© 2010 Autodesk
Introduction to Revit 2011 API
DB Element
Identifying Element  
§A system family is a built-in object in Revit. There is a designated class for it. You can use it to identify the element.
§A component family has a generic form as FamilyInstance/FamilySymbol. Category is the way to further identify the kind of object it is representing in Revit.
§Depending on an element you are interested in, you will need to check the following:
§Class name
§Category property 
§If an element is Element
Type (Symbol) or not
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System Family
Component Family
Family Type
WallType
FloorType
FamilySymbol
&
Category - Doors, Windows
Instance
Wall
Floor
FamilyInstance
&
Category - Doors, Windows