Electrical Symbols For Building Plans For A House

If you are planning to build a new home, add an addition or perform a major remodel, you will need to obtain a building permit.

In order to obtain a building permit, you will need a set of plans that show your local building department what you are planning to do.

You may hire an architect to create the plans, you may use one of the new 3D home design software packages that are available or you may use a pencil and a piece of paper to produce the needed documentation.

It should be noted, that even if you use the services of an architect, you should have the ability to read the electrical portion of the plans that they have created in order to ensure the placement of electrical devices is where you want them.

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

Table 1 Electrical Devices & Their Symbols
Device Name	Device Symbol	Device Picture	Comment
Notation			Possibly the most important symbol that appears on any set of architectural plans. This symbol represents that there is a note with relevance to the device or area
Switch			The style, possibly model numbers,and color of the switches will be in the notes on the plans.
Switch - 3 Way
Switch - 4 Way
Switch - Dimmer			The style, possibly model numbers, and color of the dimmers will be in the notes on the plans.
Switch - Dimmer - 3 Way
Receptacle - Duplex			The style, possibly model numbers, and color of the receptacles will be in the notes on the plans.
Receptacle - Duplex - One Switched
Receptacle - Duplex - GFCI			The style, possibly model numbers, and color of the GFCI receptacles will be in the notes on the plans.
Receptacle - Duplex - Waterproof			The receptacle is not actually waterproof, it is the cover that provides the protection from the elements.
Receptacle - Single			The receptacle shown is specifically made for clocks. By having the socket recessed in the molding, the clock can sit flat against the wall. Some plans may have a C in the bottom right of the symbol to signify that the receptacle is made for a clock.
Receptacle - 240 VAC			A letter may be placed on the lower right hand corner signifying what the receptacle is for. As an example, D for dryer or R for range.
Receptacle - Quad			A quad receptacle is made up of two duplex receptacles mounted in a double electrical box.