This IfcDistributionElement is a generalization of all elements that participate in a distribution system. Typical examples of IfcDistributionElement's are:

• building service elements within a heating systems
• building service elements within a cooling system
• building service elements within a ventilation system
• building service elements within a plumbing system
• building service elements within a drainage system
• electrical elements
• elements within a communication network
• within a sensor (monitoring) network

Direct instantiation of IfcDistributionElement without an assigned subtype of IfcDistributionElementType provides the meaning of an distribution element proxy.