex on the routing line after the currently selected vertx. Its eleva-
tion is the same as your current selection.
The Remove option deletes the currently selected vertex.
The Move option allows you to move the currently selected vertex to a new location.
The Elevation option allows you to change the elevation of the currently selected vertex.
Join
The Join option allows you to combine separate intersecting routing lines. You can vertically join two
routing lines at different elevations. This command requires three simple steps:
Step 1: Type J at the Routing Line command prompt to select the Join option.
Pedit/Join/Elevation/Slope/Reference/<First Point>: J <Return>
Step 2: Digitize the first routing line to be joined.
Step 3: Digitize the second routing line to be joined.
Joining routing line ...
CADPIPE searches for an intersection of the end segments along the routing lines selected, trims the
segments’ overlap back to the intersect point, and creates a single polyline retaining the elevations of the
original routing lines.
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Note: If the joining segments of the two routing lines are in line, they MUST end at the same point for the Join option to
work.
Elevation
The Elevation option allows you to change the elevation of the routing line. Type E at the Routing Line
prompt to select the Elevation option.
Slope
The Slope option lets you place a sloped routing line or sloped segments of a routing line. A sloped
line is a normal routing line drawn with a sloped ratio. The slope value is not stored with the routing line, but
is calculated when an item is placed on the line or the line is processed in some way. Type S at the Routing
Line prompt to select the Slope option.
This brings up the Slope Options dialog box which allows you to turn Slope on or off and enter the
direction of the slope (see Figure 4-8).
Figure 4-8
To change the Slope settings, Click the Change Slope Value button. This brings up the Slope Value
dialog box (see Figure 4-9). Enter the slope value as a ratio. For example, enter 1:96 for a line that slopes
1/8" to 1 foot. The maximum slope is a ratio of 1:10.
Figure 4-9
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Reference
The Reference option allows you to start a new routing line at a specified distance from a point you
select on another routing line. Using the Reference option is a 5 step process.
Step 1: To select this option type R at the Routing Line prompt. CADPIPE prompts you to digitize a
point on an existing routing line to reference the start point of your new routing line.
Step 2: If your current elevation is different from the elevation you digitized, CADPIPE prompts you to
update to the same elevation. You may select yes or no.
Step 3: In this step, you are asked to set a distance from the reference point (from the last step) to
begin your new routing line.
Step 4: Next, pick the direction from the referenced point at which you wish to start your new routing
line.
Step 5: CADPIPE now knows the first point of your new layout line and prompts you for the next
point. You may pick a point or type in coordinates.
Placing Duct on a Routing Line

The following example illustrates how to place duct on a routing line. After drawing and editing your
routing line, select Auto-Route from the Rect or Rnd/Ovl menus or toolbars and the Auto-Route dialog
box appears (see Fig 4-10).
Figure 4-10
From here, select the Routing Line toggle, set your elbow type and elbow throat, and click the
Select Routing Line button and the fitting specification box appears (see Fig 4-11).
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Figure 4-11
Set your default straights to be used for the routing line and click ok. You are then prompted to pick
the routing line.
Digitize routing line <Exit>:
Select the routing line and you are prompted to choose the starting and ending points.
Digitize first point for AutoRoute on Routine Line:
Digitize second point for AutoRoute on Routine Line:
After picking these point CADPIPE automatically places duct along the line you have selected.
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CHAPTER 5. COLLISION CHECKING
CADPIPE provides you with two collision checking features that alert you to possible interference
problems on your drawing. These features ensure that potential problems in coordination and installation
are avoided, saving time and money.
The Interactive Collision Checking can be activated at any time during the drawing process. When
activated, the system alerts you any time there is interference with any 3-D object on the drawing. With
Collision Checking on the system takes an instant longer to place fittings. This delay occurs because the
system must search the database to see if there are any interfering objects before it places each piece.
CADPIPE allows you to toggle collision checking on or off so that you can use it only when drawing in an
area that presents potential interference problems.
The Batch Collision Checking feature can be activated after the drawing is completed. It searches
and highlights any interference problems on the drawing, allowing you to correct the problems before the
drawing is issued.
Interactive Collision Checking
To activate collision checking, select the Coll Chk On/Off from the Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down
menu or Collision Check from the Rectangular or Round/Oval toolbar (see Figure 5-1).
Figure 5-1
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When the Collision Checking toggle is on, the system automatically checks for any interference
problems with any 3-D object on the drawing and alerts you when a collision occurs. The colliding objects
will change color and a Collision Alert box appears (see Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-2
The Collision Alert dialog box has several options to choose from.
View Collision
The View Collision button changes views automatically and isolates the collision(see Figure 5-3).
Selecting the OK button returns you to the drawing and the Collision Alert box.
Query Duct
Figure 5-3
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Selecting Query Duct.... brings the Collision Query dialog box to the screen. This box contains all
the dimensional data about the collision. The size, top, and bottom elevation of each object in collision is
listed. The dimension and direction to correct the problem is calculated (see Figure 5-4).
Figure 5-4
When you are finished viewing the collision information, select OK. This returns you to the Collision
Alert box and allows you to Continue to draw and do nothing about the collision or to Reject the last
piece of duct or fitting drawn so that you can avoid the collision.
By selecting Reject, the system removes the last drawn duct or fitting that collided, allowing you to
take appropriate measures to avoid the collision.
Because you know the amount needed to clear the interference, you can select a fitting such as an
offset or drop cheek and set the cheek or wrapper offset to avoid the collision. If you leave Collision
Checking On while you continue to place the next fitting, the system aids you in avoiding the collision.
Note: Collision Checking can be activated at any time and detects collisions in any view with any object drawn using
AutoCAD’s 3D surfaces. If you receive coordination drawings from other trades and they are using AutoCAD in 3-D,
CADPIPE HVAC detects interference with any 3-D objects. CADPIPE also recognizes and detects collisions with
Architectural Desktop items.
Batch Collision Checking
The Batch Collision function is found on the CPTools pull-down menu. The Batch Collision
Checking feature checks the entire drawing for any interference problems. The Collision Checking
toggle does not need to be activated in order for the Batch Collision Checking function to work.
When you select Batch Collision, the Batch Collision dialog box appears (see Figure 5-5).
This dialog box presents you with the following options:
Figure 5-5
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Color
The Color button activates the AutoCAD SELECT COLOR dialog box (see Figure 5-6). This allows
you to select the color you want the system to use when it alerts you to a collision. The color selected is
then displayed on the Batch Collision dialog box (see Figure 5-5).
Figure 5-6
Check
Under the Check box, the commands All and Some are found. The All button tells the system to
check the entire drawing (all displayed layers) for interference. The Some button allows you to choose a
window to check for interference. When you select Some, the following prompt appears at the command
line.
Select objects:
You may select any objects you wish by picking individual objects or using any of the AutoCAD
WINDOW options. When you finish selecting objects or selecting a window, the system dashes the
objects selected and prompts you.
Select objects:
Press Enter and the system checks for collisions while the following prompt appears on the command
line.
Checking for collisions among XX items.
CADPIPE shows the percentage of the area or drawing that has been checked. This number is
updated until it reads 100 percent done. When finished, it shows you the number of collisions found and
changes the color of the items on the screen to the Color you selected .
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Note: The larger the drawing area you wish to check, the longer CADPIPE takes to process the information.
View
The View box on the Batch Collision dialog box contains three options.
View
This option works the same as the View option in the Interactive Collision Checking mode. When
selected, it changes the view and brings up the View Collision dialog box (see Figure 5-3).
Note: You may leave the Batch Collision command at any time to correct an interference problem. The system
remembers all remaining collisions when you return to the Batch Collision command.
Query
The Query option, like the View option, works in the same manner as explained in Interactive
Collision Checking.
Next
The Next option zooms to the next collision found and allows you to View or Query it. This process
repeats as long as there are collisions to check.
Recolor
The options found under the Recolor box, All and Current, are used to return the items found in
collision to their original color. This can be done by selecting All before you exit the Batch Collision
function or Current if you wish to make adjustments to each collision consecutively. This function is useful
if there are a large number of collision problems to address. The color change remains until the All or
Current button is activated.
Note: The system creates a layer called COLLISION in your drawing whenever CADPIPE HVAC is initialized. This
layer is used with the View option to display the colliding objects. This layer should not be turned off or frozen.
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CHAPTER 6. EDIT TOOLS
The CADPIPE Edit functions are designed to make it easy to move, copy and erase CADPIPE items.
The edit functions are found on the CPTools pull-down menu.
CADPIPE Edit Tools
Move Fitting(s)
This command allows you to move CADPIPE items. The Move Fitting(s) command only recognizes
duct, CADPIPE architectural items, CADPIPE Commercial items, and HVAC accessories items. All other
objects in the drawing are ignored. When you use Move Fitting(s), the following prompt appears.
Select objects:
You may choose to select individual objects or use any of the AutoCAD WINDOW modes to select
objects. When you have finished selecting objects and press Enter, the following prompts appear.
Base point or displacement:
Select a base point.
Second point of displacement:
Select a location for the move and the object(s) are moved. The system displays on the command line
the number of CADPIPE objects moved.
Note: If you wish to move only text, use the Shift-Ctrl-right click keystroke combination and select Move Grouped Item
from the pop-up menu.
Raise Fitting(s)
This command allows you to raise or lower CADPIPE items. The CADPIPE Raise Fitting(s)
command only recognizes duct, CADPIPE architectural items, CADPIPE Commercial items, and HVAC
accessories items. All other objects in the drawing are ignored. When you use Raise Fitting(s), the follow-
ing prompt appears.
Select items to move (only CADPIPE items will be moved):
Enter amount to raise (or lower):
Type the amount you wish to raise or lower the selected objects and press Enter. The system displays
on the command line the number of CADPIPE objects moved.
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Elevate Fitting(s)
This command allows you to change the elevation of CADPIPE items. The CADPIPE Elevate
Fitting(s) command only recognizes duct, CADPIPE architectural items, CADPIPE Commercial items,
and HVAC accessories items. All other objects in the drawing are ignored. When you use Elevate
Fitting(s), the following prompt appears.
Select items to move (only CADPIPE items will be moved):
Enter new elevation:
Type a new elevation for the object and press Enter.
Choose origin point, [t]op, [b]ottom, or [c]enter:
Select an origin point by typing t for top of duct, b for bottom of duct, or c for center..
Copy Fitting(s)
This command works the same as Move Fitting(s), allowing you to copy CADPIPE items. The
Copy Fitting(s) command only recognizes HVAC fittings, architectural objects, CADPIPE Commercial
items, and accessories drawn using the CADPIPE commands. Any other objects on the drawing are
ignored. The system prompts for Copy Fitting(s) are the same as those for Move Fitting(s).
Note: Be sure to Join To the duct or fitting that has been moved or copied if you want to continue drawing from that
duct or fitting.
Erase Fitting(s)
This command allows you to erase CADPIPE items. The Erase Fitting(s) command only recognizes
duct, architectural items, CADPIPE Commercial items, and accessories drawn using CADPIPE commands.
Any other objects on the drawing are ignored. The system prompts for the Erase Fitting(s) command are
the same as those for Move Fitting(s) command.
Note: If you desire to delete only text from a CADPIPE item, use the Shift-Ctrl-right click keystroke combination and
select Erase Grouped Item from the pop-up menu.Or type ee at the command prompt and select the text you wish to
erase.
If any CADPIPE items other than HVAC fittings or CADPIPE Commercial items are selected, the
Erase CADPIPE Items dialog box appears. This allows you to erase, move, or copy only HVAC fittings
and CADPIPE Commercial items rather than all CADPIPE items (see Figure 6-1).
Figure 6-1
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Mirror Fitting(s)
The Mirror Fitting(s) command is found on the enables you to mirror objects around a mirror line,
which you define with two points. Mirroring works in any plane parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS.
When you select Mirror Fitting(s) from the menu you are prompted to select the object to be mirrored.
select ducts/fittings to mirror:
Refer to your HVAC Help files for more information on using this command.
Rotate Fitting(s)
The Rotate Fitting(s) command enables you to rotate objects by choosing a base point and a relative
or absolute rotation angle. When you select the Rotate Fitting(s) from the menu the following prompt
appears.
Select ducts/fittings to rotate:
After choosing an object, you are then prompted to select the base point for the rotation.
Select objects: specify base point:
Refer to your HVAC Help files for more information on using this command.
Rotate 3D Fitting(s)
The Rotate 3D Fitting(s) command enables you to rotate objects in 3D about a specified axis. You
specify the axis of rotation using two points; an object; the X, Y, or Z axis; or the Z direction of the current
view. When you select the Rotate 3D Fitting(s) from the menu the following prompt appears.
Select ducts/fittings to rotate:
After selecting an object, you are then prompted to determine the axis for the rotation.
Specify first point on axis or define axis by [Object/Last/View/Xaxis/Yaxis/

