Panel schedules vs (regular) Revit schedules

They might look similar (kind of?) but they serve very different purposes, especially in electrical design. Here’s what sets them apart.

Panel schedules are built specifically for electrical work. They document electrical panelboards or distribution boards, giving you a detailed view of circuits, loads, and related data. Regular Revit schedules are more flexible. You can use them to track materials, equipment, rooms, or pretty much anything else in the model.

Panel schedules focus on electrical elements — circuit numbers, descriptions, load data, voltage, amperage, and so on. Regular schedules can represent any kind of model element, like doors, walls, windows, or furniture.

Both types of schedules can be customized. Panel schedules have options specific to electrical systems, like demand factors or connected equipment. Regular schedules offer broader customization based on whatever you’re scheduling.

Revit includes built-in templates for panel schedules that already include key electrical fields, making it easier to standardize across projects. Regular schedules can use templates too, but they’re more adaptable depending on what you’re tracking.

Panel schedules are directly tied to the panelboards in your model. If you update a circuit, the schedule updates automatically. Regular schedules also reflect model data, but the connection isn’t always as direct.

One thing to understand: a circuit in Revit isn’t just a row in a table — it’s a real element. A single circuit can include multiple devices, just like in the field. Those devices are linked to the panel through the electrical connector in the family.

A common mistake is thinking load classification happens at the circuit level. It’s actually defined in the electrical connector. That means:

• A circuit can serve several devices
• Those devices can have different load classifications
• The panel schedule totals loads based on what’s defined at the connector

If your schedule looks off, check the connector settings — not just the circuit itself.

Revit is basically a database, just with a visual interface. Engineers are used to Excel sheets. The trick is setting up your schedules to help them clearly see the connection between design and data.

Panel schedules give you a focused tool for electrical systems. Regular schedules give you flexibility across all disciplines. Used well, both make your projects more coordinated and much easier to manage.