Electrical Blueprint Reading (Construction
junction boxes, receptacles, and switches.
Working Drawings, The Electrical Plan,
Principles of Illumination, Convenience
Outlet Layout, Permits and Inspection
Certificates)
Construction Working Drawings
 A blueprint is a photographic print of a prepared drawing with
the lines and lettering in white on a bright blue background;
it’s used for mechanical, electrical, and architectural drawings.
The term refers to the working drawing used by the
architectural, engineering, and construction professions to
represent the desired construction plans.
 Designers use blueprints and sketches to communicate
architectural and engineering details of construction projects
to the owners, constructors, operators, and decision makers. A
designer, whether an engineer, an architect, or a planner,
conveys the design plans using drawings and lists.
 Anyone who works in the construction industry, such as an
electrician, or in the architectural or engineering professions,
has to be skillful in reading and understanding what
information is being conveyed on drawings. The same is true
for anyone who operates and maintains physical facilities.
 The plans for construction projects consist of architectural
drawings as well as mechanical and electrical drawings.
Separate drawings depict the information for the different
construction trades, making it easier for both the designers
and the contractors to understand what’s desired.
 In every branch of electrical work, there’s the need to read
electrical blueprints. An electrician wiring a new building
consults the blueprints. Blueprints show conduit sizes; the
size, type, and number of conductors; and locations of panels,
 The assembler of electric instruments or machines in a
manufacturing plant follows a blueprint to connect the internal
parts correctly. Blueprints provide a reference for correct
operation of electrical equipment in industrial plants
 Another important use of electrical blueprints is in
troubleshooting equipment-operating problems. Maintenance
and operating personnel test the circuits and components.
Comparing the test results to the correct operation as defined
by the blueprints helps to identify faulty installations or failed
components.
 To be able to “read” a blueprint, you must have a general
understanding of architectural drawings and be familiar with
the meaning of each symbol, line, and abbreviation on the
print. That is, you must be able to interpret the message
conveyed by the drawing.
CONSTRUCTION WORKING DRAWINGS
Types of Blueprints
 Electrical blueprints are those drawings that deal mainly with
the installation of electrical equipment in homes, commercial
buildings, industrial plants, power plants, and utility
substations. With such widespread use, many other types of
drawings and schedules are encountered. Some of the common
drawings or schedules you’ll come across are:
1. Electrical Construction Drawings
2. Schematic or Wiring Diagrams
• One-line diagram
 • Three-line diagram 1. The actual outline of equipment in their respective
locations.
• Ladder diagram
In other words, these drawings give the complete physical information
3. Panel and Switchgear Drawings for installing or erecting the equipment.
4. Bill of Material  Drawings that show connections of electric devices, mostly
5. Schedules indicated by symbols, are electrical schematic or wiring
diagrams. Schematic diagrams indicate the basic electrical
• Panels connections of the equipment without regard to the physical
size of, or the physical relationship to, other pieces of the
• Light fixture equipment.
• Motor

• Conduit and cable

 A wiring diagram, besides showing the electrical connections,
6. Lighting and Power Plans gives additional information about the equipment used. The
internal circuits and/or components are shown to provide
• Lighting clarification of equipment operation. Special types of wiring
diagrams include one-line, or single-line diagrams, three-line or
• Power complete diagrams, and ladder diagrams.
• Ancillary system

Electrical construction drawings show:

1. The physical arrangement of specific electric apparatus

or their parts, including shape and dimensions

2. The wiring necessary for connection to the power source.

 A single line diagram simply shows an equipment is connected
These drawings give all the plans, elevations, sections,
to another equipment or source. The three-line diagram gives
and details necessary to erect a structure.
more information than the one-line diagram.
 It indicates the actual number of wires used for the electrical
connections. Arrowheads are sometimes used to indicate the
Electrical construction drawings show: flow of current from the source to the load.
  The tabulations in a bill of material give a complete description
of each item, the quantity required, the name of the
Bill of Material manufacturer, and the catalog number, if any. A column is
 A bill of material is a tabulation of all the equipment required also provided for remarks, if necessary. Bills of material are
for a job. The various items are listed, and each item is usually made on separate sheets and assigned drawing
assigned a number that also appears on the design drawing numbers just as design drawings.
alongside, or as close as possible to, the item it represents.



