The Ultimate BIM Knowledge Hub
Your one-stop resource for BIM electrical.
Revit Guides
Data Management
ELI5
smart building
The term “smart building” was originally introduced by the European Union in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)[1] as one of the main enablers of the future of the built environment,
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
It is a UK green building certification system, launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), similar to LEED. Both systems confirm the level of the sustainability performance of
diffusion
a process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system E.M. Rogers, Diffusion of Innovations, Free Press, New York, 1995.
agent
…’An agent is just something that acts (agent comes from the Latin agree, to do). Of course, all computer programs do something, but computer agents are expected to do more:
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in the UK: Technical Requirements and Implementation Executive Summary Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) represent a significant advancement in electrical fire safety. This whitepaper provides
Physical Asset
A physical asset is an item of economic, commercial, or exchange value that has a material existence.Physical assets are also known as tangible assets.For most businesses, physical assets usually refer
carbon sink
A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that captures and stores morecarbon than it releases. Examples include forests, oceans, soil and potentially timber buildings. We need these reservoirs
Association
An association is used to link data and artefacts to flow objects. Non-flow objects, such as text and graphics, can be associated with flow objects and flow.[1] Symbol [1] Silver,
property
inherent or acquired feature of an item[SOURCE: BS ISO 6707-1:2017, 3.7.1.3] NOTE Examples include thermal efficiency, heat flow, sound reduction index and acoustic power level.PAS 14191:2020
Consumer Unit
Atype of single-phase board for the control and distribution of electrical energy, principally in domestic premises. In the ProDesign software,a consumer unit (CU) can be split into three sections,each with
BS EN ISO 21597-2:2020
Information container for linked document delivery. Exchange specification. Link types
BIM collaboration format (BCF)
BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) is an open file format that allows the addition of textual comments, screenshots, and other information on top of the IFC model layer for improved communication
information exchange
verb act of satisfying an information requirement (3.3.2) or part thereof [cited from ISO 19650-1:2018(en), 3.3.7]
Insurance Backed Alliancing projects under the IPI model
Introduction Martin Davis member of the New Models of Construction Procurement (NMCP) Working Group and the Integrated Project Insurance (IPI) mentor describes the Integrated Project Insurance model (IPI) coupled up
energy let-through of a device (I2t)
I2t The energy let-through of a device in A2s. The total amount of energy let through by a protective device for a given level of fault current at a stated
Project Template_RVT_2022
Revit Electrical Project Template 2022 v22.2.1 Template For: Electrical Engineers, Bim Managers, Electrical Designers Setup: Typically 2–4 hours — quicker for experienced users. View Details Technical Details Released: Apr 29,
BS 8536-1:2015
Briefing for design and construction Part 1: Code of practice for facilities management (Buildings infrastructure)
Competent person
Aperson who possesses sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills and experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger and,where appropriate,
Design Web Format
Design Web Format (DWF), created by Autodesk. DWF is a compressed, non-editable, vector file format created by CAD and BIM applications. A DWF file can represent sheets for plotting purposes
BS 8541-1:2012
Library objects for architecture, engineering and constructionPart 1: Identification and classification – Code of practice Note: ISO 22014 and ISO 22057 are under development tosupersede BS 8541, parts 1-6.
