Read and Interpret Plans

BUILDING ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATION
Short term training (two month)
Based on July, 2022 Version- 1 Short term curriculum
Module Title: Reading and Interpreting drawing

Plans and Specifications
Module Code: EIS BEI1 M03
Nominal duration: 30Hours
Prepared by: BGRS-JCA & NRC

JULY, 2022
Assosa, Ethiopia
Module Title : Reading and Interpreting drawing Version -1

Page 1 of 64 BGRS TVET & JCA
Author/Copyright Plans and Specifications July 2022
Short term training
Table of Content
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................... 3
Acronym .......................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction to the Module ............................................................................................... 5
Unit one: Identifying types of drawings and their functions............................................ 6
1.1 Identify plans and drawings .................................................................................... 6
1.1.1 Identifying Parts of Electrical Plan ............................................................ 6
1.1.2 Plans and Specifications .......................................................................... 7
1.1.2.1 Plan Requirements. .................................................................................. 7
1.2 Title Block ............................................................................................................. 11
1.2.1 Other Details .......................................................................................... 11
1.2.2 Substation Plans and Specifications ................................................................ 12
1.2.2.1 Indoor Substation, Indoor substation plans shall show: .......................... 12
Unit Two: Recognize commonly used symbols and abbreviations. ........................... 14
1.1 Common Electrical Symbols used in Building Electrical Installation ..................... 14
Unit Three: Locate and identify key features on a site plan. ..................................... 23
3.1 Completing orientation plan with site .................................................................... 23
3.1.1 Interpreting Electrical Plan ..................................................................... 23
Self-Check 1.................................................................................................................. 31
3.1.2 Interpreting Circuit Diagrams .................................................................. 33
Self – Check 2 ............................................................................................................... 47
Unit Four: Read and interpret job specifications. .................................................... 51
4.1 Interpreting Electrical Plan .................................................................................... 51
4.1.1 Interpreting Electrical Plan ..................................................................... 51
Self-Check 3.................................................................................................................. 61
Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Author/Copyright Plans And Specifications Short term training July, 2022
Acknowledgement
The B/G/R/S TVJCA and NORWGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL /NRC/ wishes to thank and
appreciation for the trainers who donated their effort and time to the development of this
Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM) for the TVET program Building Electrical
Installation Short Term Training. We also thank all regional TVET & JCA coordinators and
Assosa Ploly TVET College Trainer for active facilitation of their trainers for the development
of this Short Term Training Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).

Acronym
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
AC – Alternative current
DC – Direct current
RMS – Root main square
NEC - National Electrical Code

Introduction to the Module
In building electrical installation filed; reading and interpreting drawing plans and
specifications project helps to know the electrical piping system used for protection and routing
of electrical wiring.; to enclosed conductors from impact, moisture, and chemical vapors.; to to
shield sensitive circuits from electromagnetic interference, and also can prevent emission of such
interference from enclosed power cables; to allocate the measured and marked out for wiring
systems, wiring enclosures, tools and equipment and the wiring systems, using PVC and
Flexible Conduits safely in accordance with relevant regulations and manufacturers’ instructions
and to know the size of conduit used in building electrical installation filed.
This module is designed to meet the industry requirement under the building electrical
installation occupational standard, particularly for the unit of competency: reading and
interpreting drawing plans and specifications
This module covers the units:
 Identifying types of drawings and their functions.
 Recognize amendments.
 Recognize commonly used symbols and abbreviations.
 Locating and identifying key features on a site plan.
 Identifying project requirements.
 Reading and interpreting job specifications.
Learning Objective of the Module
 Identify types of drawings and their functions.
 Recognize amendments.
 Recognize commonly used symbols and abbreviations.
 Locate and identify key features on a site plan.
 Identify project requirements.
 Read and interpret job specifications.
Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:
1. Read the information written in each unit
2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit

3. Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of
units
4. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
5. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise
Unit one: Identifying types of drawings and their functions.

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Identifying plans and drawings
 Recognizing quality requirement of company operation.
 Identifying environmental requirement of drawing from job plan
 Identifying Key features and functions of drawing
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Identify plans and drawings
 Recognize quality requirement of company operation.
 Identify environmental requirement of drawing from job plan
 Identify Key features and functions of drawing
1.1 Identify plans and drawings

1.1.1 Identifying Parts of Electrical Plan
A. Sheet Size. Electrical plans and drawing shall be drawn on sheet of
The following standard size:
760 mm X 1000 mm
600 mm X 900 mm
500 mm X 760 mm
B. Drawing Scale. Appropriate metric drawing scale shall be used.