  The tabulations in a bill of material give a complete description
of each item, the quantity required, the name of the
manufacturer, and the catalog number, if any. A column is
also provided for remarks, if necessary. Bills of material are
usually made on separate sheets and assigned drawing
numbers just as design drawings.
Schedules
 Most projects will have some schedules prepared. A schedule is
a tabulation of the equipment required. The schedule differs
from a bill of material in that it’s not just a tabulation of the
material requirements. It also provides location information for
the items, amount and size of the item required at each
location, and clarification notes for each location, if needed.
 Types of schedules that you’ll encounter with electrical
drawings are panel schedules, light fixture schedules, motor
schedules, and conduit and cable schedules. By using
schedules, the designer or drafter shows fewer details on the
drawing, making it easier for the user to understand the basic
plan.
Ancillary Plans
 In modern offices, businesses, and industrial plants, many
ancillary systems are installed. The design details for such
systems as the fire alarm, communications, and energy
management systems are shown on the same drawing as the
electrical equipment.
 In many cases, there will be separate detail drawings for these
systems. When reading prints that have these systems on the
same drawings, the user should trace each system separately
to avoid confusion.
Electrical Symbols
o All electrical diagrams make extensive use of symbols. When
reading blueprints, be alert to the various modifications to the
base symbol, which must be properly interpreted. For example,
the number of lines on a branch circuit line denotes the
number of conductors being installed.

Lighting Plan and Power Plan

 Lighting and power plans are similar to the electrical

construction drawings, but are used to show the lighting and
power design plans for buildings. The lighting plan gives the
physical placement of light fixtures, the source of power feeds,
and the switching devices to be installed.
 The power plan shows the motors, motor controllers, power
receptacles, and circuit feeds. Building electrical plans are
separated into these two plans to make the drawings easier to
understand and to reduce clutter on a drawing. They’re
commonly referred to as lighting plan and power plan, rather
than the more generic term construction drawings.
 represent the primary and the secondary winding. When this symbol
is used to show a transformer in a one-line diagram, the line is
 Basic symbols are also modified for use in three-line diagrams. The connected to the center of each winding symbol
transformer symbol, for example, consists of two scalloped lines that
 The

Electrical Plan

 This is a Floor Plan, it shows the location of the furniture,

equipment and other electrical appliances in a building. This
plan is used by electrical designers as basis for the location
of the convenience outlets, switch outlets, lighting outlets
and other special purpose outlet in a building.

Electrical plans are usually compose of:

Article 1.3 – Electrical Plans and Specifications

The PEC dictates that electrical plans and drawings shall be drawn on
sheets of the following sizes (Section 1.3.1.1):

• 760 mm x 1,000 mm

• 600 mm x 900 mm

• 500 mm x 760 mm

An electrical plan should contain the following plan requirements as

mandated by Section 1.3.2.1 of the PEC:

a) Location and Site Plan

b) Legend or Symbols

c) General Notes and/or Specifications

d) Electrical Layout

e) Schedule of Loads

f) Design Analysis

g) One Line Diagram

Location and site plans, with proposed structure(s) and site drawn to
appropriate metric scale shall show:

