How to connect BIM cable trays at right angles

To connect cable trays at right angles in Revit, use cable tray fittings with 90° bends and configure angle settings in the Electrical Settings dialog or via smart bend tools. Step 1: Load Cable Tray FittingsBefore creating right-angle connections, ensure that your project has the necessary cable tray fittings loaded. In Revit, go to the Cable Tray Fitting section and load channel fittings such as vertical inside bend, vertical outside bend, and 90° horizontal bends.

This ensures that the software can automatically insert the correct fitting when you create a 90-degree turn. Step 2: Configure Angle SettingsOpen the Electrical Settings dialog and navigate to the Angles pane. Here, you can: Use Specific Angles: Select 90° to ensure all bends snap to right angles.

Set an Angle Increment: This allows you to define increments (e.g., 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) for precise placement. These settings help maintain consistency and prevent misaligned bends when drawing cable trays. Step 3: Draw the Cable TraySelect Cable Tray with Fittings from the type selector.

Click to start the tray at your desired location. Drag the tray along the first segment, then click to create a 90-degree turn. Revit will automatically insert the appropriate fitting if loaded.

Continue drawing the next segment along the new direction. Step 4: Use Smart Bend Tools (Optional)For faster and more precise modeling, consider using add-ins like GreaterBIM Smart Bend, which allow you to bend cable trays up, down, left, or right at standard angles including 90° directly in 2D or 3D views. This eliminates manual adjustments and ensures consistent results.

Step 5: Verify and AdjustAfter placing the trays: Check the bend radius and ensure it meets project standards. Adjust offsets or clearances if the tray intersects other systems. Use the routing preferences to automatically select the correct fittings for future bends.

Step 6: Scheduling and ParametersIf you need to schedule or tag the angle of each fitting: Create a shared parameter for the angle. Assign it to the cable tray fittings and update via Dynamo if necessary. This allows the 90° bends to appear in schedules and documentation.

By following these steps, you can efficiently connect cable trays at right angles in BIM, ensuring accurate modeling, proper fitting selection, and consistent documentation.