Anchor It!

Once you investigate the use of anchors in your AutoCAD MEP environment, you won’t know how you ever lived without them. In this example we will use anchors to link switches to doors. If a door moves, the switch moves with it. If the door swing changes. The switch updates automatically.

First, let’s take a look at what anchors do for you and what types are available.

An anchor is a general linking mechanism within AutoCAD MEP. AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD Architecture objects can be anchored to each other, enabling you to create a relationship between objects. Anchoring objects can be useful for positioning air terminals or light fixtures in a ceiling grid, or switches to walls or doors. You can choose from three types of anchors to attach building systems objects.

AutoCAD Architecture Anchors
You can locate these anchor tools in Content Browser / ADT Stock Tool Catalog / Parametric Layout and Anchoring Tools

• Object anchors are used to attach AEC objects to another AEC object.
• Curve anchors are used to attach objects to the base curve of other objects.
• Leader anchors are used to attach nodes on a layout curve with a leader.
• Node anchors are used to attach nodes on a layout curve or grid.
• Cell anchors are used to attach objects to positions on a 2D layout curve or grid. You an also attach cell anchors to 3D volume grids.
• Volume anchors are used to attach objects to a 3D volume grid.
  

AutoCAD MEP Anchors
You can locate these anchor tools in Content Browser / ABS Stock Tool Catalog / Common / Common Items

• Curve anchors are used to attach objects to a base curve, typically the centerline of other objects.
• System anchors are used to attach objects to a system run. Anchored objects can be moved along the entire run to other runs assigned to the same system.
• Reference anchors are used to attach objects by reference to other objects, such as attaching an end-of-line schematic symbol to a schematic line. When the symbol is moved, the line maintains connectivity and is stretched to the new location.

Anchor Device to a Run

The first example we will try is to anchor a switch to door in the architectural reference file. Yes…you can anchor through to the reference file AEC objects.

Select the AutoCAD Architecture Object Anchor tool and identify your switch symbol and the object you want to anchor. Then press to continue and identify the door you want to anchor the switch to.

Next, we need to simulate the architect moving the door in the floor plan file. To do this I will use the Edit Xrefin- Place command available on the menu.

Move the door you anchored to along the wall to a new location and save the changes back to the reference file.

Your switch should automatically move to the new door location.

Try it for the emergency exit light moving with the door too! You might have to edit some of the run linework on this one! Try it for a ceiling diffuser or a light fixture moving with the ceiling grid.

To remove anchors you can use the grips provided to release the anchor.