1. Bordering areas showing public or well-known streets,

landmarks and/or structures which need not be drawn
to scale unless they extend into the area concerned.
 2. Location of service drop, service equipment and nearest
pole of the utility company furnishing electrical energy;
location of the meter as well as the sizes of service
entrance wires, conduits and service equipment.
3. Clearance of the path or run of service drops and
entrance wires to adjacent existing and/or proposed
structures.
The Appendix A – Electrical Symbols of the PEC lists all electrical symbols
used in plan notations and schematic diagrams. Symbols other than that of
the PEC can be used provided that it is duly indicated and explained in the
plan.
General notes and/or specifications written on the plans or submitted on a
separate standard size sheet shall show:
1) Nature of electrical service, including number of phases,
number of wires, voltage and frequency.
2) Type of wiring for: (a) service entrance, (b) feeders, sub-
feeders and branch circuit wires for lighting and/or
power load, (c) fire alarms, if required by law, and (d)
Signaling and communication.
3) Special equipment to be installed, indicating ratings and
classification of service duty cycle of: (a) rectifiers, (b)
heaters, (c) X-ray apparatus, and (d) welding equipment.
4) System or method of grounding.
5) Type and rating of main disconnecting means,
overcurrent protection (OCP) and branch circuit wiring
6) Clearances of service drop, burial depth for service
lateral, mounting height and clearance for kWh meter.
An electrical layout is a floor plan showing location of equipment and
devices, and their interconnection wiring. The power layout is the layout and
wiring plans for power on the floor plan drawn to scale should show:
a. Sizes and location of service entrance conductors,
raceways, metering equipment, main switch board,
layout of feeders and distribution panels or switches and
their sizes, types and ratings.
b. Complete circuit of motors and other electrical
equipment, their controlling devices, their locations and
ratings.
c. Complete wiring of emergency power systems, if any.
d. Nature of process/activities carried out in each room or
area.
The plan for lighting and receptacle outlets shall show:
a. Location, type and rating of lighting fixtures, indicating
illumination in lux in each room or area. In residences,
hotels, apartment houses, and churches, the
illumination level in each room or area need not be
shown nor computed.
b. Location of switches for each fixtures or group of
fixtures.
c. Location of receptacle outlets and appliances to be
served and their ratings.
d. Complete circuits of lighting and convenience outlets.
e. Complete wiring of emergency lighting system, if any.
f. A separate drawing showing layout of receptacle outlets
may be made at the discretion of the designer.
Layout and wiring plans of fire alarm manual stations, fire alarm bells, fire e. voltage of circuits
alarm control panels, and other fire alarm devices shall show:
f. type and size of wiring
a. Location of outlets, equipment and or apparatus and
controls. g. protective device rating

b. Complete circuit showing number and size of raceway 3. For other loads
and wire. a. designation number on plan

Schedule of loads in tabulated form shall indicate:
1. For Motor Loads
a. motor as numbered or identified in power layout
b. type of motor
c. horsepower/kilowatt/kilovolt-ampere rating
d. voltage rating
e. full-load current rating
f. frequency rating other than 60 hertz
b. description of load
c. classification of service duty, if required
d. rating of kilovolt-ampere or kilowatt
e. phase loading indicating full load line current
f. voltage rating
g. type and size of wire
h. protective device rating
Design analysis shall be included on the drawings or shall be submitted on
separate sheets of standard size, and shall show:

g. number of phases 1. Branch circuits, sub-feeders, bus ways, and service

entrance;
h. type and size of
2. Types, ratings, and trip settings of overload protective
i. protective device rating devices;

2. For Lighting and Convenience Receptacle Loads
a. panel as numbered in the feeder diagram
b. circuit designation number
3. Calculation of short circuit current for determining the
interrupting capacity of overcurrent protective device.
4. Calculation of voltage drops.

