Electrical Symbols For Building Plans For A House

It should be noted that the notes on architectural plans are as important as the symbols.

It is key, to the complete understanding of the plans and drawings that the notes are read in conjunction with reviewing them.

Table 1 presents the most common electrical symbols used in house construction. Continued.

Table 1 Electrical Devices & Their Symbols
Device Name	Device Symbol	Device Picture	Comment
Light Fixture - Wall Mounted - Sconce			The symbol does not indicate the type of fixture. The symbol only tells the electrician that he must install a wall electrical box for a light fixture in that location.
Light Fixture - Ceiling Mounted			The symbol does not indicate the type of fixture. The symbol only tells the electrician that he must install a ceiling, light fixture, electrical box in that location.
Light Fixture - Pull Chain			The exact style of pull chain lamp socket is usually left to the discretion of the electrical contractor.
Light Fixture - Recessed			The notes will specify the style and type of recessed light fixture including the trim.
Ceiling Fan			This symbol specifies that a ceiling fan electrical box must be installed in this location. A ceiling fan electrical box can support more weight than a light fixture electrical box.
Exhaust Fan			The notes will generally specify make and model of the exhaust fan. Exhaust fans are usually supplied by the electrical contractor who hooks up the electrics and the HVAC contractor installs the duct work. Additional information on exhaust fans.
Exhaust Fan & Light Combo			As above with the addition that the exhaust fan has a light associated with it. In many cases the unit will require two wall switches; one for the fan and one for the light.
Smoke Detector			Today, most smoke detectors are combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
Telephone			The notes will specify any special features with respect to the telephone outlets.
Door Bell - Button			The notes should specify the make and model of the door chimes and the push buttons.
Electrical Panel			The notes may or may not specify an electrical panel (load center) manufacture and/or the number of circuits. In many cases it is left to the discretion of the electrical contractor. It is expected that the electrical contractor will provide the correct amount of circuits to meet the local building codes.
Fluorescent Light Fixture			The number of horizontal lines between the vertical end lines, indicate the number of lamps. The notes will state the style of fixture.
Cable TV			The electrical contractor may or may not do the termination of the cable to the outlet.