How to Create Electrical Work in ArchiCAD: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you ready to streamline your electrical design process in ArchiCAD? This guide walks you through a couple of effective methods that will help you quickly and efficiently create electrical drawings.

Whether you’re working on simple residential projects or complex commercial ones, you need a method that suits both the project’s needs and your workflow.

In this post, I’ll take you through different ways to approach electrical work in ArchiCAD, and help you decide which method will work best for you. By following these steps, you’ll save time and be more accurate in delivering detailed project outputs.

Understanding Different Approaches in ArchiCAD
When it comes to creating electrical layouts in ArchiCAD, there are multiple approaches to consider. The method you choose depends on the type of project, whether it's residential or commercial, and the level of detail required.

Essentially, you’ll either use ArchiCAD's built-in tools to create simplified diagrams or involve additional tools like piping and cable trays to deliver a more comprehensive BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach.

Choosing Based on Project Type and Expectations
Your project’s scope will often dictate which method works best. For instance, creating electrical layouts for a residential building doesn't require the same level of detail that is needed in commercial projects.

For a residential home, you might only need a simplified 2D electrical layout that shows the placement of lights, sockets, and switches. For a commercial project, like a restaurant or a factory, stakeholders may expect more comprehensive schematics, including 3D representations, cable trays, and detailed wiring.

Available Resources and Downloadables
Before diving into the process, make sure you download the necessary assets that supplement your project. You can find materials, templates, and the project file used in this demonstration on the Patreon platform. Having these assets will not only save you time but also help you follow along more effectively.

🟡Project Assets: https://rb.gy/16pyhe

🟡Project Assets: https://rb.gy/16pyhe

🟠 Download ArchiCAD Template Here: https://rb.gy/lqkshh

🔵ArchiCAD Resources: https://msbim.store/

Setting Up: The First Steps
When you start working on electrical layouts in ArchiCAD, the proper setup is crucial for a smooth workflow. Begin by switching from an architectural profile to an MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) profile. This profile offers tools specifically geared toward engineering tasks, like placing power outlets, switches, and lighting.

You can do this by simply navigating to the options work environment, then applying the MEP Engineering Profile.

Commercial Project Example: Electrical Layout
Let's take a look at a real-world example, a commercial kitchen electrical layout. Here, piping is used to route cables that feed power to the necessary points—power outlets, light switches, and sockets. This method provides not only a visual map but also insight into how the system will physically work on-site.

These piping elements can also be viewed in 3D, which allows the project’s stakeholders to better visualize the electrical system. During presentations, you can even use exploded views, which separate and break down the visuals for easier understanding.

Residential Example: Basic Wiring Layout
On the other hand, for smaller residential projects, you might prefer a less intense method. With this approach, the wiring is visible directly in the layout. This is a great option when stakeholders need simpler visualization. Using standard 2D lines to indicate wiring, you can quickly create a clean and clear electrical layout.

Legends: Making Everything Clear
When working with electrical layouts, having legends is key. They help keep the client and other stakeholders on the same page, clearly indicating what each symbol represents. In ArchiCAD, you can create two types of legends:

1. Symbol-based legends, which show the symbolic representation of each electrical component.
2. Image-based legends, which provide a more visual cue by showing an object’s image.

Both are useful, and it's completely up to you and the project’s requirements which one to use.

Switching to the MEP Engineering Profile
After setting the foundation, it's time to switch to the MEP engineering profile, where you can access ArchiCAD's specific tools dedicated to electrical schemas. Start with placing your main electrical components such as switches, sockets, and lights.

The process begins by quickly dropping lights and fixtures into the model. However, to make full use of the MEP profile tools, switch back and forth as needed, especially if you're using both architectural and mechanical tools during the process.

Placing Lights and Fixtures
Using the Design Tools Palettes, you can place interior and exterior lighting with ease. You’ll find different types of lighting like ceiling lamps, fluorescent lights, and wall-mounted lights. Simply choose your style, and place them in your layout, room by room.

For example, in a living space like a kitchen, using fluorescent lights near workspaces or ceiling lights for general lighting could be ideal. For exterior spaces, wall-mounted sconces strategically placed at entry points provide good visibility.

Placing Switches and Power Sockets
When placing switches and sockets, you’ll need to think about usability and accessibility. What’s the distance from the light switches to the door? Is the power socket in a good location for furniture layout or equipment?

Place your switches close to entry and exit points for ease of use. Position sockets in convenient spots throughout the room, especially in areas where people are likely to set up electrical equipment like TVs or computers.

Wiring: Simplified vs. Detailed
Depending on your project’s level of detail, you can use one of two methods to represent your electrical wiring.

In simpler residential layouts, you can use the poly line tool to indicate the wiring between switches and fixtures. This method doesn’t provide a high level of detail but works perfectly for a low-complexity schematic.

In more complex projects, such as commercial spaces, wiring can be represented with higher detail using the MEP profile’s cable tray tools and piping systems. This detailed approach gives you a way to visualize where your cabling will run, ensuring that the system is functional, efficient, and up to code.

Setting Up Cable Trays and Piping
In cases demanding more technical detail, such as large commercial or industrial projects, you would use cable trays and piping to channel your wires neatly and systematically.

First, sketch out how you envision the system working. Start with the main distribution board (DB) and sketch out where the cables will run. Then, you can lay down the cable trays and piping in ArchiCAD. This step is vital if you're aiming for high precision and accurate costing.

Start by using the MP Systems Settings to assign your cabling strategy. Once that's done, you can place a main tray and run pipes from it to the respective fixtures and outlets.

Creating Electrical Legends for Presentation
Once your electrical layout is ready, it’s time to create legends and quantities for easy reference. The schedule function in ArchiCAD allows you to create a comprehensive report of the electrical elements used in your project—including symbols, descriptions, and quantities.

By adding specific fields like 2D representations and preview images from your object library, you can create a legend that will make communication easier with clients and contractors. This also ensures that everyone working on the project is aligned on what each symbol means.

Final Steps and Refinements
Before finalizing everything, go back to your 3D view to make sure all of your lights, switches, sockets, and trays are in position and set to the correct heights.

This step reduces errors when it comes time to share plans or start construction.
Also, make sure that your legend is clear and accessible. Switch to your layout view and drag your final legend into place, ensuring that the scale and positioning are just right.

Wrapping It Up
In ArchiCAD, you have a variety of methods to create electrical layouts, whether you're working on a simple home or a large industrial project. The trick lies in choosing the right method for the job.

A small-scale residential project may only need a few lines and symbols, while a large-scale commercial job will benefit from detailed MEP tools that offer full cable tray and piping systems.

Whatever method fits your project’s needs, efficiency and detail are key to delivering quality work. If you're ready to dive deeper into each approach, or want to see more advanced tutorials, feel free to explore the assets available on Patreon and let me know what topics you'd like me to cover in the future. Happy designing!