c. number of lighting outlets in each circuit

One line diagram for lighting and receptacle outlet loads shall indicate:
d. number of receptacle (convenience outlets)
 1. Single line or schematics diagram of lighting and
receptacles panel boards showing mains and branch
circuit rating;
2. Size of conductors for feeders.
Title block or nameplate of plans shall be a standard strip of 40 mm high at
the bottom of the sheet. (Section 1.3.2.2) It shall contain the following:
a) Name and location of the installation
b) Name, signature and address of
owner/manager/operator
c) Title of sheet
d) Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical
Engineer together with Professional Regulation
Commission professional license number and validity,
Professional Tax Receipt Number, and Tax Identification
Number;
e) Scale used, date drawn, and
f) Sheet number.
Principles of Illumination
 Illumination is defined as the intensity of light per unit area. When
we talk of illumination, or simply lighting, we are referring to man
made lighting. Daylight being excellent is not included. Indeed, we
assume a night time condition.
 Electric Illumination is the production of light by means of
electricity and its applications to provide efficient, comfortable, and
safe vision. Specifically, when one speaks of lighting design, he refers
to only two things:
1. Quantity of light, and
2. Quality of light
 Quantity of Light refers to the amount of illumination or luminous
flux per unit area. Quantity of light can be measured and easily
handled because it deals with the number of light fixtures required
for a certain area.
 Quality of Light refers to the distribution of brightness in the lighting
installation. It deals with the essential nature or characteristics of
light. In short, the quality of light is the mixture of all the items
related to illumination other than the quantity of light which includes
several elements such as:
• Brightness
• Glare
• Color
• Psychological reaction to color and fixtures
• Brightness ratio or contrast
• Diffuseness
• Aesthetics
• Economics
Light Level or Luminance, is the total luminous flux incident on a surface,
per unit area. The work plane is where the most important tasks in the room
or space are performed.
• Luminance is measured in foot candles (ftcd, fc, fcd) (or
lux in the metric SI system). A foot candle is actually
 one lumen of light density per square foot, one lux is
Full Moon .01 .108
one lumen per square meter.

  Quarter Moon .001 .0108

1 lux = 1 lumen / sq meter = 0.0001 phot = 0.0929 foot candle (ftcd, fcd)
Starlight .0001 .0011
1 phot = 1 lumen / sq centimeter = 10000 lumens / sq meter = 10000 lux

1 foot candle (ftcd, fcd)  = 1 lumen / sq ft = 10.752 lux Overcast Night .00001 .0001

Common Light Levels Outdoors

Recommended Light Levels Indoor
Common light levels outdoor at day and night can be found in the table
• The outdoor light level is approximately 10,000 lux on a
below:
clear day. In the building, in the area closest to
windows, the light level may be reduced to
Illumination approximately 1,000 lux. In the middle area its may be
Condition as low as 25 - 50 lux. Additional lighting equipment is
(ftcd) (lux) often necessary to compensate the low levels.
• Earlier it was common with light levels in the range 100
- 300 lux for normal activities. Today the light level is
Sunlight 10,000 107,527 more common in the range 500 - 1000 lux - depending
on activity. For precision and detailed works, the light
Full Daylight 1,000 10,752 level may even approach 1500 - 2000 lux.
• The table below is a guide for recommended light level
in different work spaces:
Overcast Day 100 1,075

Very Dark Day 10 107 Illumination

Activity
(lux, lumen/sq. mt.)

Twilight 1 10.8

Public areas with dark surroundings 20 - 50

Deep Twilight .1 1.08
Simple orientation for short visits 50 - 100
Performance of very prolonged and exacting visual tasks  5000 - 10000

Working areas where visual tasks are only occasionally

100 - 150
performed
Performance of very special visual tasks of extremely low
10000 - 20000
contrast and small size
Warehouses, Homes, Theaters, Archives 150

Easy Office Work, Classes 250

Normal Office Work, PC Work, Study Library, Groceries,

500
Show Rooms, Laboratories

Efficacy of Various Lamps

Supermarkets, Mechanical Workshops, Office Landscapes 750

Normal Drawing Work, Detailed Mechanical Workshops,

1,000
Operation Theatres

Detailed Drawing Work, Very Detailed Mechanical Works 1500 - 2000

Performance of visual tasks of low contrast  and very small

2000 - 5000
size for prolonged periods of time
Convenience Outlet Layout

Receptacle Outlets

Article 2.10.3 Required Outlets

2.10.3.3 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. Receptacle outlets required by this

section shall be in addition to any receptacle that is part of a lighting fixture
or appliance, located within cabinets or cupboards, or located more than
1,600 mm above FFL.

