Introduction
CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms is a program for the architectural modelling of terminal elements in electrical and telecommunications systems, such as switches, sockets, and audiovisual and telephony connectors.
It can also check the points of use per room and the permitted installation of electrical equipment in bathtub and shower electrical zones.
Workflows supported by the program
As CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms is an Open BIM tool and is connected to the BIMserver.center platform, it offers different workflow options.
Data entry
Free modelling / with templates
- Defining the elements in the system by entering them freely in CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms.
- Defining the elements in the system in CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms based on DXF/DWG, DWF templates or images (.jpeg, .jpg, .bmp, .wmf).
Importing BIM models
If the CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms project is linked to a BIM project on the BIMserver.center platform, the following actions can be carried out:
- Importing the model with the building geometry. This allows users to generate the building’s floor plan and to enter the system’s elements based on this geometry:
- Importing models designed in CYPE Architecture.
- Importing models designed in IFC Builder.
- Importing models in IFC format with IFC Uploader (generated by CAD/BIM programs such as Allplan, Archicad and others).
- Importing models designed in Autodesk Revit with the Open BIM - Revit Plugin.
- Importing the position of home appliances to be used in the automatic electrical outlet generation process in CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms:
- Importing home appliance models from CYPE Architecture.
- Importing the geometry of the sanitary appliances to be used in the process of automatic generation of electrical zones in CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms:
- Importing sanitary appliance models from CYPE Architecture.
- Importing sanitary appliance models from Open BIM Water Equipment.
Data output
- Exporting drawings to DXF, DWG and PDF formats.
- Exporting the bill of quantities to FIEBDC-3 format.
- Exporting the information generated with CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms to the BIMserver.center platform using IFC and GLTF formats. The information can then be viewed by authorised project participants and the circuit and load distribution of the system can then be modelled with CYPELEC Distribution.
Work environment
The CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms interface has two tabs with different work environments: "Project" and "Bill of quantities". Both environments are similar to those in other CYPE programs and have a system of dockable windows that can be customised to adapt the workspace to the project's needs.
"Project" tab
When starting, the tab activated by default is the "Project" tab. This tab presents a work environment that allows the system design to be carried out quickly and easily, both in a 3D view and in any type of 2D view (such as floor plans and elevations). This way, the elements can be entered into the system using the most appropriate view at any given time.
The "Project" tab displays the following:
- a top toolbar where users will find the tools to manage the project options, enter and edit the elements in the system, rooms and connections, and carry out the analysis and checking of the system;
- the modelling area on the right-hand side of the screen, where all the elements of the project are entered, edited and displayed;
- and, on the left-hand side, several panels with tools for defining the project views and managing the visibility of the elements read from the BIM model and the own elements entered in CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms.
"Bill of quantities" tab
On the other hand, the "Bill of quantities" tab allows users to manage the bill of quantities of the elements in the system that have been entered, and includes the following:
- a top toolbar where the tools for creating and editing the bill of quantities are located, as well as the tools for managing and creating reports;
- a graphic window with its own toolbar, located on the right-hand side, where the different elements in the job can be displayed;
- and a specific area for structuring the bill of quantities, on the left-hand side.
Data input and output sequence for modelling terminal elements of electrical and telecommunication installations
The terminal elements of the electrical and telecommunication installations can be modelled in the program using the following input and output sequence:
- Creating a new job (from "File", "New").
- (Optional) Linking to BIMserver.centre and, in the import wizard, defining codes, importing catalogues and reading and classifying spaces read from the BIM model.
- (Optional) Revising and configuring general options (from "Project, "General options").
- (Optional) Revising and configuring manufacturers' catalogues (from "Project", "Catalogues").
- Placing of terminal elements of the electrical and telecommunication installations in the work area. This can be done in two ways:
- Generating the outlets automatically from the equipment (such as electrical appliances and television sets) read from the BIM model ("Elements" group, "Generate outlets" option).
- Entering the terminal elements manually ( other options in the "Elements" group: mechanisms, light points, emergency, etc.).
- (Optional) Defining and placing the protection volumes (from "Elements", "Volume").
- (Optional) If the rooms have not been read and classified from the spaces of the BIM model in the import wizard, the rooms must be defined and assigned manually ("Rooms (Point of use)" group, "Define" and "Assign" options).