Zaxis/2points]:
The Object option aligns the axis of roatation with an existing object. The Last option uses the last
axis of rotation. The View option aligns the axis of rotation with the viewing direction of the current viewport
that passes through the selected point. The Xaxis, Yaxis, and Zaxis options align the axis of rotation with
one of the axes that pass through the selected point. The 2points option uses two points to define the axis
of rotation. After choosing an axis for the rotation, CADPIPE prompts you to select a rotation angle and
rotates the object.
For more information about rotating in 3D please refer to the ROTATE3D section in the AutoCAD
manual under Command Reference.
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Query Fitting
The Query Fitting command is found on the CPTools pull-down menu and Edit toolbar. This
command queries any CADPIPE object in plan or section view and lists important information about that
object. When you select Query Fitting from the menu, the system prompts you with the following.
Duct/Fitting to Query:
Select the fitting or CADPIPE item you want information about. You can only select one item at a
time. The information is displayed in the HVAC Query dialog box and includes type, size, and elevation
information about that fitting or item (see Figure 6-2).
Figure 6-2
Elevation Information
Query Fitting displays the Top Elevation and Bottom Elevation for the opening nearest to the
point picked on a duct or fitting. For example, if you select Query Fitting and pick near one side of a
transition, Query Fitting displays the Top Elevation and Bottom Elevation for the opening on that side
of the transition. Picking nearer to the other end of the transition causes Query Fitting to display the
elevation information for the other opening.
Query Fitting also tells you the top and bottom elevation for a sloping beam or joist at the exact
point you pick along that beam or joist. For the elevation of an end, pick the exact endpoint. For the
elevation at a given point along the beam or joist, pick that point.
On the HVAC Query box, there are six buttons that can be activated to place annotation text infor-
mation in the drawing.
Place Size
When you select this button, the system prompts you for a location to place size annotation text on the
drawing.
Pick Point For Size Text:
Pick a point on the drawing and the size text is placed. This text becomes part of the fitting or items
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and will move, copy, or erase with it. The text is oriented to the direction of the fitting or CADPIPE item.
Place Elevation
There are three different Elevation options: Place TOD/BOD Elevation (places both top and bottom
elevations), Place TOD Elevation (places top of duct elevation), and Place BOD Elevation (places
bottom of duct elevation). When you select one of these buttons, the system prompts you for a location for
elevation annotation text.
Pick Point For Elevation Text:
Pick a point on the drawing and the centerline elevation text is placed. This text becomes part of the
fitting or item, and will move, copy, or erase with it. The text is oriented in the direction of the fitting or
CADPIPE item.
Place Length
When you select this button, the system prompts you for a location to place length annotation text on
the drawing.
Pick Point For Length Text:
This text becomes part of the fitting or items and will move, copy, or erase with it. The text is oriented
to the direction of the fitting or CADPIPE item.
Place Selected Text

The field located below the Place Selected Text button shows the currently selected annotation text
for placement. It also allows you to enter any custom text you wish to place. Simply select the field and type
any text you would like to annotate with.
Pick Point For Highlighted Text Item:
Select a point on the drawing and the text is placed. This text becomes part of the fitting or items and
will move, copy, or erase with it. The text is oriented to the direction of the fitting or CADPIPE item.
ISOLATE
The ISOLATE command allows you to isolate a duct run or any items you choose from the rest of the
drawing. When you select ISOLATE, the CADPIPE HVAC - ISOLATION dialog appears (see Figure 6-
3).
Figure 6-3
HVAC-64
Digitize Run
The Digitize Run button allows you to pick any duct run on your drawing. After clicking the button
you are prompted to select a run. Simply click on any part of a duct run and CADPIPE brings up a View
Entities Box with an isolated view.
Select Objects
The Select Objects button allows you to pick any objects on your drawing. After clicking the button
you are prompted to select objects. Simply click on any object or group of objects. CADPIPE displays a
View Entities Box with an isolated view of your selected objects.
Ignore Annotation
The Ignore Annotation toggle tells CADPIPE to either include or ignore Annotation in the isolated
views.
Tag Tools Sub-Menu
BOM Tag
This function allows you to mark any non-CADPIPE item and enables it to be included in your BOM
reports. When you select this command you are prompted to pick an object.
Select objects:
At this prompt select the item to place a BOM Tag, press Enter, and the CADPIPE BOM Tag dialog
box pops up (see Figure 6-4). From here you can set a BOM Name for the object and the Comment, Size,
Weight, System, Material, and Connection information for the object. This information appears in the BOM
report.
Figure 6-4
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Edit Tag#
The Edit Tag# function allows you to edit a tag# on your duct or fitting and updates the entity data so
that the new tag# is correctly reported when you generate HVAC reports.
When you select Edit Tag# from a menu, the following prompt appears.
Select Tag Number to Edit:
When you pick a fitting, the Edit Tag Number dialog box appears (see Figure 6-5).
Figure 6-5
The dialog box shows the Old Tag Number: XX and allows you to enter a New Tag Number: XX.
After you enter a new number in the box and select OK, the system updates the tag# on the fitting.
Note: Be sure to use Edit Tag# rather than the AutoCAD PROPERTIES or MODIFY ENTITY commands so that your
HVAC reports show the correct information. Editing tag numbers with any command other than Edit Tag# will corrupt
the fitting
Renumber Tag #
The Renumber Tag# function allows you to renumber tags of a specified run or all the runs in your
drawing. After choosing the numbering method, the starting tag number, and the run(s) to be changed, the
drawing is automatically updated. To renumber a run, select the Renumber Tag# from the CPTools pull-
down menu. The Renumber Tag# dialog box appears (see Figure 6-6).
Figure 6-6
This box gives you the option to select a numbering method, the starting tag number, and the tag
prefix.
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Select Match for the numbering method if you want to number your run with like pieces having the
same tag number. Select Unique if you want each piece to have a different tag number. Either selection
numbers them in numerical order from the starting number you have selected.
Set the Starting Tag Number and the Tag Prefix. Then select the Pick Run button. The Renum-
ber All button renumbers all the runs in your drawing at one time. The system issues the following prompt.
Pick run to renumber:
Pick the run on your drawing you want renumbered. After the selected run is renumbered, the Re-
number Tag Number dialog box reappears. You may select additional runs or click the Cancel button to
exit the command.
Edit Digitized Items for Sub-Menu
Edit Vane/Seam Info

The Edit Fitting Vane/Seam Info command allows you to edit the vane and/or seam info for one or
more fittings on a drawing. When you select the Edit Fitting Vane/Seam Info from the Edit Dig’d Items
For menu, the following prompt appears on the command line:
Edit Vane & Seam info of selected ducts/fittings:

Select objects:
Use any of the AutoCAD selection commands to choose the duct or fittings you wish to apply the new
vane/seam info and press Enter. This brings up the Edit Vane Seam Info dialog box. From here you can
toggle Vanes, Throat Seams, Longitudinal Seams, and Segmented Seams ON or OFF as well as
select their types from the menus (see Figure 6-7).
Figure 6-7
Edit Joint Info

The Edit Joint Info function allows you to edit the joint info for duct and accessories on your draw-
ing. When you select this command from the menu, the following prompt appears:
Duct/Fitting end to Edit:

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At this prompt select the item to edit and the Edit Joint of selected Item dialog appears listing the
joint info for the selected object (see Figure 6-8).
Figure 6-8
This dialog lists the current joint information and gives you a list of joint types. Select the new joint you
wish to apply to your duct or fitting, click OK, and CADPIPE updates the joint information.
Edit Fabrication/Purchase Status

The Edit Fab/Purchase Status function allows you to edit the fabrication status for duct and fittings
on your drawng. When you select this command from the menu, the following prompt appears:
Select ducts/fittings to Edit Fab Status:
Select the item to edit and the Edit Fabrication Status dialog appears (see Figure 6-9).
Figure 6-9
This dialog box allows you to set how the fitting/duct appears in your reports. Select either For
Fabrication or For Purchase and click OK.
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Edit Lining Descriptions

This command allows you to edit the Lining Description for one or more fittings on a drawing. To
change the Lining Description, select Rectangular Sytems or Round/Oval Sytems from the Spec
menu and set your desired Lining/Wrapper info in the Configure dialog box.
When you select the Lining Descriptions command from the Edit Dig’d Items for. . . sub-menu,
the following prompt appears on the command line:
Edit Lining Descriptions of selected ducts/fittings:

Select objects:
Lining Description and press Enter.
Edit Wrapper/Insulation Info

This command allows you to edit the Wrapper/Insulation info for one or more fittings on a drawing.
To change the Wrapper/Insulation, select Rectangular Sytems or Round/Oval Sytems from the Spec
menu and set your desired Lining/Wrapper info in the Configure dialog box.
When you select the Wrapper/Insulation command from the Edit Dig’d Items for. . . sub-menu,
the following prompt appears on the command line:
Edit Wrapper Descriptions of selected ducts/fittings:

Select objects:
Wrapper/Insulation Description and press Enter.
Edit Reinforcing Info

This command allows you to edit the Reinforcing Information for duct and fittings on your drawing.
When you select this command from the menu, the following prompt appears:
Edit Reinforcing info of selected ducts/fittings:
At this prompt select the item to edit and the Edit Reinforcing Info dialog box appears (see Figure
6-10).
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From here you can edit the Reinforcement Type, Spacing, Angle, and Rods. After editing your
Reinforcing Information click OK to complete the edits.
Update All Hidden Line Items

This command allows you to Update the information for all hidden line items. Once you’ve set the info,
choose the Update All Hidden Line Items command and the following prompt appears on the command
line:
Update All Information of selected ducts/fittings:

Select objects:
information and press Enter.
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CHAPTER 7. HVAC SPECIFICATIONS
The Spec Database in CADPIPE HVAC allows you to define the default dimensions for every fitting
as well as the System Specifications for any System you want to create. Options located on the Spec
pull-down allow you to edit specifications databases for rectangular or round/oval fittings and systems.
Straight Lengths
Default Lengths
The Default Lengths option is found in the Spec pull-down. When you select Default Lengths, the
Default Length dialog box appears (see Figure 7-1).
The Default Length dialog box allows you to set up

default lengths for straight duct to be used in your Rectangular
or Rnd/Oval Systems databases. CADPIPE HVAC uses
these lengths when you select default duct from any of your
menus based on the System selected in the Configuration
menu. To ensure proper dimensions for a run of duct, the joint
allowance dimension from the Joints database is subtracted
from the default length as the system draws each straight (see
Figure 7-2).
Figure 7-1
2” Water Guage System

Joint Allowance 1- 7/8”

Joint Allowance 1/2”
Figure 7-2
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Rectangular Fittings and Round/Oval Fittings
When you select Rectangular Fittings or Round/Oval Fittings from the Spec pull-down, a sub-
menu containing all fittings available in CADPIPE HVAC are displayed. Select a fitting name and the
Fitting Specifications menu for that fitting appears (see Figure 7-3). The Fitting Specifications menu
contains a number of options for changing fitting dimensions.
Figure 7-3
Fitting Dimensions
When the Fitting Specifications Menu appears, you can set your standard default dimensions. You
can set defaults for throats, length, radius, cheek and wrapper offsets, etc.
When Radius Factor is selected for round and rectangular radius elbows, the valve for Radius 2
toggles to represent a proportion of the larger of Cheek 1 and Wrapper 1 (usually Cheek 1). When a
Radius Factor is not activated, Radius 2 represents a set default radius. When Radius Factor is entered
for Radius 2, the value represents a proportion to the duct size of whatever opening the elbow is joined to.
For example, in a 24x12 run, if the radius factor is set to .5, the system automatically adjusts the radius to
12 (.5 of 24) and then draw the elbow correctly.
Any dimension set in the Specifications Database becomes the default dimension that appears on
the Fitting Specifications Menu as you draw. To change a dimension, double click on it in the text box.
A Fittings Dimensions dialog box appears (see Figure 7-4).
Type the new dimension in the Enter New Value field and select OK.
Figure 7-4
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These new dimensions appear when you select the fitting from the Rect or Rnd/Oval pull-down
menus or from the Rectangular or Round/Oval toolbars. The only exceptions are the CHEEK 1 and
WRAPPER 1 dimensions. They are set to the dimensions of the preceding fitting as long you are joined to
that run.
Fitting Name
The Fitting Specifications Menu also includes the option to change the name of the fitting. This
name appears on HVAC Reports if the fitting is found on the drawing.
To change the name, click on the Fitting Name box and enter a new name. You are limited to 14
characters in the report.
Joints
The Joints Database is found on the Spec pull-down menu. The Joints Database allows you to
define the characteristics of the joint connections used by the system. You can select Rectangular or
Round/Oval Joints from the pull-down menu. Selecting one of these brings up the Rectangular or
Round/Oval Joints Configuration dialog box (see Figure 7-5).
Figure 7-5
This dialog box give you access to the current Joints and their settings (Joint Name, Joint Allow-
ance, Flange Size, and Gasket Size). To edit a Joint, select one from the Current Rectangular Joints
list and click the Modify button. To create a new joint click the Create button. You can have 24 rectan-
gular and 24 round/oval joints in your joint file at any time.
When you click the Create or Modify buttons, the Joint Edit dialog box appears. In this example
the Modify button was pushed (see Figure 7-6). The Create Joint dialog looks the same (except its fields
are blank), allowing you to enter your own custom joint information.
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Figure 7-6
Joint Name
To change or add a joint name, select the Joint Name field and enter a new name. This name is
available to use when you set up the joint defaults in the Rectangular Systems or Round/Oval Systems.
The name can be 12 characters in length.
Alternate Joint Name