(a) General Provisions. In every kitchen, family room, dining room, living
room, parlor, library, den, sunroom, bedroom, recreation room, or similar
room or area of dwelling units, receptacle outlets shall be installed in
accordance with the general provisions specified in (1) through (3).
(1) Spacing. Receptacles shall be installed so that no point along the FFL in
any wall space is more than 1,800 mm, measured horizontally, from an
outlet in that space. Receptacle outlets shall, in so far as practicable, be
spaced equal distance apart.
(2) Wall Sapce. As used in this section, a wall space shall include the
following:
a. Any space 600 mm or more in width (including space
measured around corners) and unbroken along the FFL by
doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings.
b. The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding
sliding panels, and
c. The space afforded by fixed room dividers such as free standing
bar-type counters or railings.
(3) Floor Receptacles. Receptacle outlets in floors shall not be counted as part
of the required number of receptacle outlets unless located within 450 mm
of the wall.
(b) Small Appliances.
(1) In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar
area of dwelling unit, the one or more 20-ampere small appliance
branch circuits required by Section 2.10.1.11c1 shall serve all
receptacle outlets covered by Section 2.10.3.3a and Section 2.10.3.3c
and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment.
(b) Small Appliances.
(2) The one or more small-appliance branch circuits specified in (b)(1)
shall have no other outlets.
(c) Countertops.In kitchens and dining rooms of dwelling units,
receptacle outlets for counter spaces shall be installed in accordance
with (1) through (5).
(1) Wall counter spaces. A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each
wall counter space that is 300 mm or wider. Receptacle outlets shall
be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 600 mm,
measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
(2) Island counter spaces. At least one receptacle outlet shall be
installed at each island counter space with a long dimension of 600
mm or greater and a short distance of 300 mm or greater.
(3) Peninsular counter spaces. At least one receptacle outlet shall be
installed at each peninsular counter space with a long dimension of
600 mm or greater and a short distance of 300 mm or greater. A
peninsular countertop is measured from the connecting edge.
(4) Separate spaces. Countertop spaces separated by range tops,
refrigerators, or sinks shall be considered as separate countertop
spaces in applying the requirements of (1), (2), and (3).
(5) Receptacle outlet location. Receptacle outlets shall be located
above, but not more than 450 mm above the countertop. Receptacle
outlets shall not be installed in a face-up position in the work surface
or countertops. Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by
appliance fastened in place or appliance occupying dedicated space
shall not be considered as these required outlets.
(d) Bathrooms.In dwelling units, at least one wall receptacle outlet
shall be installed in the bathroom within 900 mm of the outside edge
of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall that is
adjacent to the basin location. See Section 2.10.1.8a1.
Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in a face-up position in the
work surface or counter tops in a bathroom basin location.
(e) Outdoor Outlets. For a one-family dwelling and each unit of a two
family dwelling that is at grade level, at least one receptacle outlet
accessible at grade level and not more than 2,000 mm above grade
shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling. See Section
2.10.1.8a3.
(f) Laundry Areas. In dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet
shall be installed for the laundry.
(g) Basements and Garages. For a one-family dwelling, at least one
receptacle outlet, in addition to any provided for laundry equipment,
shall be installed in each basement and in each attached garage with
electric power. See Section 2.10.1.8a2 and Section 2.10.1.8a5. Where
a portion of the basement is finished into a habitable room(s), the
receptacle outlet required by this section shall be installed in the
unfinished portion.
(h) Hallways. In dwelling units, hallways of 3,000 mm or more in
length shall have at least one receptacle outlet.
As used in this subsection, the hall length shall be considered the
length along the center line of the hall without passing through a
doorway.
Article 2.10.1.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for
Personnel
Permits and Inspection Certificates
(a) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt and/or 250-volt, single phase, 15 and
20 ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified below shall
have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms.
(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at
or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to
storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.
(3) Outdoors.
(4) Crawl spaces. Where the crawl space is at or below grade level.
(5) Unfinished basements. For the purpose of section, unfinished
basements are defined as portions or areas of the basement not
intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas,
and the like.
(6) Kitchens. Where the receptacles are installed to serve the
countertop surfaces.
(7) Wet bar sinks. Where the receptacles are installed to serve the
countertop surfaces and are located within 1,800 mm of the outside
edge of the wet bar sink. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in a
face-up position in the work surfaces or countertops.
(a) Other than Dwelling Units. All 125-volt and/or 250-volt, single
phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed in the locations
specified below shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection
for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Rooftops
• Before starting any installation work, alteration, repair
or extension on any electrical system, the owners,
lessors, operators, occupants, or electrical practitioners
shall obtain Electrical Permit for building, trailers, mobile
homes, or other premises from the Office of Local
Building Official, and for watercrafts from the Maritime
Industry Authority. (Section 1.2.1.1)
• Before starting any installation work, alteration, repair
or extension on any electrical system, the owners,
lessors, operators, occupants, or electrical practitioners
shall obtain Electrical Permit (DPWH Form No. 96-001-E
or as ammended) for building, trailers, mobile homes, or
other premises from the Office of Local Building Official,
and for watercrafts from the Maritime Industry
Authority. (Section 1.2.1.1)
 • Duly accomplished application for electrical permit form • In cases where service has been cut off for more than
and 5 sets of complete electrical plans and specifications one year, a new certificate of final electrical inspection
signed and sealed by Professional Electrical Engineer shall be required before reconnection. (Section 1.2.3.4)
should be submitted to the same Office of the Building
Official or Marina.
• Payment of the corresponding electrical fees based upon
the requirements of the local government shall be
settled. Permits should be issued after all requirements
is accomplished and settled with no longer than 5
working days after which the application together with
the accompanying plans shall be considered as
complying with all the requirements. (Section 1.2.1.3b)
• A copy of the electrical permit shall (DPWH Form No. 96-
002-E or as ammended) shall be posted at a conspicous
location at the job site and shall not be removed until
final inspection and approval of the work shall have
been made. (Section 1.2.1.4)

