Tap a branch into the main duct (Connect Tap)
Connect a tap to the duct route at the picked point.
1. Purpose
Joins a branch duct into the main duct with a tap (takeoff) fitting in 2 picks — no hand-drawn elbows or measured tap points. The tool finds the branch's free end connector nearest the main and joins there for the neatest result.
2. Quick video (≤ 2 minutes)
[Video in production — follow the steps below for now.]
3. Steps
- Open the HVAC plan showing both the main and the branch to join. [image 01: main duct and branch awaiting connection]
- Click Connect Tap in the VP_MEP tab, HVAC panel.
- Pick the main duct when asked.
- Pick the branch duct when asked (it must differ from the main). [image 02: pick order — main first, then branch]
- The tool takes the branch's free connector nearest the main, builds the tap fitting, and joins it into the main in one transaction.
4. Real-world example
An 800×400 main runs down the corridor with six 300×200 branches into rooms. Per branch: run the command, pick the main, pick the branch — the tap builds itself, all 6 tap-ins done with no measuring or manual elbows.
5. Common errors
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Ống gió chính không hợp lệ." | The main must be a centerline (MEPCurve) duct — recheck the object |
| "Ống gió nhánh không có đầu connector hợp lệ." | The branch has no End connector — check its family/how it was drawn |
| Picking the same duct twice is refused | The 2nd pick must differ from the main (the tool blocks repeats) |
| Pressing Esc mid-way stops the command | Normal — the command cancels quietly, just start over |
6. See also
- Resize a duct keeping its area — after tapping, resize the branch for the right airflow.
- Quick-connect MEP ends — join any 2 connectors, not just ducts.