The Enable Alternate Name toggle allows you to have an alternate name used when the wrapper
dimension is greater than the cheek dimension. Select the toggle, and then you can enter a name in the
Alternate Joint Name field.
Joint Allowance
To set the Allowance for a joint, select the field and enter the number. Allowance is the amount of
metal needed to form the joint. It is subtracted from both ends of the actual length of straight duct (see
Figure 7-7).

Joint Allowance 1- 7/8”
Figure 7-7
Joint Allowance 1/2”
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Flange Size
The Flange Size defines the flange geometry used by CADPIPE HVAC while drawing the flange and
checking for collisions. When Show Flange is activated in the Configuration Menu, the system draws a
flange based on the Flange Size specified in the Joints Database (see Figure 7-8).
Flange 1 1/2”
Figure 7-8
Gasket Size
The Gasket Size defines the gasket allowance that the system uses when connecting duct and fittings.
This number represents 1/2 of the actual gasket size. By defining a Gasket Size, you can be assured that
the dimensions of duct runs on the drawing will be accurate. The system actually creates a gasket space
between fittings and duct on your drawing to ensure the correct dimensions (see Figure 7-9).
Figure 7-9
Gasket size 1/4”

System creates gasket
space of 1/2”
Rectangular Systems-Round/Oval Systems

Rectangular or Round/Oval Systems are selected from the Spec pull-down. The Rectangular or
Round/Oval Systems menu selection allows you to set up and edit the systems available in the Configura-
tion Menu. When you select Rectangular or Round/Oval Systems, a Systems dialog box appears
(see Figure 7-10).
HVAC-75
Figure 7-10
This box lists all the systems available to you. You can have 24 Rectangular and 24 Round/Oval
systems available. If you want to look at the specifications or edit a system, select the System from the
Current Specs list and click the Modify button. If you want to set up a new system, select a System
from the Current Specs list and click either the Create-New button or Create-Same As button.
Create System (Create-New)

Create-New allows you to create a new blank custom system spec. Pressing the Create-New button
brings up the Create New System Spec dialog. To start creating your new system, enter a name in the
New Spec Name field and select a material from the Current Materials list and click OK (see Figure 7-
11).
Figure 7-11
HVAC-76
This brings up the Configure System Spec dialog box (see Figure 7-12).
Figure 7-12
This dialog allows you to set up all of your system specifications parameters: Material, Joints,
Gauges, Layer Options, Vanes/Seams/Reinforcing, and Lining and Wrapper Options.
Material
The Material drop down menu allows you to select a material for your system specification (see Figure
7-13). These default materials all have a weight factor associated with them so that the fitting weight can be
reported in the HVAC Reports.
Custom Materials can be added to this list via the Material Configuration dialog box which is
found under Descriptions-Material on the Spec menu (see Material Descriptions section of this chapter).
Figure 7-13
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Gauge/Length
The Gauge & Length section of the Configure System Spec dialog allows you to set up the gauge
and default lengths specifications used in your shop for that System. For each system you can enter up to
20 records in the Gauge/Length list. These records are used by CADPIPE HVAC to determine the gauge
of the metal used for a particular duct size. There is also a field for you to enter the length for default duct.
CADPIPE HVAC uses this third field to determine the length for straight default duct based on the duct size.
The size of the duct is defined by the cheek or wrapper, whichever is larger (see Figure 7-14).
Figure 7-14
To edit a size range, select the item you wish to edit from the list and enter new values in the Size (up
to), Gauge, and Def. Length fields below the values list. Size (up to) governs a size range up to and
including the specified size. Click the Save Changes button and the list is updated. If you want to create a
new size range, enter your desired values in the Size (up to), Gauge, and Def. Length fields and click the
Add New button. If you want to remove a size, highlight the value and select the Delete button.
Joint Lookup
The Joint Lookup section of the Configure System
Spec dialog allows you to define the joint used for a
particular size. Size dimension is based on cheek or
wrapper, whichever is larger (see Figure 7-15).
Select the Joint Name to edit, enter the Max Size,

and then click Save Changes to update the Joint Lookup
database. The Joint Name must have been created in the
Joints database before it shows up as a choice in the Joint
Name menu.
Figure 7-15
HVAC-78
Layer and Color Control

Distinct layers and colors can be assigned to each system defined in the systems database. The system
design, text, and tag numbers are automatically placed on the layers pre-selected for a given system and its
associated text. The Layer Options tab allows you to set the parameters that control HVAC Layers. There
are three sections in the Layer Options tab with controls for different aspects of HVAC Layers: Layers
Types, Layer Properties for, and Match Layers to Another System Spec. Distinct layers and colors
can be assigned to each system defined in the systems database (see Figure 7-16).
Figure 7-16
The Layers Types field lists the different layer types associated with the current system spec.
You can set the properties in the Layer Properties for section. Select a layer and set its name, color,
or toggle Use System Layer.
The Match Layers to Another System Spec section allows you to match any or all of the Layer
Types to the Layer Types of another system.
Before assigning layers and colors for Tag Layer, Text Layer 1, and Text Layer 2, you must
decide which kinds of text will go on these three organizational layers. Select HVAC Text Layers from the
CPTools pull-down menu. The HVAC Text Layer Types dialog box appears (see Figure 7-17).
HVAC-79
Figure 7-17
Assign each type of text to one of the three organizational layers, then click OK. Your assignment of
text to these three layer types governs the organization of text on the actual text layers of all HVAC systems.
In order to create actual layers for Tag Layer, Text Layer 1, Text Layer 2, Lining Layer, and
Wrapper/Insulation Layer in a given system, select the each one in the LAYERS Types: list on the
System Spec dialog box. In the Layer Properties for section, enter a layer name and choose a color (see
Figure 7-18). You also have the option of using the System Layer (the layer you are using as the Duct/
Fitting Layer for that system).
Figure 7-18
Vanes/Seams/Reinforcing
The Vanes/Seams/Reinforcing tab allows you to select Vane, Seam, and Reinforcing options for
your duct. Simply toggle which Vane/Seam you will be using (Longitudinal, Throat, and Segmented) and
select a type from the corresponding seam type menu (see Figure 7-19).
If you wish to go back and edit Vane/Seam/Reinforcing types on certain duct or fittings after drawing
them, use the Edit Fitting Vane/Seam Info command or Reinforcing Info command found on the Edit
Digi’d Items for menu.
HVAC-80
Figure 7-19
Use Reinforcing Settings

This toggle tells CADPIPE to draw Reinforcing using the settings defined in the Reinforcing Settings
dialog box.. This dialog is accessed by pressing the Reinforcing Settings. . . button. From here you can
select the Reinforcing Type, the Angle information, The Spacing information, and/or the Rod information
(see Figure 7-20).
The Reinforcing and Rod Descriptions that appear in this settings dialog can be edited using the
Reinforcing Descriptions command on the Descriptions sub-menu.
HVAC-81
Figure 7-20
Lining and Wrapper Options

The Lining and Wrapper Options tab allows you to select Lining and Wrapper options for your
duct. From here you can turn Lining and Wrapper on, set its Thickness and choose from existing Lining and
Wrapper Descriptions (see Figure 7-21).
To create Lining Descriptions and Wrapper settings use the Lining Descriptions command or the
Wrapper/Insulation Descriptions command on the Descriptions menu.
If you wish to edit Lining/Wrapper types on certain duct or fittings after drawing them, use the Lining
Descriptions command or the Wrapper/Insulation Info command found on the Edit Digi’d Items for
menu.
HVAC-82
Figure 7-21
Descriptions
Vane Descriptions
The Vanes function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit the Vane Descriptions for your
project. When you select this command from the menu, the Vane Configuration dialog box appears (see
Figure 7-22). This dialog lists the Current Vane Descriptions.
To remove a Vane Description highlight the desired description and press the Delete button. To add
a new Vane Description, type a new name in the Description: field and Press the Add button. Your new
description will appear in the list.
HVAC-83
Figure 7-22
Seam/Styles Descriptions
The Seams function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit the Seam Styles/Descrip-
tions for your project. When you select this command from the menu, the Seam Configuration dialog box
appears (see Figure 7-23). This dialog lists the Current Seam Styles and Descriptions.
Figure 7-23
HVAC-84
To remove a Seam Description highlight the desired description and press the Delete button. To add
a new Seam Description, type a new name in the Description: field and Press the Add button. Your new
description will appear in the list.
You can also access and edit Vulcan Seam Configurations via the three buttons in the Vulcan Seam
Configurations section.
Vulcan Seam Configurations

To set up Vulcan Seam Configurations press one of the Vulcan Seam Configuration buttons in
the Seam Configuration dialog box. This will bring up a Seam Configuration Settings dialog allowing
you to set up your Seam Configurations (see Figure 7-24).
Figure 7-24
Guage Descriptions
The Guage Descriptions function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit the Gauge
Descriptions for your project. When you select this command from the menu, the Gauge Configuration
dialog box appears (see Figure 7-25).
HVAC-85
Figure 7-25
This dialog box allows you to add and edit your Gauge Descriptions. To remove a Gauge Descrip-
tion highlight the desired description and press the Delete button. To add a new Gauge Description, type
a new name in the Description: field and Press the Add button. Your new description will appear in the list.
Material Descriptions
The Material Descriptions function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit the Material
Descriptions for your project. When you select this command from the menu, the Material Configuration
dialog appears (see Figure 7-26). This dialog box allows you to add and edit your Material Descriptions.
Figure 7-26
HVAC-86
To remove a Material Description highlight the desired description and press the Delete button. To
add a new Gauge Description, type a new name in the Description: field and press the Add button. Your
new description will appear in the list. To edit the Weight By Gauge setting, highlight the desired Gauge
and type a new Weight in the Weight(Lbs/Sp Ft) field and press the Save Changes button.
Lining Descriptions
The Lining Descriptions function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit the Lining
Descriptions for your project. When you select this command from the menu, the Lining Descriptions
This dialog lists the Lining Descriptions. To remove a Lining Description highlight the desired
description and press the Delete button. To add a new Lining Description, type a new name in the
Description: field and Press the Add button. Your new description will appear in the list.
Figure 7-27
Wrapper/Insulation Descriptions
The Wrapper/Insulation Descriptions function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit
the Wrapper/Insulation Descriptions for your project. When you select this command from the menu, the
Wrapper Descriptions dialog box appears (see Figure 7-28). This dialog lists the Wrapper Descrip-
tions.
To remove a Wrapper Description highlight the desired description and press the Delete button. To
add a new Wrapper Description, type a new name in the Description: field and Press the Add button.
Your new description will appear in the list.
HVAC-87
Figure 7-28
Reinforcing Descriptions
The Reinforcing Descriptions function on the Descriptions sub menu allows you to edit the Rein-
forcing Descriptions for your project. When you select this command from the menu, the Reinforcing
Descriptions dialog box appears (see Figure 7-29). This dialog box allows you to add and edit your Angle
and Rod Descriptions.
Figure 7-29
To remove an Angle/Rod Description highlight the desired description and press the Delete button.
To add a new Angle/Rod Description, type a new name in the Description: field and Press the Add
button. Your new description will appear in the list.
HVAC-88
Fittings Allowing Vanes
The Fittings Allowing Vanes function on the Spec menu allows you to determine which fittings allow
vanes. When you select this command from the menu, the Fitting Vane Setup dialog box appears (see
Figure 7-30).
The Enable Vanes toggle enables vanes for the fitting type selected in the Fittings list. The Allow For
All Sizes toggle allows vanes for all sizes. You can set a Minimum and Maximum size to allow vanes in
the Allowed Size Range section.
Figure 7-30
Fabrication/Purchase Settings
The Fab/Purchase Settings function on the Spec menu allows you to edit the fabrication settings for
duct and fittings on your drawing. When you select this command from the menu, the Fabrication/Pur-
chase Setup dialog box appears (see Figure 7-31). This dialog box allows you to edit the fabrication/
purchase settings for each fitting.
Figure 7-31
HVAC-89
Backup and Restore Databases
Backup
To backup your database files select Backup from the Spec pull-down menu.A Browse for Folder
Figure 7-32
Select the drive or folder where you would like CADPIPE to place the backed-up files and select
OK. The system displays on the command line that the files are being backed up. An AutoCAD Alert
dialog box appears indicating when the backup is completed successfully (see Figure 7-33).
Figure 7-33
Restore
To restore your database files select Restore from the Spec pull-down. A Broswe for Folder dialog
box appears (see Figure 7-34).
Select the drive or folder that contains the files for your backup and select OK. The system displays
on the command line that the files are being restored. An AutoCAD Alert dialog box appears indicating
when the restore is completed successfully (see Figure 7-35).
HVAC-90
Figure 7-34 Figure 7-35
Specification Database Names