- (Optional) Managing the assignment of outlets to the elements of the BIM model. This can be done in several ways:
- If the automatic generation of outlets ("Elements", "Generate outlets") has been used, the assignment will have already been done automatically.
- For manually entered elements, you can either perform a manual assignment ("Assign outlets", "Assign") or generate the outlet assignment ("Assign outlets", "Assign").
- Entering connections between the terminal elements and mechanisms entered (from "Connections", "Connect").
- Analysing and checking the model ("Analysis" group).
- (Optional) Consulting checks on the spaces ("Rooms" group (Use points), "Consult checks" option).
- (Optional) Managing and generating the bill of quantities ("Bill of quantities" tab).
- Obtaining reports and drawings (from "File", "Reports/Drawings").
- Exporting to BIMserver.center (from "BIMserver.center", "Share").
Defining the project characteristics
In the "Project" tab, in the "Project" group of the main toolbar, the following project data can be defined:
General options
Allows users to define the general options of the system or to import them from the following standard specifications:
Options
- Drawing symbols
- Electrical zones
- Points of use by room
- Processing of the equipment of the BIM model
Selection of standard specifications
- Europe
- Definition of the electrical zones (IEC 60364-7-701)
- Spain
- Definition of the electrical zones (IEC 60364-7-701)
- Points of use in home indoor installations (REBT, ITC-BT-25)
- Portugal
- Definition of the electrical zones (RTIEBT, parte 7 / Seccão 701)
- Points of use in home indoor installations
Details of the above-mentioned facilities are given below.
Drawing symbols
The "Configuration" window is used to define the symbols to be used in the system drawings. It has three tabs:
- References
Allows users to configure the reference text of the following elements:- Lighting point
- Emergency
- Mechanism
- Electrical zone
- Labels
Activates or deactivates the information that appears in the element labels:- Lighting point (reference, elevation)
- Emergency lighting (reference, elevation)
- Mechanism (reference, elevation)
- Electrical zone (reference, elevation)
- Connection (reference)
- Symbols
Allows the elements' symbols to be designed manually or to be imported from files on disk:- Designing symbols using lines, areas, arcs, circles and text boxes.
- Importing symbols from DXF/DWG and DWF files
Electrical zones
- Checks on electrical zones (optional)
Allows users to activate and detail the checks carried out by the program on the electrical zones, as well as the number of zones to be considered and the geometry of the surfaces surrounding them.
It features the following tabs: - Definition
Defines the number and geometry of the surfaces defining the electrical zones in bathtubs and showers.- Number of zones
Specifies the number of zones to be considered in the project.
- Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3
Defines the geometry of the horizontal and vertical surfaces that surround each of these zones, both for bathtubs or showers with and without manifolds, as well as their colour.
- Number of zones
- Checks
Controls whether or not the installation of electrical equipment is permitted in the different electrical zones according to their characteristics.
Points of use by room
Allows users to create rooms and define the minimum number of points of use in each of them, to check that the room meets the minimum requirements.
- Room reference
- Description
- Colour
- Points of use
Table defining the minimum number of points of use for each type to be used in the room according to different conditions. The following parameters are indicated in each line:- Mechanism (switch, push button, lighting point, plug base, 25A plug base)
- Criteria
- Condition (>, >=, =, <=, <)
- Value
- Units
Processing of the equipment of the BIM model
Allows users to set the automatic generation of electrical outlets from the equipment read from the BIM model, which is performed by the program using the "Generate outlets" option from the main toolbar in the "Project" tab.
- Electrical equipment
Extractor fan, cooker, refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, computer and television - Type of electrical outlet
Plug base, 25A plug base, multiple socket base (x2) and multiple socket base (x3) - Height of the generated outlets
BIM model
Allows users to consult and modify the data of the elements entered in the model through a series of tables that contain the following information:
- Frames: reference, X, Y, Z, angle
- Lighting points: reference, X, Y, Z, angle
- Emergency lighting: reference, X, Y, Z, angle
- Zones: reference, X, Y, Z, angle
- Connections: reference; X, Y, Z (coordinates of the initial point); X, Y, Z (coordinates of the end point); curvature factor
Entering elements
Within the "Project" tab, in the "Elements" group of the main toolbar, the following elements can be defined and entered:
When entering the system elements in the model, they are shown with their actual dimensions, their symbols and their reference tags. The elements can be entered in any model view, whether 3D or 2D as floor plans or elevations. The elements entered will also appear in the tables of the "BIM model".