BS EN ISO 16757-2:2016
Data structures for electronic product catalogues for building services—Part 2: Geometry
Gateway (Exclusive)
[XOR] When splitting, directs the sequence flow to one of the outgoing branches. When merging, it waits for one incoming branch to finish before starting the outgoing flow.[1] Symbol
The Centre for Digital Built Britain
The Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) CDBB is a partnership between the University of Cambridge and The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It is the custodian
Semantic Web
The Semantic Web, as defined by Ontotext[1] is the extension of the existing information and data on a network (or Web) to include data descriptors, which are intended to allow
Project Team
All parties appointed for the project are defined as members of the Project Team. Each function can be fulfilled by either an individual or multiple people throughout the course of
Organizational Information Requirements (OIR)
ELI5-S1: BIM Basics E7: OIR explained information requirements in relation to organizational objectives BS EN ISO 19650‑1:2018 (3.3.3)
Supporting Information
Supporting information shall be used where applicable and relevant to fully understand and evaluate information requirements or acceptance criteria. Supporting information includes but is not limited to: Existing site surveys
Appointing party
Appointing party term introduced in BS EN ISO 19650 it is meant to replace PAS 1192 term ‘Employer’ ISO 19650 term depends on where in the hierarchy the employer is
Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC). All necessary heating, ventilation air-conditioning and specialty equipment, including air distribution ducts for supply, return, and ventilation and exhaust ducts, including control system, registers, diffusers,
Electrical Abbreviations & Acronyms Reference
Electrical Abbreviations & Acronyms Reference This table contains 377 commonly used electrical abbreviations and acronyms, covering everything from current ratings and protection devices to power systems and components.It’s designed to
Organisational Purpose
A sense of organisational purpose is an essential part of promoting organisational effectiveness, which motivates individuals to do work and create something or justify the existence of something. Cooperation
Construction Manager at Risk
Various key characteristics of CM@Risk include: there are separate contracts for design services and for construction services; the contract for construction services may be entered into at the same time
Dimensionality
A dimension of space, such as width, height, or length. can be zero-dimensional (location point), one-dimensional (e.g. line, curve, path), two-dimensional (e.g. surface, face), or three-dimensional (e.g. surface, face) (e.g.
Strategic Objectives of BEP
Objectives of BEP shall be allignwed with Exchange Information Requirements (EIR), an example of Strategic Objectives for a project have been listed below: Meet Level 2 BIM compliance, in accordance
UK Earthing & Bonding Design Reference
UK Earthing & Bonding Design Reference (Edition 2025 – aligned with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, Amendment 3 (2024), and draft Amendment 4 (2026), also drawing from official UK Power Networks standards) Scope,
Workspace
A collection of content libraries and supporting files that define and embody a BIM standard. A workspace includes BIM libraries such as wall types, standard steel shapes, furniture, HVAC fittings,
Emergency Lighting in Toilet Cubicles
Summary
1. If the toilet has borrowed light and is less than 8m square:
a. There is no need for emergency lighting, however,
b. If there is a cubicle with full height door – therefore closed without borrowed lighting – then the EM lighting would be required in that cubicle.
2. If the overall toilet has no borrowed light,
a. And the WC cubicles do not have full-size doors; there should be at least one emergency outside row of cubicles.
b. If there is a cubicle with full height door – therefore closed without borrowed lighting – then the EM lighting would be required in that cubicle.
As-Built Model
Model(s) based on Fabrication Shop Model(s) and installed conditions.1 1 1 The Massachusetts Port Authority, 2015. BIM Guidelines for Vertical and Horizontal Construction.
The Level of and Progression Management systems
The ISO 19650 set of standards introduces a new term: ‘Level of information need’ which is designed to replace the terms used in BS EN 1192 such as Level of
reference document
publication that is consulted to find specific information, particularly in a technical or scientific domain EXAMPLE See EN 771-1:2011+A1: 2015.Note 1 to entry: A reference document can be associated with
Model View Definition (MVD)
One or more specific information exchange requirements may necessitate the need for a model view definition (MVD). A machine-readable representation of MVDs is required when using them in software development.
Project Information Standards
Project Information standards shall be covered within the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). Standards In line with BIM Goals and Uses to ensure continuity that information containers are structured, coordinated, managed
BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
The purpose of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is to clearly define the actions required of each member of the project team in order to successfully deliver the BIM workflows
Harmonic rating factor (Ch)
Ch Rating factor used for calculating theminimum required cable size in the presence of harmonic currents.See BS7671:2018,Appendix 4, section 5.5.
BIM Strategic Lead
Responsible for project strategic direction from the tender stage, guides project set up and advises on the project when needed. Typical Lead Appointed Party BIM staff duties include: Development of
systems thinking
System thinking is an approach to integration based on the idea that each component or part of a system acts differently when isolated from its environment and other parts of
Lean construction
Lean Construction is the method of project management aiming to reduce waste on a project and improving the efficiency and quality of produced work [1]. The aim to reduce overproduction,
Sub-Process (Expanded)
The sub-process boundary is expanded, and the details (a process) are visible within it. It is important to note that sequence flows cannot cross the boundary of a sub-process.[1] Symbol
Rating factors
Rating factors are divided into the nominal rating of the circuit protective device (In) to determine theminimum current-carrying capacity (Iz) of a cable in a circuit. For example:Iz = In/(Ca