The following is a list of the database file names found in your HVAC directory. If you wish to backup
or restore individual databases, use Windows Explorer to copy whichever files are needed.
HVACDIM1 = Rectangular fittings dimensional database

HVACDIM2 = Round/Oval fittings dimensional database
HVACFPF1 = Rectangular Systems Specification database
HVACFPF2 = Round/Oval System Specification database
HVACJNTS = Rectangular and Round/Oval Joints database
HVACMISC = Default Length database
BEAMHVAC = Beam database
HVAC-91
CHAPTER 8. ACCESSORIES
The HVAC Accessory function is used to create and insert accessories (dampers, access doors,
diffusers, grilles, registers, or louvers) into your drawing. These items are generated from parameters you
set including size, elevation, and description. In addition, you can generate and print a detailed bill of
materials report of all accessories, sorted by size, area, or system.
To insert an accessory item, select Accs from the pull-down menu. A list of the available items ap-
pears on the menu. You may select an item from the list or select Icon Menu... from the bottom of the list
to bring up an icon menu of all available accessory items (see Figure 8-1).
Figure 8-1
Database Setup
The C.F.M. Database is a user-definable database that assists the sizing of diffusers for your HVAC
designs. You can set up any number of C.F.M. Databases by client, job, or type of construction. When
these databases are used, it is easy to size the diffusers according to your specifications for any type of job.
The database consists of a range of C.F.M. sizes and corresponding diffuser neck sizes. When you set a
C.F.M. value, the system searches the database and then selects the neck size for that range.
Creating and Modifying C.F.M. Databases

To set up a C.F.M. Database, you must choose the C.F.M Database option from the Accs pull-
down menu or HVAC Accessories icon box. When you select C.F.M. Database from the menu, the
C.F.M. Database Manipulation dialog box appears (see Figure 8-2).
HVAC-92
Figure 8-2
This dialog box displays the options Modify C.F.M. Database or Create C.F.M. Database. When
you select Modify C.F.M. Database, a standard AutoCAD dialog box appears listing all existing C.F.M.
databases in the directory (see Figure 8-3). This same box appears after selecting Create C.F.M. Data-
base and allows you to enter a new database name.
Figure 8-3
When you choose an existing file, the database values are displayed in the C.F.M. Database dialog
box (see Figure 8-4).
Figure 8-4
HVAC-93
To change or input a new value, double click on a database record. The C.F.M. Database Record
dialog box appears, allowing you to change the values for Neck Length, Neck Width, C.F.M. Low,
C.F.M. High, and Round Size (see Figure 8-5).
Figure 8-5
This same box appears if you select Create C.F.M. Database. Type in a new file name and hit
Enter. Select Add....
When you finish changing or inputting new values, you can save the data by selecting Save or give the
file a new name by selecting the Save as option. The system can create and store as many database files as
you wish.
Rectangular, Round and Linear Diffusers
The CADPIPE HVAC Accessory

function has the ability to draw different
types of air devices for use in your HVAC
design. These include rectangular diffusers
with rectangular or round necks, round
diffusers, linear diffusers, grilles, registers,
and louvers.
The Rct. Diffuser/Rct.Neck, Rct.
Diffuser/Rnd Neck, Rnd Diffuser, or
Linear Diffuser, can be selected from the
Accs pull-down menu or by double clicking
on the text or picture on the HVAC Acces-
sories icon menu. When you select one of
these, the diffuser edit box appears (see
Figure 8-6).
This box allows you to set the physical
dimensions and properties for the diffuser.
The following is a description of each of the
options available.
Figure 8-6
HVAC-94
Sizing Diffusers
Use C.F.M. to Size Diffuser

Activating this toggle instructs CADPIPE HVAC to determine the neck size of the diffuser from the
value entered in the C.F.M. box. The system allows you to specify which C.F.M Database you want to
use for sizing diffusers. The system finds the C.F.M. size range and selects the corresponding neck size to
draw the correct diffuser. When the C.F.M. Database box is not activated, the system uses the dimen-
sions entered in the Neck Length, Neck Width, or Neck Diameter field to determine the diffuser’s neck
size.
Note: You must have defined a C.F.M. Database in order to use this option (see Creating C.F.M. Database, this
chapter).
C.F.M. Database...
This button displays the active C.F.M. Database. If you want a new database for sizing diffusers,
press the button and select a new database from the list displayed in the Select C.F.M. Database to Use
dialog box.
C.F.M.
This edit box specifies the desired C.F.M. performance for the diffuser. This box is only used if the
Use C.F.M. to Size Diffuser box is active.
Diffuser Dimensions
Neck Length and Neck Width

These dimensions determine the rectangular neck size of the diffuser. If you have selected a round
neck diffuser, the box is labeled Neck Diameter (see Figure 8-7). To enter a value, select the box and
type in a new value.
Figure 8-7
HVAC-95
Elevation
This value specifies the distance from the floor to the diffuser. This distance is measured to the bottom
of the diffuser.
Note: Elevation is always measured from the AutoCAD zero Z coordinate.
Angle
This option allows you to rotate the diffuser by a specified angle when it is placed. The angle is a
rotation about the Z axis.
Length, Width and Height

These dimensions control the actual physical size of the diffuser. The system retains any value entered
in these boxes until it is changed. (see Figure 8-8).
Figure 8-8
Supply/Return
This option allows you to specify whether the diffuser is used as a supply or return device. This setting
does not affect how the diffuser appears on the drawing. It lists this information when you generate a
diffuser report.
Contains Damper
Switching this toggle on causes CADPIPE HVAC to note in the bill of materials report that this diffuser
contains a damper.
Horizontal Placement
This toggle determines whether your diffuser is placed horizontally or vertically.
Diffuser Shape
There are two options in the Diffuser Shape section: Tapered Face and Flat Face. Simply toggle
which shape you would like your diffuser to be drawn with (see Figure 8-9).
HVAC-96
Flat Face
Tapered Face
Figure 8-9
Text Options
Text
This box allows you to enter a text string to be placed on the drawing with the diffuser. Default text
placed with diffusers is Neck along with the neck dimension (see Figure 8-10).
Figure 8-10
To change this text type a new text string into the field. The text display is controlled from the Text
Options section of the HVAC Accessory Configuration dialog box (see Figure 8-11). To configure
accessory text, select Configure from the Accs pull-down menu or from the HVAC Accessories icon
menu.
The Text Options section allows you to control whether text associated with accessories is displayed
and to change the Text Size and Text Style.
Figure 8-11
HVAC-97
Comment
This field allows you to associate text (15 characters maximum) unique to that diffuser. The comment
is included in the bill of materials report for air devices.
System
This field allows you to associate a system name or number with the diffuser. When you define a
system name you are able to sort your air device report by system (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Area
In this field you can associate an area or room number with the diffuser. When you define an area,
you are able to sort your air device report by area (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
To place a diffuser, select OK and the following system prompt appears.
Pick location for diffuser:
Select the location (lower left corner of diffuser) and press Enter. You can continue to place diffusers
until you hit Enter.
Grilles, Registers, and Louvers

These air devices work in much the same way as diffusers. The major difference is that their width
dimension is measured in the vertical, like a Linear Diffuser, rather than the horizontal like other diffusers.
When you select the Grille or Register from the pull-down menu or the HVAC Accessory icon
menu, an HVAC Accessories dialog box appears (see Figure 8-12). This box allows you to set the
parameters to draw your grille or register.
Figure 8-12
HVAC-98
C.F.M.
The C.F.M. box allows you to specify a C.F.M. value for the Grille or Register. Unlike the diffuser,
grilles and registers can not be sized using the C.F.M. value. This value is only used for drawing annotation
and reporting purposes. When a value is typed here and Accessory Text Display is toggled on, the text
appears on the drawing with the grille or register. This C.F.M. option is not available when you select
Louver.
Grille, Register and Louver Dimensions
Length, Width and Thickness

These dimensions control the actual physical size of the Accessory. The system retains any value
entered in these boxes until it is changed (see Figure 8-13).
Figure 8-13
Elevation
This value specifies the distance from the floor for placement of the grille, register, or louver. This
distance is measured to the bottom of the grille, register, or louver.
Note: The grille and register have a 1" flange around them. The elevation dimension is to the bottom of the grille or
register and not the bottom of flange (see Figure 8-14).
Figure 8-14
HVAC-99
To place a grille, register, or louver, select OK and the following system prompt appears.
Pick location for grille:
Select the location (lower left corner of item) and press Enter. You can continue to place these devices
until you hit Enter.
Angle
This allows you to rotate the grille, register, or louver by a specified angle as you place it. The angle is
a rotation about the Z axis.
Text Options
Comment
This field allows you to associate text (15 characters maximum) unique to that grille, register, or louver.
This comment is included in the bill of materials report for air devices.
System
This field allows you to associate a system name or number with the grille, register, or louver. When
you define a system name you are able to sort your air device report by system (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE
Reports).
Area
In this field you can associate an area or room number with the grille, register, or louver. When you
define an area you are able to sort your air device report by area (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Supply/Return
This toggle allows you to specify wheter the grille, register, or louver is used as a supply or return
device. This information is included when you generate an accessory report.
Flex Duct/Spin Collar
CADPIPE HVAC allows you to automatically connect a spin collar and flex duct to a diffuser or other
object. Select Flex Duct/Spin Collar... from the pull-down menu or HVAC Accessories icon menu. The
Flex Duct/Spin Collar dialog box appears (see Figure 8-15). This menu allows you to set the parameters
governing the placement of the spin collar and flex duct.
To place the Flex Duct/Spin Collar, follow the system prompts. First select the duct, and then select
the diffuser. You can conitnue to place flex and spin collars until you exit by hitting Enter.
HVAC-100
Figure 8-15
Only Draw Flex Duct

This toggle controls the placement of a spin collar with flex. When this toggle is deactivated, a spin
collar is automatically placed with the flex. Activate this toggle if you want to place flex duct from the end of
a round fitting or pipe (see Figure 8-16). You must first Join to the opening from which you wish to draw
flex.
Figure 8-16
HVAC-101
Spin Collar Diameter
This option defines the diameter of the spin collar.
Spin Collar Length

This option defines the length of the spin collar.
Maximum Flex Length

This option defines the maximum length of flex CADPIPE HVAC uses. The length of flex is deter-
mined by adding the horizontal distance from the duct to the diffuser to the elevation difference between the
duct and the diffuser. If this distance exceeds the Maximum Flex Length setting, CADPIPE HVAC adds
round straight pipe to the spin collar to make up the difference. An AutoCAD alert box appears when this
occurs (see Figure 8-17).
Figure 8-17
When you select OK, the system places the spin collar, the length of round pipe, and the flex (see
Figure 8-18). This round pipe is listed in the Spin Collar Report.
Figure 8-18
Minimum Pipe Length