Generate outlets
The program allows users to automatically generate and assign the necessary electrical outlets and antennas to the equipment imported from the BIM model according to the configuration used in "Processing of the equipment of the BIM model" in the "General options" section of the "Project" group.
Vertical mechanism
Allows an electrical mechanism to be inserted into the model in a vertical position. This means that the following parameters must be defined:
- Reference
- Frame (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 mechanisms)
- Configuration of each mechanism:
- Key (switch, double switch, plug base, watertight plug base, push button, double push button, key card switch, movement detector, SAT-TV-FM, phone jack, light regulator, empty panel, USB, HDMI, USB-HDMI, 25A plug base, optical fibre)
- Single-pole switch, commutator, intermediate switch
Horizontal mechanism
Allows an electrical mechanism to be inserted into the model in a horizontal position. The following parameters must be defined:
- Reference
- Frame (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 mechanisms)
- Configuration of each mechanism:
- Key (switch, double switch, plug base, watertight plug base, push button, double push button, key card switch, movement detector, SAT-TV-FM, phone jack, light regulator, empty panel, USB, HDMI, USB-HDMI, 25A plug base, optical fibre)
- Single-pole switch, commutator, intermediate switch
Lighting point
Allows a lighting point to be entered into the model. The following parameters must be defined:
- Reference
- Type selection: lamp, ceiling lighting point, wall lighting point, outlet for incandescent lamp, fluorescent light
Lighting points can be connected to lighting mechanisms by means of connecting lines to form ignition circuits.
Emergency
Allows users to enter emergency lighting in the model. The following parameters must be defined:
- Reference
- Type selection: emergency lighting, emergency lighting (fluorescent)
Zone
Allows an electrical zone to be entered into the model. The following parameters must be defined:
- Reference
Enters the reference of the electrical zone. - Bathub or shower with manifold or Shower without manifold
Allows the type of sanitary appliance to be selected. - Height
Defines the height of the sanitary appliance (only for "Bath or shower with manifold"). - Definition of the location that contains the bathtub or shower
- Dimensions (A x B)
Enter the plan dimensions of the sanitary appliance. - Location examples
Allows the following location examples to be imported:- Bathtub or shower in corner
- Bathtub or shower in corner with fixed wall
- Distance between the sanitary appliance and the left wall, head wall, right wall or foot wall
Allows walls to be defined at a given distance from the sanitary appliance on all four sides on plan. This information is automatically generated if the data import of the "Location examples" option is used.
- Walls
Allows fixed walls to be entered in any position by providing the following parameters. This information is automatically generated if the data import of the "Location examples" option is used.- x0, y0 (initial point)
- x1, y1 (final point)
- Thickness
- Dimensions (A x B)
- Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3
Allows the "x" and "y" coordinates to be consulted or modified on the plan of indicated electrical zones. This information is automatically generated if the data import of the "Location examples" option is used. - Ceiling height
Defines the ceiling height of the space with respect to the floor.
Defining rooms and points of use
Within the "Project" tab, in the "Rooms (Points of use)" group of the main toolbar, the following options can be used:
These options allow the program to perform checks related to the number of points of use in the rooms that make up the building.
Define
Allows users to select a room from those defined in "Points of use by room" under "General options" and assign it to a space from the model read from the BIM project.
Assign
Allows users to modify the assignment of a room to a space by selecting one of the rooms previously defined in the project.
Delete
Allows users to remove the assignment of a room to a space from the model.
Consult checks
After selecting a room, the program displays the checklist for compliance with the criteria of the points of use defined for that room in a dialogue box.
Entering connections
Within the "Project" tab, in the "Connections" group of the main toolbar, the following operations can be carried out:
Connect
Enters connections between two elements of the system, indicating the start point, end point and the curvature of the connection line.
Delete
Deletes one or more previously entered connection line(s).
Move
Moves the start point or end point of a previously entered connection line.
Rotate
Rotates the graphical representation of the electrical mechanisms entered on the plan.
Assigning outlets
When reading a BIM project, CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms makes it possible to import electrical equipment included in the architectural model. The program will warn users of the need to provide the required service for this equipment. To do this, the following options can be used in the "Project" tab, in the "Assign outlets" group of the main toolbar:
Assign
Manually assigns CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms electrical outlets or antennas to the devices imported from the BIM model. First, the device is selected and then the outlet is assigned.
