Placing distributors

The Distributor tool places power distribution objects such as power distribution racks, dimmer racks, breakout boxes, twofers, and so on. Distributor objects have one input and up to 16 outputs, and they split power or signals to the cables.

A distributor object is considered a load, and can be included in load calculations (Braceworks required). Distributors can be labeled with data tag objects; see Using data tags.

1. Click the tool. From the Tool bar, enable Automatic Numbering if desired, and specify the Numbering Preferences. See Automatic numbering preferences.

2.Click Distributor Symbol on the Tool bar to select a resource from the Resource Selector.

Parameter	Description
General
ID	Provide a unique identifier for labels and paperwork. If blank, a value is automatically assigned when calculations are run (Braceworks required).
Name	Displays the name of the distributor model for paperwork; the name can be changed
Location	Enter the name of the associated rigging object or other location information for paperwork
Classes	Opens the Classes dialog box, to specify class naming for the distributor label and length indicators. This allows them to be set to visible, grayed, or invisible. Use the standard class, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Object Class> to place the label or indicators in the same class as the distributor. ● Use Standard Classes: Specifies an optional default root class naming standard for the label and indicator; all label and indicator class names begin with the prefix, so that they are sorted together. ● Label: Specifies the class to use for the distributor label. ● Output length indicators: Specifies the class to use for the output length indicator.
Symbol	Displays the name of the symbol used to represent the distributor
Select Symbol	Opens a Resource Selector to select a different distributor symbol; double-click a resource to activate it
Connections
Output Count	Specifies the number of outputs
Draw output lengths	Draws the Connector Length using circles as an indicator to represent the maximum length
Input	Indicates the Cable Run ID of the connected cable
Input Connector Type	Specifies the connection type at the distributor input; available options are from the GDTF standard
Output [#]	Indicates the cable connected to the numbered output
Connector Type [#]	Specifies the connection type at numbered distributor output; available options are from the GDTF standard
Connector Length [#]	Specifies the length of the numbered output
Load Information	A distributor is considered a point load in Braceworks calculations; if the insertion point is on a structural element, it is considered to be a load on that structure. Load information is used for Braceworks calculations and reports (Braceworks required).
Include in calculations (Braceworks required)	Includes the distributor in Braceworks calculations; deselect to exclude the object from participating in structural calculations
Load Group Name	The load category is always Cable for distributors
Load ID	Enter a unique ID for the load for informational use in reports
Load Name	Identifies the object in load calculations; normally the object name is used
Total Weight	Enter the total weight of the object

Mode	Description
Distributor Symbol	Opens the Resource Selector to select a distributor resource for placement; double-click a resource to activate it
Automatic Numbering	Enables automatic numbering of distributors as they are placed
Numbering Preferences	Set the default parameters for automatic numbering of distributors