This option allows you to specify a minimum length for the pipe added to the spin collar. When the
maximum flex length is exceeded and the added pipe length is less than this minimum, CADPIPE HVAC
extends the flex beyond the maximum to fit instead of placing a short piece of pipe.
Graphic Representation
This toggle determines how the spin collar and flex duct is displayed on the drawing. Selecting Single
Line shows the spin collar and flex duct as a single line, whereas Solid shows the spin collar and flex duct
as solids (see Figure 8-19).
HVAC-102
Figure 8-19
Placement on Duct
This determines where the spin collar is placed on the duct. Selecting Side places the spin collar on
the side where the duct was picked. To place the spin collar on the bottom, select Bottom (see Figure 8-
20).
Figure 8-20
Volume Damper and Scoop

Turning on these toggles places a volume damper and scoop in the spin collar. This information is
reported in the Spin Collar Report.
Fire Damper
The CADPIPE Accessory function provides a wide range of dampers and other items needed for
your HVAC drawings. These dampers insert into the duct and are automatically sized.
The Fire Damper, unlike other dampers, is placed as you draw your duct. The CADPIPE Fire
Damper can be placed either like a fitting or auto-routed to a wall. In the auto-route mode, the system
computes the amount of straight duct needed to connect to the fire damper sleeve.
HVAC-103
Placing Fire Damper

The Fire Damper is found on the Accs pull-down menu or on the HVAC Accessory icon menu.
When you select Fire Damper, the Placement Options dialog box appears (see Figure 8-21).
Figure 8-21
This dialog lists the two options for placing the Fire Damper. When you select Place, the Fire
Damper dialog box appears (see Figure 8-22). The Fire Damper dialog box allows you to set the specifi-
cations and select the options for the damper.
Fire Damper Dimensions
Cheek and Wrapper

The Cheek and Wrapper dimensions must correspond to
the dimensions of the duct into which the Fire Damper is placed.
This dimension is set automatically when currently joined to a run.
Inlet/Outlet Collar Length

CADPIPE draws the fire damper with a damper sleeve.
The Collar Length determines the amount of sleeve extending
from the damper (see Figure 8-23).
Figure 8-23
Figure 8-22
HVAC-104
Wall Thickness
Because the fire damper is set into a wall, the wall dimension determines the thickness the fire damper.
If the wall is 8", the fire damper itself will be drawn at 8". The Collar Length is added to the Thickness
dimension for the overall dimension of the damper and sleeve. The Wall Thickness dimension entered will
remain the default until it is changed. If you select Place Damper, be sure to enter the correct Wall Thick-
ness.
Use Separate Sleeve

This toggle places a sleeve inside the fire damper. The sleeve is reported in the Accessory Reports.
Combo Smoke/Fire Damper

This toggle places the fire damper as a combination Smoke/Fire Damper.
Type of Fire Damper
Class
The Class is the type of Fire Damper you choose to use. These buttons, A, B, and C, have no
bearing on how the damper appears on the screen but are reported in the Accessory Report for Damp-
ers. If HVAC Accessory Text Display is toggled on, the letter indicating class appears on the drawing.
Mounting
The Horizontal and Vertical mounting selection is also reported in the Accessory Reports for
Dampers.
Fire Damper Text Options
Comment
This box allows you to associate text (15 characters maximum) unique to that fire damper. This
comment is included in the bill of materials report for dampers.
System
This box allows you to associate a system name or number with the fire damper. When you define a
system name you are able to sort your Damper report by system (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Area
In this box, you can associate an area or room number with the fire damper. When you define an area,
you are able to sort your damper report by area (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
When all parameters for the fire damper are set, select OK, and the system places the damper.
Auto-Route Fire Damper

When you select Fire Damper, the second option on the Placement Option dialog box is Route to
Wall. This option automatically sizes and auto-routes the fire damper and duct into the wall.
When you select Route to Wall, the system prompts as follows.
Select a wall to route to:

HVAC-105
By selecting the wall, the system automatically sets the Wall Thickness on the Fire Damper dialog
box to the correct dimension.
After you select the wall, the Fire Damper dialog box appears. When it appears, the dimensions for
Cheek, Wrapper, and Wall Thickness are already set. You can change the Collar Length, select the
Class and Mounting, and enter any Comment, System, or Area text you want associated with the fire
damper. When you select OK, the system places the fire damper in the wall and adds any amount of
straight duct needed to connect the duct and the damper (see Figure 8-24). At this point, you can continue
selecting duct or fittings.
Note: The wall you select to size the Fire Damper must be a wall drawn using the CADPIPE Architectural Walls
function.
Figure 8-24
If the distance to the wall is greater than the Default Length duct for the System you are drawing,
the Route to Wall function places the needed Default Lengths and any Cut to Length pieces needed to
connect to the fire damper.
Other Dampers and Items
The HVAC Accessory function allows the placement of other types of dampers. These include
Smoke, Backdraft, Volume, and Motor dampers, as well as an Electric Duct Heater and Hot Water
Coil. All of these items are placed in the same way and are sized automatically. To place one of these items,
select it from the Accs pull-down or HVAC Accessory icon menu. The HVAC Accessory dialog box for
other dampers and items appears (see Figure 8-25).
Figure 8-25
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This dialog box allows you to set the Damper Width and entity data to be reported for that damper.
The system automatically sizes the damper, with the exception of the width, when you select the duct or
fitting in which to place it.
Comment
This field allows you to associate text (15 characters maximum) unique to that damper. This comment
is included in the bill of materials report for dampers.
System
This field allows you to associate a system name or number with the damper. When you define a
system name, you are able to sort your damper report by system (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Area
In this field, you can associate an area or room number with the damper. When you define an area
you are able to sort your damper report by area (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
When the parameters for the dampers are set, select OK.
Select a duct:
Pick a straight duct in which to place the damper. The system automatically sizes and places the
damper, centered on the pick point. The label text associated with the damper is placed on the side of the
duct at the point that was picked (see Figure 8-26). To quit placing dampers press Enter.
Note: Dampers and other accessory items can only be placed in straight duct or round pipe.
Figure 8-26
Access Doors
The HVAC Accessory function also allows the placement of Access Doors on your ductwork. You
can select the Access Door from the Accs pull-down menu or HVAC Accessory icon menu. When you
select Access Door an HVAC Accessory dialog box appears (see Figure 8-27).
This dialog box allows you to size, select the type, and assign associated text to the Access Door.
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Figure 8-27
Length and Width

These dimensions are the physical size of the Access Door. If you select Round, the system uses the
Length dimension for the diameter.
Rectangular or Round
These selections determine if the Access Door is drawn as a rectangular or round.
Side, Top or Bottom

These selections determine where the Access Door is placed on the duct.
Insulated
This is an informational toggle only. When activated, the Access Door is reported in the Access
Door Report as being insulated.
Comment
This field allows you to associate text (15 characters maximum) unique to that access door. This
comment is included in the bill of materials report for access doors.
System
This field allows you to associate a system name or number with the access door. When you define a
system name, you are able to sort your access door report by system (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Area
In this field, you can associate an area or room number with the access door. When you define an
area, you are able to sort your access door report by area (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
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VAV Boxes and Fan Units
CADPIPE HVAC allows you to create VAV boxes and fan units automatically. You can then use
these items in your designs, attaching rectangular, round, or flex duct to them. These items are found on the
Accs pull-down or the HVAC Accessory Icon Menu.
Creating a VAV Box

When you select VAV Box from the Accs pull-down or Icon Menu, an HVAC Accessories dialog
box appears (see Figure 8-28). This dialog box allows you to set the size, elevation, inlet/outlet information,
and any report text associated with the VAV Box.
Figure 8-28
Dimensions
Length, Width and Height

These dimensions control the actual physical dimensions of the VAV box. The system retains any value
entered here until they are changed (see Figure 8-29).
Angle
This setting allows you to rotate the VAV box by a specified angle as you place it.
Elevation
The elevation can be referenced from the Top or Bottom of the VAV box (via the Top and Bottom
toggles). Enter an elevation in the Elevation field. This value remains until it is changed.
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Figure 8-29
Report Information
Text
This field allows you to enter a text string that will be placed on the drawing with the VAV box.
If you want to change this text, select it and type a new text string.
Comment
This field allows you to associate a unique text string (15 characters maximum) with a specific VAV
box. The comment is included in the bill of materials report for air devices.
System
This field allows you to associate a system name or number with the VAV box. When you define a
system name you are able to sort your air device report by system (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Area
In this field you can associate an area or room number with the VAV box. When you define an area
you are able to sort your air device report by area (see Chapter 9– CADPIPE Reports).
Inlet/Outlet Information
The CADPIPE HVAC VAV Box accessory function allows you to place an inlet or an outlet on the
four sides of the VAV box. These inlets and outlets can be rectangular or round and can be offset from the
center of the side toward the top or bottom or to the right or left. To set the inlets and outlets for the VAV
box, activate any of the side boxes and then select the Side bar. When you select a Side, the Side # Inlet/
Outlet dialog box appears (see Figure 8-30).
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Figure 8-30
Inlet/Outlet Dimensions
Cheek and Wrapper

These dimensions correspond to the duct size attached to the VAV box. If you have selected Round
for Inlet/Outlet Shape, the selection Diameter appears.
Length
This is the amount of throat drawn for the Inlet or Outlet.
Side Offset
This dimension determines the offset for the inlet or outlet in a right or left direction from the center of
the side. To offset the inlet or outlet to the right, enter a positive number in the box. To offset it to the left,
enter a negative number in the box.
Elevation Offset
This dimension determines the offset for the inlet or outlet in an up or down direction from the center of
the side. To offset the inlet or outlet toward the top, enter a positive value in the box. To offset the inlet or
offset toward the bottom, enter a negative value in the box.
Placing a VAV Box

Once you have provided the information for the VAV box and have selected OK, the following system
prompt appears.
Pick location for VAV Box:
Select the location (lower left corner of VAV box) and press Enter. You can continue to place VAV
boxes until you hit Enter.
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Once you have placed a VAV box, you can use Join to a run to select an inlet or outlet on the VAV
box and then select a fitting from the menu. The system automatically sizes the fitting according to the size of
the inlet or outlet and attaches it to the VAV box. You can also attach flex duct to any round inlet of a VAV
box.
Fan Unit
The Fan Unit selection on the accessory menu works the same as VAV Box. The only difference is
that the Fan Unit function allows you to place an inlet or outlet on the top or bottom of the unit.
Configure Accessory
When you select Configure. . . from the Accs menu or HVAC Accessories dialog, the CADPIPE
Configure Accessory box appears (see Figure 8-31). This dialog allows you to set up your Accessory
Layers, Accessory Text, and Tootip Query information. The Configure Accessory Text/Layers tab is
the default selection.
Figure 8-31
Accessory Layers
The Layer Control Options field lists the current Accessory Layers and their settings. To edit a layer,
select it from the list. You can now perform one of three options: toggle Use System Layer, Rename the
Layer, and Select a new color.
The Use System Layer Toggle tells CADPIPE to use the system defaults (Name and Color) for that
layer.
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The Layer Name: field allows you to edit the layer name. Simply type a new name and click the
Save Changes button.
The Select Color. . . button allows you to change the layer color. Press the button and choose a new
color from the AutoCAD Select Color Dialog.
Accessory Text
Accessory text display is controlled via the Text Options section.
The Display Accessory Text toggle controls whether text associated with accessories is placed on
your drawing.
The Text Size (MSPACE) and Text Size (PSPACE) fields allow you to set the size of Accessory
text in Model and Paper Space.
The Text Style menu allows you to set the style of text used.
Tooltip Query
To set up your Tooltip Query, select the Tooltip Query tab on the Configure Accessory dialog. The
Tooltip Query tab contains two main sections labeled Available Tip Info and Tip Info to Display along
with several buttons and toggles to set up the tooltip query function (see Figure 8-32).
Figure 8-32
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Available Tip Info
hovers over a CADPIPE Item. Use the arrow buttons or double click items to add or remove tip info.
Tip Info to Display

The Tip Info to Display field lists the tooltip information that will be displayed when your cursor
hovers over a CADPIPE Item.
Show Dynamic Tooltip Query

The Show Dynamic Tooltip toggle turns the Tip Info Display off and on. With the Show Dynamic
Tooltip toggle selected, CADPIPE displays the Tip Info. With the Show Dynamic Tooltip toggle un-
checked, CADPIPE will not display the Tip Info.
Label Each Tip