Delete
Deletes the assignment of an outlet to the electrical equipment.
Generate
Automatically assigns nearby unused outlets to electrical equipment with unassigned outlets. The program will select the one that best suits the service and proximity of the outlets available.
"Calculation" group in the main toolbar
Within the "Project" tab, in the "Calculation" group of the main toolbar, the following options are available:
Calculation
Checks whether the elements of the installation are correctly entered and whether the parameters that have been entered are within the ranges defined in the calculation options.
Show/Hide incidents
If this option is activated, the elements where an error has occurred will be highlighted. Hovering the mouse cursor over these elements will display the message describing the error.
Editing tools
Within the "Project" tab, in the "Edit" group of the main toolbar, you will find the main tools for editing the model. Some of these tools are common to other CYPE programs.
The main tool area of this group allows the following operations to be carried out:
 | Edit | Edits the parametric properties of the selected element in the model. |
 | Delete | Deletes a previously entered element. |
 | Move a group of elements | Moves a group of elements. |
 | Move | Moves an element or a node in an element. |
 | Rotate a group of elements | Rotates a group of elements. |
 | Rotate | Rotates an element about the "x", "y" or "z" axis. |
 | Symmetry (copy) | Copies a selection of elements with symmetry with respect to a vertical plane defined by two points. |
 | Symmetry (move) | Moves a selection of elements with symmetry about a vertical plane defined by two points. |
 | Copy | Creates a copy of one or more elements. |
 | Copy onto another floor plan | Creates a copy of one or more elements on another floor plan. |
 | Modify height position | Modifies the height position of an element by specifying a relative displacement or absolute elevation. |
 | Measure lengths on plan | Measures lengths between defined points on the model. If a closed contour is selected, it also indicates the area. |
Managing annotations
Within the "Project" tab, in the "Annotations" group of the main toolbar, the following options can be found:
Move tag
Moves the element tags of the installation.
Show/Hide tag
Activates or deactivates the visibility of the element tags in the installation.
Results output
Drawings in DWG, DXF or PDF format
The program allows users to print the drawings of the job on any peripheral device configured on the computer, or to create DWG, DXF or PDF files.
The following options can be configured when editing the drawing:
- Views to be drawn
- Options
- Generate vector images
- Draw the DXF/DWG template
- Include the .glTF files in the drawings
- Scale
Results in the "Bill of quantities" tab
If the work is completed in the "Bill of quantities" tab, CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms allows the following documents to be obtained:
- Exporting the bill of quantities in FIEBDC-3 format (BC3)
- Bill of quantities reports (in HTML, PDF, TXT, RTF or DOCX format)
IFC and GLTF files supported by BIMserver.center
When the project is exported to the BIMserver.center platform, an IFC file and a 3D model in GLTF format are automatically exported for the integration of the model of the electrical mechanisms, connections and other elements of the system in the Open BIM project, allowing it to be visualised:
- on the online platform;
- in the BIMserver.center app for iOS and Android;
- in virtual reality and augmented reality;
- in other CYPE programs.
Integration into the BIMserver.center platform
Many of CYPE's programs are connected to the BIMserver.center platform and allow collaborative work to be carried out via the exchange of files in formats based on open standards.
Please note that, to work on BIMserver.center, users can register on the platform free of charge and create a profile.
When accessing a program connected to the platform, the program connects to a project in BIMserver.center. This way, the files of the projects that have been developed collaboratively in BIMserver.center are kept up to date.
Options available in CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms
In the "BIMserver.center" group of the main toolbar, users will find the features needed to use CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms together with other BIMserver.center tools:
Update
Allows users to update the information in the models previously imported into the project or import new models.
Share
Allows users to export the model information developed with CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms to BIMserver.center to share with other users, including its three-dimensional representation and the facility system drawings.
During the export process, users can define information related to the identification of the files to be exported and the types of files that are generated:
- Name
- Description
- Export DWG templates entered by the user (optional)
- BoQ reports (optional)
- Bill of quantities (FIEBDC-3) (optional)
Direct connection to other programs
CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms includes an option for directly connecting to Open BIM tools which allows users to continue their work. With this option, the CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms BIM model can be sent to the next program:
- CYPELEC Distribution
This program can import the location of the lighting points and electrical mechanisms from CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms to carry out the distribution of loads and circuits.