Electical Inspection

• An application for inspection shall be filed by the

government authority concerned before a preliminary
and/or final inspection is done. (Section 1.2.2.1)
• No electrical installation, alteration, and/or addition
shall be connected to any power supply or any other
source of electrical energy without a Certificate of Final
Inspection/Completion (DPWH Form No. 96-006-E or as
ammended) obtained from the government authority
concerned. Section 1.2.2.2)
• Installation of not more than two additional general
purpose branch circuits for lighting and
receptacle/convenience outlets may be installed without
electrical permit and final electrical
inspection/completion. (Section 1.2.3.2)
 SELF CHECK

At the end of every module, you’ll be asked to check your understanding of what you’ve just learned by completing a “Self-Check.” Writing the
answers to these questions will help you review what you’ve learned so far. Please complete Self Check now. NOTE: Use another sheet of paper in
answering the self check.

NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________ DTAE:_____________________________

1. (For items 1 – 3) A blueprint is a photographic print of a prepared drawing with the lines and lettering in white on a bright blue background used for (1)
_________, (2) _________, and (3) ____________ drawings.

4. _______________ are those drawings that deal mainly with the installation of electrical equipment in homes, commercial buildings, industrial plants,
power plants, and utility substations.

5. (For items 5 – 10) Identify the 6 types of blueprints.

11.A _______________ is a tabulation of all the equipment required for a job.

12. A _______________ diagram shows an equipment is connected to another equipment or source.

13.(For items 13 – 15) Identify the 3 standard sheet size for electrical plans and drawings as stated with Section 1.3.1.1 of the PEC.

16. (For items 16 – 20) Identify at least 5 of the plan requirements that an electrical plan should contain as mandated by Section 1.3.2.1 of the PEC.