With the Label Each Tip toggle selected, CADPIPE displays the Tip Info Names and Tip Info.
With the Label Each Tip toggle unchecked, CADPIPE displays just the Tip Info.
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CHAPTER 9. REPORTS
The CADPIPE HVAC system can generate reports detailing the duct, fittings, and HVAC accessories
on your drawings. These reports are useful for shipping, estimating, and ordering equipment.
Duct and Fittings Reports
Duct and Fitting reports are automatically generated from the drawing and contain important informa-
tion for shipping and estimating a job. The report includes the following: quantity, tag number, size of en-
trance opening, length (for straights), area in square feet, and weight.
HVAC Reports
HVAC Reports are found in the CPTools pull-down menu and the Design/Utilities toolbar. When
you select HVAC Reports from the menu, a Shipping Report dialog box appears. Options for the
Report Kind (rectangular, round, spiral, or ALL) and the Report Type (straight, cut-to-length, fittings,
Cut-to-Lenght/Fittings, ALL, or duct runs) are available. You also have 13 Report Output options (Dis-
play, Dwg, Clipboard, Printer, ASCII, CSV, CSV/Fabrication, Access Db, Access Db/Fabrication, Cimtec/
Cybermation, Vulcan Cutting Table, and Vicon Cutting Table). To activate the Fabrication and Cutting Table
options, you must purchase the separate Fabrication/Cutting Table add-on. The Job Description can be a
number or title and appears on the report (see Figure 9-1).
Note: Only duct or fittings on active layers (layers turned on) are reported. With this feature, you can turn layers on or
off to report only selective duct systems.
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After specifying your Report Kind, Report Type, and Report Output CADPIPE produces a report
based on your selections.
The Display output option brings up a dialog box conatining the report information (see Figure 9-2).
Figure 9-2
The Dwg output option places the report on your drawing. The report display can be formatted using
the BOM-to-Dwg Format command located on the CPTools menu.
The Print output option sends the file to your printer.
The ASCII, CSV, and Access Database options all save the report to a file. When one of these
options is selected, the Save Report to a File dialog box appears. The file extension corresponds to the
file type select under the Report Output options on the Shipping Report dialog box.
BOM-to-Dwg Format
The BOM-to-Dwg Format command allows you to setup and control how CADPIPE’s BOM
Reports will be displayed on your drawings. When you select this command the CADPIPE BOM For-
matting Utility dialog box appears (see Figure 9-3).
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Figure 9-3
Place Headings with Report

The Place Headings with Report toggle controls the placement of Headings on Reports.
With the toggle ON, CADPIPE places headings. With the toggle OFF, CADPIPE places the report
without headings.
Columns/Information
The Columns section on the BOM Formatting Utility dialog box allows you to set up the columns
and information that appears on BOM Reports. The top half of this section displays the column types and
the information format that is included in the BOM Report. This column and information can be edited using
the buttons located below it. Pressing the << and >> buttons move your selected column left or right
depending on the button pressed. The Delete button removes the selected column from the BOM Report
display. The Modify... button allows you to modify a selected column. It brings up the Column Definition
dialog allowing you to modify the column. The Insert... button allows you to create and insert a new
column. It brings up the Column Definition dialog allowing you to set up a new column. The Copy
From... button allows you to copy the column information from another format. It brings up the Copy
Settings From dialog box.
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Layers and Colors
The Layer and Colors section on the BOM Formatting Utility dialog box allows you to set the
Layer and the colors used to display the BOM Reports. Type a Layer name into the Layer field to create
a layer to place the BOM Report. Click on a color box to select a new color for the BOM text and Head-
ing text. These colors will be used to display the BOM.
Settings For, Etc

The Settings For section on the BOM Formatting Utility dialog box allows you to select the
measurement (Imperial or Metric ) and space (Model or Paper) the BOM format settings will apply.
You can also set the BOM report Row Height in the Row Height field. The Text Height is con-
trolled by the value in the Text Height field. The Text Style can be changed via the Text Style drop
down menu. The Double Space BOM Report toggle allows you to place the text double or single
spaced. The Printer Orientation toggles allow you to select either Landscape or Portrait for printing.
Open For Edit, Default Format

The Open for Edit field shows the BOM Format you are currently editing. The Default Format field
shows the currently selected ‘default’ BOM format.
The Open Format... button brings up an Open BOM Format box allowing you to choose which
BOM format you wish to edit. The Change...button brings up a Select BOM Format box allowing you
to choose which BOM format will be the default format.
Accessory Report
The Accessory Report creates an automatic bill of materials of all accessory items used on the
drawing. When you select Accessories Report from the menu you have the choice of eight types of
reports: Air Device (diffusers, grilles, registers, and louvers), Damper, Access Door, Heater/Coil (electric
duct heater, hot water coil), Flex Duct, Spin Collar, Custom InLine Fitting, and All Accessory Items. You
can also select a Sort Type (System, Area, Total Report) and Report Output option (Display, Clipboard,
Printer, ASCII, CSV, and Access Database). To activate the Fabrication options, you must purchase and
intsall the Fabrication package. The Job Description can be a number or title and appears on the report
(see Figure 9-4).
Figure 9-4
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Note: To sort by system or area, the system or area must have been identified when the device was placed. If this did not
happen, the system defaults to Total Report.
After specifying your Report Kind, Report Type, and Report Output CADPIPE produces a report
based on your selections. The Display output option brings up a dialog box containing the report informa-
tion (see Figure 9-5).
Figure 9-5
The Printer output option sends the file to your printer.
The ASCII, CSV, and Access Database options all save the report to a file. When one of these
options is selectd, the Save Report to a File dialog box appears.
The Flex Unit Length is a value representing the length of the rolls or cartons of flex duct that you
purchase from your supplier. When you enter a value here, the system gives a total length of flex duct by
size, and reports the number of rolls or cartons of the size needed (see Figure 9-6).
HVAC-119
Figure 9-6
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CHAPTER 10. SECTION VIEWS
The CADPIPE HVAC Drawing Sheets menu Contains commands associated with creating Drawing
Sheets, Layouts, and Sections.
Sheet Layout
CADPIPE provides direct access to some AutoCAD tools to help you set up layout sheets. The
Sheet Layout sub-menu on the Drawing Sheets pull-down has four options for creating sheet layouts:
New Layout, New Layout with Wizard, Model Space Viewport(s), and Manual Setup.
New Layout
The New Layout menu option creates a new layout tab. The following message appears at the
command prompt.
Enter new Layout name <Layout#>:
Press Enter to use the name AutoCAD automatically assigns (inside the brackets on the command
line), or type a new name and then press Enter. The new layout sheet is created.
New Layout with Wizard

The New Layout with Wizard menu option brings up the AutoCAD Create Layout dialog box (see
Figure 10-1). This dialog box contains a series of steps, taking you through the process of creating a new
layout. You can choose to create a new layout from scratch or use an existing layout template as a base for
your new layout. CADPIPE provides several example title block templates listed in the Create Layout
dialog box.
Figure 10-1
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Depending on which plotting device is currently configured, you can select a paper size from those
available. You can select a predefined title block from a list and apply it to the new layout you are creating.
The preview area displays a preview image of the title block you select.
When finished using the wizard to specify your layout settings, you can modify any of the settings using
the Page Setup dialogue box from within the new layout.
Model Space Viewport(s)

The Model Space Viewport(s) menu option brings up the AutoCAD Viewports dialog box (see
Figure 10-2).
Figure 10-2
This dialog box enables you to create and modify your model space viewports. Please refer to your
AutoCAD documentation and/or help files for more information on using this dialog box.
Manual Setup
The Manual Setup menu option enables you to manually set up drawing sheets. When selected, it
runs the AutoCAD MVSETUP command and displays the following prompt on the command line.
Enable paper space? [No/Yes] <Y>:
Selecting yes will create a new layout sheet and display the next prompt containing all the nessecary
options for you to create a new layout sheet.
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Enter an option [Align/Create/Scale viewports/Options/Title block/Undo]:
Please refer to your AutoCAD manual and/or help files for more information on creating layout sheets
with these commands.
Section/Floor Plan Views. . .
The Section/Floor Plan Views. . . sub-menu on the Drawing Sheets pull-down contains two
options for setting up and generating sections and plan views. They are: Setup/Generate and Generate.
Setup/Generate
The Setup/Generate menu option displays the Section / Floor Plan Views -- Setup dialog box.
From this dialog box you can setup and generate multiple section views and floor plan views
Section
Selecting the Section toggle in the Section / Floor Plan Views -- Setup dialog box activates the
Section View options (see Figure 10-3).
Figure 10-3
HVAC-123
Section Number
This field allows you to create customized names/numbers for your section views. Type the name/
number you wish to assign to the section. The text in this field appears on the section marks.
Text Size
This field allows you to set the text size of the section marks that appear in your view.
Text Style
This option allows you to set the text style of the section marks you are placing.
Ref. Drawing
This field allows you to name a reference drawing for your section view.
Section Arrow Style

Allows you to choose the arrow style for the section marks that appear on your drawing (see Figure
10-4).
Figure 10-4
basic section arrows standard section arrows
Section View From

Allows you to pick the direction you want to view the section from.
Digitize Area
This button allows you to digitize the area of the drawing that makes up your section view. CADPIPE
automatically returns to the drawing and prompts you to select a first and second point for the section area.
Generate View
While setting your section view parameters, this button is greyed out. It becomes active once they are
set, and you can use it to instantly generate your Setion View. CADPIPE prompts you to select the
viewport in which the view appears.
Creating Multiple Views

CADPIPE gives you the ability to set up multiple section views from this dialogue box. To do this, set
all neccessary parameters for your first section view. Then click the OK button and CADPIPE clears the
previous settings, allowing you to create another section view. Once you have created all section views
needed, they can be generated and accessed from the Section / Floor Plan Views -- Generate View
dialog box (see Figure 10-6).
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Floor Plan
Selecting the Floor Plan toggle in the Section / Floor Plan Views -- Setup dialog box activates the
Floor Plan options (see Figure 10-5).
Figure 10-5
Floor Plan Description

This field allows you to set a name for the floor plan. This description will be listed in the Section /
Floor Plan Views -- Generate View dialog box.
Upper Elev
This field allows you to enter the upper elevation for the floor plan clipping planes.
Lower Elev
This field allows you to enter the lower elevation for the floor plan clipping planes.
Digitize Elevations. . .
This button allows you to digitize points on the drawing to indicate the upper and lower elvations the
floor plan clipping planes.
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Generate View
While setting your Floor Plan parameters, this button is greyed out. It becomes active once they are
set and you can use it to instantly generate your Floor Plan. CADPIPE prompts you to select the viewport
in which the view appears.
Creating Multiple Floor Plans

CADPIPE gives you the ability to set up multiple plan views using this dialog box. To do this, set all
neccessary parameters for your first Floor Plan. Then click the OK button and CADPIPE clears the
previous settings allowing you to create another Floor Plan. Once you have created all plan views needed,
they can be generated and accessed from the Section / Floor Plan Views -- Generate View dialog box
(see Figure 10-6).
Generate
The Generate menu option brings up the Section / Floor Plan Views -- Generate dialog box (see
Figure 10-6). This dialog box displays a list of Section Views and Floor Plan views. If you have not set up
any views before selecting this option, the dialog box appears empty.
Figure 10-6
Section
The Section toggle activates the Select Section View list allowing you to choose which section view
you would like to generate. Simply highlight your chosen view and click the Generate View. . . button.
CADPIPE prompts you to select a viewport to place the view.
Digitize the viewport for the section view:
Note: You should set up all your layout sheets and viewports prior to generating the section views..
Floor Plan
The Floor Plan toggle activates the Select Floor Plan View list allowing you to choose which floor
plan view you would like to generate. Simply highlight your chosen view and click the Generate View. . .
button. CADPIPE prompts you to select a viewport to place the view.
Digitize the viewport for the section view:
Note: You should set up all your layout sheets and viewports prior to generating the floor plan views.
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Delete View. . .
The Delete View. . . button allows you to select either a section or floor plan view (depending on
which list is active) and delete it. Highlight the view you wish to delete, click the Delete View. . . button,
and the selected view will be removed from the list.
Clear Clipping Planes
The Clear Clipping Planes command is located on the Drawing Sheets pull-down menu. This menu
option removes all clipping planes set during the setup of section and/or floor plan views.
Settings
The Settings sub-menu on the Drawing Sheets pull-down provides access to several AutoCAD
commands to aid in the annotation of your section view drawings.
Dimension Styles
The Dimension Styles menu option brings up the AutoCAD Dimension Style Manager dialog box
(see Figure 10-7). This dialog box enables you to manage and customize the deminsion styles you are
placing on your drawings. Please refer to the DIMSTYLE section of your AutoCAD manual or help files for
detailed descriptions on the use of this dialog box.
Figure 10-7
DIMSCALE
The DIMSCALE menu option sets the overall scale factor applied to dimensioning variables that
specify sizes, distances, or offsets. The following prompt appears on the command line.
Enter new value for DIMSCALE <0’-1”>:

