Create unlimited lighting variations with advanced parametric control
Introduction
The PD_LTF Rectangular Luminaire Family is a powerful, fully parametric Revit family that allows users to create limitless lighting fixture configurations, all at LOD 400. Whether you’re designing linear luminaires, surface-mounted lights, recessed fixtures, or suspended fittings with up/down lighting, this family offers unmatched customization and reporting.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- How to use the family effectively
- Key parameters and their functions
- Best practices for adjusting emergency symbols, blank plates, and trims
- How to leverage its built-in electrical and COBie data
1. Key Features & Improvements
The PD_LTF Rectangular Luminaire is a complete redesign of its predecessor, incorporating:
✅ Emergency Symbol Enhancements:
- Fully parametric blue emergency symbol with adjustable size, position, and visibility.
- Custom positioning for linear emergency lighting.
✅ Blank Plates for Linear Lights:
- Two blank plates can be added anywhere along the luminaire’s length.
- Ideal for Presence Detectors (PDs), smoke detectors, or other devices.
✅ Advanced Height Control & Reporting:
- Streamlined mounting height logic.
- Clear height reporting for improved coordination.
✅ Robust Error Prevention & Auto-Adjustments:
- Prevents input errors (e.g., zero-dimension entries).
- Auto-scaling emergency symbol to match trim size.
✅ Flexible Installation Options:
- Surface-mounted, recessed, or suspended configurations.
- Up/down lighting support for suspended fittings.
✅ Enhanced Data & Labels for Coordination:
- COBie-compliant parameters.
- Asset labels for mounting height, rating, and subtype visibility.
2. How to Use the Family
A. Setting Up the Light Fitting
- Load the family into your Revit project.
- Place the fixture in the desired position.
- Adjust key parameters (explained below) to configure your light.
B. Adjusting Dimensions
Overall Dimensions:
- Length:
PD_DIM_AssetLenght1
- Width:
PD_DIM_AssetWidth1
- Height:
PD_DIM_AssetHeight1
- Length:
Trim Adjustments (for recessed fittings):
PD_DIM_Trim1
(Left)PD_DIM_Trim2
(Right)PD_DIM_Trim3
(Top)PD_DIM_Trim4
(Bottom)
3. Customizing the Emergency Symbol
- Enable the Emergency Symbol
- Set
PD_DATe_IsEmergency
to Yes (activates visibility).
- Set
- Positioning the Symbol
- Use
PD_EMG_Symbol_position
to move it along the luminaire.
- Use
- Resizing the Symbol
PD_EMG_Symbol_length
auto-adjusts, but can also be manually overridden.
4. Configuring the Blank Plates
To add blank plates (used for Presence Detectors or other devices):
Enable Blanks
- Use
PD_Blank_QTY
to specify how many blank plates are needed (max: 2).
- Use
Positioning the Blanks
- Adjust
PD_BlankPosition1
andPD_BlankPosition2
.
- Adjust
Resizing the Blanks
- Set
PD_Blank_Lenght
as per manufacturer specification
- Set
5. Electrical Properties
This family includes fully parametric electrical parameters to ensure correct load calculations.
The only input required to set up the load is the PD_Date_Current
parameter
6. Control Mounting Angle, Heigth & Visibility
A. Mounting Options
- Recessed / Surface-Mounted: To adjust the mounting use the
PD_DIM_AssetHeight_Offset
parameter. Enter ‘zero’ for surface-mounted lights and for recessed lighting type values, which are the same as the depth of the luminaire but negative. If you want the fitting to protrude slightly below the ceiling, use value at least 1 mm less than the fitting depth - Suspended: Enable
PD_DATe_IsUplight
for uplighting. - Wall-Mounted: Set
PD_DIM_Rotate_X
to 90°.
B. Adjusting Visibility in Views
- Dont worry about View Region Adjustments:
- Instead Enable
PD_DAT_ExtendToCeiling1
orPD_DAT_ExtendToFloor1
. - However, first set the correct ceiling height using parameter
PD_DIM_CeilingHeight1
– this is project and/or room-specific, typically set from FFL to concrete ceiling slab, alternatively to the suspended ceiling height
- Instead Enable
- Control Clearance Zones for Clash Detection:
- Toggle
PD_DAT_IsClearanceVisible1
. - Set clearance height using
PD_DIM_ClearanceHeight1
parameter
- Toggle
7. Control Label visibility and parameters
Each luminaire in the family includes a customisable label that provides essential data such as mounting height, type, sub-type, and rating. These labels can be turned on/off and adjusted in position for optimal readability in your Revit views.
A. Label Parameters and Their Functions
Parameter | Function |
---|---|
PD_DAT_IsNoteHeight1 | Shows or hides the mounting height label. |
PD_DAT_IsNoteRating | Displays the power rating (e.g., 20W). |
PD_DAT_IsNoteType | Toggles visibility of the type label (e.g., “AE”). |
PD_DAT_UseType | Main label parameter, always used. Default example: "AE" |
PD_DAT_SubType | Adds additional categorization if needed. |
B. Positioning the Labels
To ensure proper alignment, you can control the label position using:
PD_DIM_OffsetSymbol-X
→ Moves the label left/rightPD_DIM_OffsetSymbol-Y
→ Moves the label up/down
These parameters help in fine-tuning the placement.
8. Metadata & Compliance Information
This family includes COBie data, which is essential for compliance. All parameters have been provided, ready to be populated by the user
Summary
The PD_LTF Rectangular Luminaire Family is a versatile, highly parametric lighting solution that simplifies project workflows. By leveraging its customizable trims, emergency symbols, blank plates, and electrical properties, you can configure any type of light fitting with precision.
🔗 Download the latest version here: Project Design (IO) Ltd
What’s Next?
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