Revit cable tray connection tee

In Revit, a cable tray tee fitting requires three connectors and can be created manually or programmatically, with options to download pre-made families for modeling.

Manual Tee Connection

To connect cable trays in a tee configuration in Revit:

• Use the Tee Fitting: Revit's cable tray system requires a tee fitting to connect three tray segments. Each tee has three connectors—one for the main run and two for the branch—so a branch-only fitting cannot replace a tee directly .
• Adjusting Type Properties: You cannot simply swap a branch family into a tee because the tee needs three connectors. To mimic a branch fitting, you could modify a tee family visually while keeping three connectors, or start a new unconnected tray run at the branch location .
• Orientation: When placing manually, Revit automatically aligns the trays and adds the appropriate fittings. Ensure the connectors are properly oriented to match the main and branch trays .

Programmatic Creation

For automation or API use:

• Connector Management: Each cable tray segment has connectors accessible via cableTray.ConnectorManager.Connectors.
• Creating Fittings: Use Revit API methods like NewTeeFitting, NewElbowFitting, or NewTransitionFitting to join connectors. Select the connectors to connect based on position or type, then call the fitting creation method .
• Auto-Routing: Revit does not auto-generate fittings programmatically; you must explicitly create them between segments.

Available Revit Families

• Downloadable BIM Content: Free Revit families for cable trays, including tees, elbows, and horizontal racks, are available from sources like BIMobject, OBO Bettermann, and BIMsmith Market .
• Manufacturer-Specific Fittings: Some manufacturers provide specialized branch or take-off fittings, which may require on-site adjustments in real life. In Revit, these can be represented by modifying existing tee families .

Practical Tips

• Annotation: If modeling a branch fitting that requires cutting the main tray edge, annotate the tray to indicate this, as Revit cannot model the cut automatically .
• Consistency: Always ensure the connectors are correctly aligned to avoid gaps or misaligned fittings.
• Library Management: Keep a library of standard tee, elbow, and transition families to speed up modeling and maintain consistency across projects. By combining manual placement, API methods, and pre-made families, you can effectively model cable tray tee connections in Revit while maintaining accuracy and flexibility.