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DIMTXSTY
The DIMTXSTY menu option specifies the text style of the dimension. The following prompt appears
on the command line.
Enter new value for DIMTXSTY <“Standard”>:
DIMASZ
The DIMASZ menu option controls the size of dimension line and leader line arrowheads. It also
controls the size of hook lines.
Enter new value for DIMASZ <0’-0 3/16”>:
DIMTXT
The DIMTXT menu option specifies the height of dimension text, unless the current text style has a
fixed height.
Enter new value for DIMTXT <0’-4”>:
Symbols
The Symbols sub-menu on the Drawing Sheets pull-down provides access to several AutoCAD
commands enabling you to add various symbols to your section view drawings.
North Arrow
The North Arrow menu option allows you to place a north arrow on your drawing. Once selected,
the following options appear on the command line.
Specify insertion point or [Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotate]:
From here you can either select the insertion point or enter an option.
Scale
Sets the scale factor for the X, Y, and Z axes. The scale for the Z axis is the absolute value of the
specified scale factor.
X/Y/Z
X sets the X scale factor, Y sets the Y scale factor, and Z sets the Z scale factor.
Rotate
Sets the angle of insertion for the North Arrow.
PScale
Sets the scale factor for the X, Y, and Z axes to control the display of the block as it is dragged into
position.
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PX/PY/PZ
PX sets the scale factor for the X axis to control the display of the north arrow as it is dragged into
position. PY sets the scale factor for the Y axis to control the display of the north arrow as it is dragged into
position. PZ sets the scale factor for the Z axis to control the display of the north arrow as it is dragged into
position.
PRotate
Sets the rotation angle of the north arrow as it is dragged into position.
Revision Cloud
The Revision Cloud menu option allows you to place a revision cloud on your drawing. The following
appears on the command line.
Digitize Start Point of Revision Cloud [eXit/Options] <eXit>:
Flow Arrow, Small

The Flow Arrow, Small menu option allows you to place a small flow arrow on your drawing. Once
selected, the following options appear on the command line.
From here you can either select the insertion point or enter an option. Refer to the option descriptions
under the North Arrow heading for more information.
Flow Arrow, Large

The Flow Arrow, Large menu option allows you to place a large flow arrow on your drawing. Once
selected, the following options appear on the command line.
From here you can either select the insertion point or enter an option. Refer to the option descriptions
under the North Arrow heading for more information.
Battery Limit
The Battery Limit menu option allows you to place battery limit information on your drawing. Once
selected, the following appears on the command line.
Digitize Battery Limit start point <Exit>:
Select the a point on your drawing and CADPIPE prompts you to pick another point.
To point :
Press Esc to end the Battery Limit command.

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Annotation
The Annotation sub-menu on the Drawing Sheets pull-down provides access to several AutoCAD
commands enabling you to add various annotations to your section view drawings. They are: Place Coordi-
nates and W.P. Elevation.
Place Coordinates
The Place Coordinates menu option allows you to place selected coordinates on your drawing. The
following appears on the command line.
Digitize Point to Annotate <Exit>:
Pick a point and the CADPIPE-Place Coordinates dialog box appears (see Figure 10-8). From
here you can choose what text will be displayed and whether or not to place a CenterLine Symbol. Make
your selections in the dialogue box and click OK.
Figure 10-8
You are prompted to pick a text start point and rotation angle, and CADPIPE places the coordinate
text.
W.P. Elevation
The W.P. Elevation menu option allows you to place work point elevation information on your
drawing. The following appears on the command line.
Digitize Work Point <Exit>:
Pick a point and next you are prompted to pick a text start point.
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CHAPTER 11. ARCHITECTURAL FUNCTIONS
CADPIPE provides you with several architectural drawing aids to enable you to quickly draw struc-
tural and architectural details for your drawing. All objects created using these functions are created as 3-D
objects. The architectural objects that can be created include Columns, Beams, Joists, Walls, Ceiling
Grids, and Lights. These functions are found in the Arch pull-down menu.
Columns
The Columns function can create rectangular columns or use a vertical Beam as a column. The
columns are drawn as 3-D objects and placed on their own layer named COLUMNS. The system auto-
matically creates this layer when you select Columns from the menu.
Placing Rectangular Columns

When you select Columns from the menu, the following prompt appears.
Point for Column:
The system uses this point as the center point for the column. If you have a centerline grid on the
drawing, use the AutoCAD INTERSECTION SNAP mode and select the intersections for your column
placement (see Figure 11-1).
Pick Point Pick Point
Figure 11-1
When you select the point for your column, the Column dialog box appears allowing you to size the
column and select other options (see Figure 11-2).
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Figure 11-2
Height
The Height dimension is the vertical dimension of the column. It is measured from 0 elevation to the
top of the column. If you desire to place a column at an elevation other than 0, first place the column and
then change the bottom elevation of the column by using the CADPIPE Move Fitting(s) command and
give it a new Z dimension.
Width and Depth

These are the horizontal dimensions of the rectangular column. Width refers to the X distance while
Depth is the Y distance on the screen (see Figure 11-3).
Figure 11-3
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Beams as Columns
The Column function allows you to place a beam as a vertical column. This is an automatic process
when you select Use Beam (see Figure 11-4) in the Column dialog box.
Figure 11-4
When you select Use Beam, the Select Type of Beam dialog box appears (see Figure 11-5).
Click on the type of beam you want and the Beam Database dialog box appears or choose Cancel and
enter the beam in text boxes. Choose the proper beam from the list by clicking on it. Select OK to return
to the Column dialog box.
When you select OK, the beam is placed vertically, in the same manner as the rectangular columns
(see Figure 11-6).
Figure 11-5
HVAC-133
Figure 11-6
Rectangular
Beam
Rotate
The Rotate box allows you to enter an angle by which to rotate the column as it is placed. To rotate
the column, toggle on the Rotate box and enter an angle in the deg box.
Beams
The Beam function allows you to create 3-D structural beams for placement in your drawing. These
Beams will be placed on their own layer named BEAMS. This layer is created when you select Beams
from the menu. The Beams function is found in the Arch pull-down.
Placing Beams
When you select Beams from a menu, the Select Type of Beam dialog box appears. Choose the
type of beam you want, then the following system prompt appears.
Column/First Point for Beam:
This prompt gives you two options to identify a starting point for the beam; you can pick a start point
or select a column.
Pick Point
If you choose to pick a point for the start of the beam, move the cursor to the desired location and
press Enter. All beams use centerline for placement. If you have a centerline column grid layout on your
drawing, you can use the AutoCAD INTERSECTION SNAP mode and select the intersections of the
centerlines to place your beams (see Figure 11-7).
HVAC-134
Figure 11-7
When you select a point, the system issues the following prompt.
Elevation of Beam <<X’-X”>>:
Here you must enter the elevation for the top, center, or bottom of the beam or accept the default
elevation by pressing Enter. The default elevation is the last elevation used in the Beams function.
Note: When you select the beam from the beam database, you can determine if you want that beam placed by top,
center, or bottom (see Beam Database dialogue box, Figure 11-8).
When you enter an elevation, the following prompt appears.
Column/Second Point for Beam:
Select a second point for the end of the beam. When you select this point, the next prompt is issued.
Elevation of Other End <<X’ -X”>>:
At this prompt, you must enter an elevation for this end of the beam or accept the default by pressing
Enter. The default is the elevation entered with the first point of the beam. The system prompts you for the
elevation twice because you can draw a sloping beam.
Beam Size
When you enter an elevation or select the default, the following prompt appears.
Beam Number or Size/<<Enter for Database>>:
You have the option to enter a beam number (W14x78) and the system sizes the beam from the Beam
Database, or to enter a beam size (12x14), or to press Enter and search through the Beam Database for
a certain beam.
If you enter a beam number (such as W14X78), the system sizes the beam and places it on the
drawing. If you enter a beam number not found in the database, the Beam Database dialog box appears
(see Figure 11-8). When it appears, you can add the beam number to the database and then place it. If
you enter a size (such as 12x14), the system places a beam using the dimensions entered. The example
(12x14) would result in a beam with a flange of 12" and a height of 14".
HVAC-135
If you press Enter, the Beam Database dialog box appears (see Figure 11-8).
Figure 11-8
When the Beam Database dialog box appears, you can scroll through the Beam Names directory
and select the correct beam by clicking on it. When you click on the beam name, the system updates the
Width and Depth dimensions to the dimensions of the selected beam. To place the beam, select OK.
Pick a Column
If you have drawn your columns using the CADPIPE Column function, you can type C at the follow-
ing system prompt.
Column/First Point for Beam:
The following prompt appears.
Pick a Column to Place Beam On:
When you select a column, the system automatically selects a point in the center of the column as a
starting point for the beam and sets the correct elevation for the beam placing it on the top of the column.
The system issues the following prompt.
Column/Second Point for Beam:
Type C again and select a column. When you select another column, the system automatically sets the
elevation for the beam and pick a point so that the beam is centered on the columns. After selecting the
columns the system prompts.
Beam Number or Size/<<Enter for Database>>:

HVAC-136
You have the option to enter a beam number (W14x78) and the system sizes the beam from the Beam
Database, or to enter a beam size (12x14), or to press Enter and search through the Beam Database for
a certain beam.
If you enter a beam number (such as W14X78), the system sizes the beam and places it on the
drawing. If you enter a beam number not found in the database, the Beam Database dialog box appears
(see Figure 11-8). When it appears, you can add the beam number to the database and then draw it.
If you enter a size (such as 12x14), the system will draw a beam using the dimensions entered. The
example (12x14) would result in a beam with a flange of 12" and a height of 14".
If you press Enter, the Beam Database dialog box appears (see Figure 11-8).
When the Beam Database dialog appears, you can scroll through the Beam Names directory and
select the correct beam by clicking on it. When you click on the beam name, the system will update the
Width and Depth dimensions to the dimensions of the selected beam. To place the beam, select OK. The
system will place the beam on the selected columns (see Figure 11-9).
Places Beam in Center
Pick Column
Places in Center
Pick Column
Figure 11-9
Place By: Top, Center, Bottom

The Place By box allows you to designate where the beam is to be placed with regard to the
elevation that was entered when the system prompted for a beam elevation. The beam is placed according
to the button selected in this box. Selecting Top uses the elevation as the top of the beam, Center centers
the beam Depth at that elevation, and Bottom places the bottom of the beam at the entered elevation.
Beam Orientation (channel, angle, and tee beams)

When you select a channel beam, angle, or tee beam name, the Select Orientation dialog box
appears allowing you to specify the direction in which you want the beam to face (see Figure 11-10).
Select the direction button and OK. The system places the beam.
Note: You can also use any beam as a column (see Beams as Columns in this chapter).
HVAC-137
Figure 11-10
CADPIPE Beam Database

The CADPIPE system includes a database of beam sizes and designators. The information for sizes
and designators for the beam database was obtained from the American Institute of Steel Construction for
imperial dimensions and from the Canadian Institute for metric dimensions.
Edit Beam DB
Edit Beam DB is found in the Arch pull-down menu. When you select Edit Beam DB, the Select
Type of Beam dialog box appears. Choose the type of beam you want and then the Beam Database
dialog box appears (see Figure 11-11). This dialog box contains options to Add, Change, or Remove an
item and to Print the database.
Figure 11-11
Beam Names
This is a list of all beams in the beam database. The name consists of an alpha designator and numeric
values. The alpha character designates the shape of the beam (see Figure 11-12), while the numeric values
signify nominal Width and Depth dimensions.
HVAC-138
W Shapes
S Shapes
C Shapes
Figure 11-12
Add...
The Add feature allows you to add additional beams to your database. When you select Add, the
BeamDB Edit dialog box appears (see Figure 11-13).
Enter the Beam Number and Beam Dimensions in the proper boxes and select OK to add the
beam to the database.
Figure 11-13
Change...
The Change feature allows you to select an existing beam in the database and change any part of the
Beam Number or any Beam Dimension. When you select Change, the BeamDB Edit box appears
(see Figure 11-13), allowing you to select the values you want to change.
Remove
This feature removes a beam from the database. Pick the beam you want to remove from the Beam
Names list and select the Remove button.
HVAC-139
Print
The Print function sends the database file to a printer.
Joist
The Joist function allows you to create 3-D open web joists for placement in your drawing. These
Joists are placed on the JOISTS layer. This layer is created when you select Beams or Joist from the
menu. The Joist function is found in the Arch pull-down.
Placing Joists
When you select Joist from the menu, the following prompt appears.
First Point for Joist:
When you select a point, another prompt appears.
Second Point for Joist:
After you have selected the second point, the Open Web Joist dialog box appears (see Figure 11-
14).
Figure 11-14
Joist Dimensions
Width and Depth

