Creating a Run

This task describes how to create a run.  When you create a run you "reserve" space in your work area so that you can later place ducts and parts. In the example below you will create a run in "free space". In actual practice you will create runs in a much more controlled environment - the deck of a ship, or floor of a house, for instance.  In the example below it does not matter where you begin or end a run - but when you are working on a project you will have to start and end at specific places, and your run will have to be a certain size and shape. For more information on runs and routing see Routing a Run.
You will learn more about line IDs later, but you should know that a run is associated with a line ID.

A line ID is an organizational element that identifies the type and nominal size of the run (e.g., HVAC, 10 in.) but may also include attributes such as duct specification, material category, design temperature and pressure, flow rate, etc. These properties of the line ID ensure that the parts you place meet the requirements of the line ID and the intended design. Thus, when you make a run it is part of a line ID.

The line ID of your run is displayed on the upper toolbar on the left hand side. 

To learn more, including how to select a line ID, see Managing HVAC Lines.

1. Click the Route a Run button .  The Run dialog box opens. 

Note: If the Design Rule: Multiple Rule Found dialog box opens, this means there is more than one type of run to choose from. For example, there could be multiple choices for Turn Radius, Diameter Factor or Number of Miter Cuts. For this scenario the choice is unimportant because you are learning the fundamentals of creating a basic run. Select from the table and click OK.

2. In the Run dialog box select either Point-To-Point or Orthogonal for the routing Mode. 
3. In HVAC Design, the Section Type buttons appear in the Run dialog box .  The section choices are No Section, Rectangular Section, Round Section, Flat Oval Section or Radius Corner Section. Leave this set to Rectangular Section. 

Click the Section button and make sure the display setting is set to Solid . Click OK in the Section dialog box. 

This returns you to the Run dialog box. Section dimensions, Turn radius and Minimum length fields display the default values of the line ID being used.

For more information on the settings and options used in the Run and Section dialog boxes see Routing a Run.
4. To begin your run, click at any point, move the pointer in any direction, and click again. This is the first segment of the run. Now move the pointer to the next position and click. Create a simple run with three segments as show below.

5. Double click to complete routing. The run displays as a solid.

6. You have created a run with three segments. You are now ready to place ducts and other parts in it.