The Width and Depth dimensions refer to the size of the joist. The Width dimension is the width of
the top and bottom flanges of the joist. The Depth refers to the dimension between the top and bottom
flanges (see Figure 11-15).
HVAC-140
Figure 11-15
Elevation 1 and Elevation 2

The Elevation 1 and Elevation 2 values correspond to the elevation at the first pick point and
elevation at the second pick point for the joist. The system draws a sloping joist if these elevations are
different.
Number of Webs (on top)

This number determines how many webs are placed in the joist. The system places the specified
number of open webs on the top flange of the joist.
Place By: Top, Center, Bottom

The Place By box allows you to designate where the joist is to be placed with regard to the elevation
that has been entered in the Elevation 1 and Elevation 2 boxes. The joist is placed according to the
button selected in this box. Selecting Top uses the elevation as the top of the joist, Center centers the joist
Depth at that elevation, and Bottom places the bottom of the joist at the entered elevation.
Length, Angle, and Web Length

These values are for your information and are determined by the points picked and value entered in
Number of Webs box.
Walls
The Walls function creates 3-D walls for your architectural backgrounds. The Walls function is found
on the Arch pull-down menu. The walls are placed on their own layer named WALLS. This layer is
automatically created when you select Walls from the menu.
HVAC-141
Drawing Walls
When you select Walls from the menu, the following prompt appears.
Enter the elevation for the bottom of the wall <<X”>>:
At this prompt you can select the default or enter a new elevation. The default is the last entered wall
elevation.
When you press Enter, the following prompt appears.
Enter the elevation for the top of the wall <<X”>>:
At this prompt you can select the default or enter a new elevation. The default is the last entered wall
elevation.
Enter the wall thickness <<X”>>:
At this prompt select the default or enter a new wall thickness. The default is the last entered wall
dimension.
Left/Right/<<Select First Point>>:
There are three options with this prompt. If you select a point the system uses that point as the
centerline of the wall and widens the wall from the centerline. If you select Left by typing L and then select
the points, the system assumes these points are the left side of the wall and widens the wall from the left. If
you select Right by typing R and then select the points, the system assumes that these points are the right
side of the wall and widens the wall from the right (see Figure 11-16).
First Pick Point Second Pick Point
Figure 11-16
HVAC-142
Note: The Left or Right side of the wall is determined by the direction in which the wall is drawn.
When you select the first point for the wall the following prompt appears.
Newwall/Close/Quit/Undo<<Next Point>>:
At this prompt you can continue to select points for the wall and then press Enter to draw it. You can
Undo a point any time during the selection of points by typing U and Enter. You can then repick the point.
The Quit option quits the wall command without drawing any walls. The Close option closes the boundary
of the points that have been picked and draws the wall. You must have picked at least three points to use
the Close option. The Newwall option will draw the wall and return you to the following prompt.
Enter the elevation for the bottom of wall <<X”>>:
When picking the points to define your walls, you can use all the AutoCAD OBJECT SNAP modes
(see AutoCAD manual OBJECT SNAP modes).
Grids
The Grid function creates ceiling grids at specified elevations and sizes for use in your drawing. The
Grid function is found on the Arch pull-down. The grid is placed on its own layer named GRID. This layer
is automatically created when you select Grid from the menu.
Drawing a Ceiling Grid

When you select Grid from the menu, you are prompted to select a boundary to define the area of
grid placement. The following system prompts appear when you select Grid.
Select First Point:
Select a point and the next prompt appears.
Close/Undo/<<Next Point>>:
At this prompt you can continue to select points to define the grid boundary to draw it. You must
select each corner of the grid boundary. When all corners have been selected, use the Close option to
close the boundary. You must have picked at least three points to use the Close option. You can Undo a
point any time during the selection of points by typing U. You can then repick the point. When the bound-
ary has been defined the following prompt appears.
Point to Start Grid From:
Select the point from which you want the grid to be drawn.
Note: You can use the AutoCAD SNAP OBJECT modes when selecting points.
When you select a point, the Ceiling Grid dialog box appears (see Figure 11-17).
HVAC-143
Figure 11-17
The Ceiling Grid dialog box allows you to set the dimensions determining the size and elevation of the
grid.
Grid Dimensions
Width and Depth

The Width is the dimension of the grid in the X direction and the Depth is the dimension of the grid in
the Y direction.
Elevation
The Elevation of the grid is measured from the floor (0-Z coordinate).
Rotation
You can select the Rotation box and enter an angle in the deg box to rotate the grid before placing it.
After setting the dimensions and elevation, select OK. The system draws the ceiling grid (see Figure
11-19).
Lights
The Lights function creates rectangular or round lights at specified elevations and sizes for use in your
drawing. The Lights function is found on the Arch pull-down menu. The lights are placed on their own
layer named LIGHTS. This layer is automatically created when you select Lights from the menu.
When you select Lights from the menu, the following prompt appears.
Placement Point (Lower Left Corner) for light:
When you select a point, the Light dialog box appears (see Figure 11-18).
The Light dialog box allows you to set the dimensions determining the size and elevation of the lights.
HVAC-144
Figure 11-18
Light Dimensions
Width, Depth and Height

The Width is the dimension of the light in the X direction, Depth is the dimension of the light in the Y
direction, and Height is the dimension of the light in the Z direction.
Elevation
The Elevation of the light is measured from the floor (0-Z coordinate).
Rotation
You can select the Rotation box and enter an angle in the deg box to rotate the light before placing it.
After setting the dimensions and elevation, select OK. The system draws the light (see Figure 11-19)
Figure 11-19
HVAC-145
Draw ‘X” in Light

When this toggle is on, an ‘X’ will be drawn in the lights you place on the drawing. The default setting
is on.
Archictural Configure
The Configure. . . command on the Arch pull-down menu allows you to set up your Architectural
layers and Tooltip Query information. When you select it, the CADPIPE Configure Archictural dialog
box appears (see Figure 11-20).
Figure 11-20
Architectural Layers
To set up your Architectural Layers, select the Configure Architectural Layers tab on the
Configure Architectural dialog.
The Layer Control Options field lists the current Architectural Layers and their settings.
To edit a layer, select it from the list. You can now perform one of three options: toggle Use System
Layer, Rename the Layer, and Select a new color.
The Use System Layer Toggle tells CADPIPE to use the system defaults (Name and Color) for that
layer.
The Layer Name: field allows you to edit the layer name. Simply type a new name and click the
Save Changes button.
HVAC-146
The Select Color. . . button allows you to change the layer color. Press the button and choose a new
color from the AutoCAD Select Color Dialog.
Architectural Tooltip Query

To set up your Tooltip Query, select the Tooltip Query tab on the Configure Architectural dialog.
The Tooltip Query tab contains two main sections labeled Available Tip Info and Tip Info to Display
along with several buttons and toggles to set up the tooltip query function (see Figure 11-21).
Figure 11-21
Available Tip Info

hovers over a CADPIPE Item. Use the arrow buttons or double click items to add or remove tip info.
Tip Info to Display

The Tip Info to Display field lists the information that is displayed when your cursor hovers over a
CADPIPE Item. Use the arrow buttons or double click items to add or remove tip info.
Show Dynamic Tooltip Query.

The Show Dynamic Tool Tip toggle turns the Tip Info Display On and Off. With the Show Dynamic
Tool Tip toggle selected, CADPIPE displays the Tip Info. With the Show Dynamic Tool Tip toggle
unchecked, CADPIPE will not display the Tip Info.
Label Each Tip

With the Label Each Tip toggle selected, CADPIPE displays the Tip Info Names and Tip Info. With the
Label Each Tip toggle unchecked, CADPIPE displays just the Tip Info.
APPENDIX A. AVAILABLE FITTINGS
Rectangular Fittings Round and Oval Fittings
Straight Straight
Cut to Length Straight Cut to Length Straight
Square 90 Degree Elbow Spiral
Radius 90 Degree Elbow 90 Degree Elbow
Square Non-90 Degree Elbow Non-90 Degree Elbow
Radius Non-90 Degree Elbow Straight Tee
Square Tee Conical Tee
Radius Tee Lateral
Square Y-Branch Conical Lateral
Radius Y-Branch Reducing Tee
Square Cross Reducing Conical Tee
Radius Cross Reducing Lateral
Pants Reducing Conical Lateral
Transition 0 Degree Y-Branch
Offset 30 Degree Y-Branch
Drop Cheek 90 Elbow 45 Degree Y-Branch
Drop Cheek Non-90 Elbow 60 Degree Y-Branch
Drop Cheek Tee 90 Degree Y-Branch
Drop Cheek Y-Branch Straight Cross
Drop Cheek Cross Conical Cross
Square Goose Neck Lateral Cross
Radius Goose Neck Conical Lateral Cross
Square to Round/Oval Reducer
Straight Takeoff Offset
Radius Takeoff Round/Oval to Square
Rectangular Tap Rectangular Tap
Round/Oval Tap Round/Oval Tap
Boot Shoe Tap Boot Shoe Tap
Flex Connector Flex Connector
End Cap End Cap

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CADPIPE HVAC

Before you begin installation

Starting CADPIPE HVAC for Windows

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO HVAC ............................ 13

CHAPTER 2. HVAC CONFIGURATION ................................. 17

CHAPTER 3. DRAWING DUCTWORK ........................ 25

CHAPTER 4. AUTO-ROUTE/ROUTING LINE ........................ 45

CHAPTER 5. COLLISION CHECKING ................................... 54

CHAPTER 6. EDIT TOOLS .................................................... 59

CHAPTER 7. HVAC SPECIFICATIONS ................................. 70

CHAPTER 8. ACCESSORIES ................................................. 91

CHAPTER 9. REPORTS ...................................................... 114

CHAPTER 10. SECTION VIEWS ......................................... 120

CHAPTER 11. ARCHITECTURAL FUNCTIONS ...................... 130

APPENDIX A. AVAILABLE FITTINGS .................................. 147

HVAC Menus and Toggles

Rectangular Toolbar Round and Oval Toolbar

Cut-to-Length Join to Cut-to-Length Join to

Straight Start a Run Straight Start a Run

Collision Check On/Off Configure Collision Check On/Off Configure

Undo Back Undo Back

Design/Utilities Toolbar Architecture Toolbar

Turn Down HVAC Reports Arch Configure Lights

Configure Rct. Diffuser/ Rnd. Neck Electric Duct Heater

CFM Database Rnd. Diffuser Hot Water Coil

Smoke Damper Linear Diffuser Flex Duct/Spin Collar

Backdraft Damper Plenum VAV Box

Fire Damper Access Door Fan Unit

Volume Damper Grille Custom Inline Fitting

Motor Damper Register Icon Menu

Rct. Diffuser/Rct. Neck Louver

Before You Start To Draw

Pick fitting here

show flange off

Use Reference Base Elevation

Starting Elevation for New Run

Use Duct Inside Dimensions

Use Double-Wall Duct

Selecting this toggle enables you to draw with double-wall duct.

Undo Back Options

Configure Rectangular -- Text Options

Display Selected Tag Type

Elevation Display Options

Text Size Options

Configure Rectangular -- Tooltip Query

Available Tip Info

Tip Info to Display

Show Dynamic Tooltip Query

Label Each Tip

Figure 2-9 Figure 2-10

Rnd/Oval to Sqr: In Shape; Sqr to Rnd/Oval: Out Shape

Starting elevation <X’-X”>:

Select a duct to join to:

Fitting Specifications Menu

Up, Down, Normal-Rectangular and Oval Fittings

Select a duct to join to:

Continue vertically or Join to branch

Up, Down, Normal-Round Fittings

Press a key to return to Fitting Specifications Menu...

Select a duct to join to:

Drop Cheek Fittings

Offsets and Transitions

Cheek and Wrapper Offset