1.1.2 Plans and Specifications
1.1.2.1 Plan Requirements.
A Location and Site Plans. Location and site plans with proposed Structure and site
drawn to appropriate metric scale shall show:
1. Bordering areas showing public or well-known street, 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 sizes of service entrance
wires, conduits and service equipment.
3. Clearance of the path or run of service drops and entrance wires in adjacent existing
and/or proposed structures.
B. Legend or Symbols. Electrical Symbols
C. General Notes and or Specifications. General Notes and or Specifications, written
on the plans or submitted on separate standard size sheets shall show;
1. Nature of Electrical Service, including number of phases, number of wires, voltage and
frequency.
2. Type of wiring:
A. Service entrance.
B. Feeders. Sub-feeders and branch circuit wires for lighting and/or power load.
C. Fire alarm system if required by law.
D. Signaling and communication
3. Special equipment to be installed. Indicating ratings and classification of service or
duty cycle of:
A. Rectifiers,
B. Heaters,
C. X-ray apparatus,
D. Electric welding equipment
E. Others
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 service equipment, mounting height and clearance for KWhr meter.
D. Electrical Layout, Floor plan showing location of equipment and services and their
interconnection wiring.
1. Plan for Power. Layout and writing plans for power on the floor plans drawn to scale
that show
A. Size and location of service entrance conductors,
i. race-ways and metering equipment, main switch
ii. board, layout of feeders and distribution panels or
iii. switches and their sizes, types and rating;
B. Complete circuit of motors and other electrical
i. equipment, their controlling device and their location
ii. and rating;
C. Complete wiring of agency power system , if any;
D. Nature of processes/activities carried out in each room or area.
2. Plan for lighting and Receptacle Outlets. Layout and wiring plans for general lighting
and convenience outlets on floor plans drawn to scale 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 the 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 design engineer.
3. Plan for Fire Detection and Alarm Circuits, Layout and Wiring plans of fire alarm
manual situations, fire alarm bells, fire alarm control panels, and other fire alarm
devices shall show:

A. Locations of outlets, equipment and/or apparatus and
controls;
B. Complete circuit showing number and size of raceway and wire.
C. Schedule of Loads. Schedule of load in tabulated form shall indicate
1. Motor Loads:
A. Motors as numbered or identified in power layout,
B. Type of Motor,
C. Horsepower/kilowatt/kilowatt ampere rating,
D. Voltage rating,
E. Full-Load current rating,
F. Frequency rating other than 60 hertz
G. Number of phases.
H. Type and Size of wiring
I. Protective device rating
2. Lighting and convenience Receptacle Loads:
A. Panel as numbered in the feeder diagram,
B. Circuit designation number,
C. Number of lighting outlets in each circuit,
D. Number of switches in each circuit,
E. Number of receptacles (convenience outlets),
F. Voltage of circuit,
G. Type and size of wiring,
H. Protective device rating.
3. Other Loads:
A. Designation number on plan,
B. Description of load,
C. Classification of service duly 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 wiring
H. Protective device rating

D. Design Analysis. Design Analysis Shall be included on the
drawings or shall be submitted on separate sheets of standard size and shall
show:
1. Branch circuits, sub-feeders, bus ways, and service entrance;
2. Types, ratings and trip settings of overload protective devices;
3. Calculation of short circuit current for determining the interrupting capacity
of overcurrent protective device;
4. Calculation of voltage drops.
E. One Line Diagram. One line diagram shall indicate:

1. Lighting and Receptacle Outlet Loads:
A. Single line or schematic diagram of lighting and receptacles panel boards
showing mains and branch circuit rating;
B. Size of conductor for feeders.
2. Motor Loads:
A. Rating in kilowatt/horsepower/kilowatt amperes,
B. Full load current,
C. Locked rotor current,
D. Phase connection for 1-phase motor on a 3-phase system,
E. Rated voltage,
F. Type and size of wiring indicating load in amperes,
G. Electric motors shall be numbered consecutively to correspond to
their number in the layout.
3. Feeders and Sub-feeders:
A. Identification and/or labeling of feeders,
B. Size and type of wires and raceway,
C. Protective device and controls,
D. The allowable ampacity of the conductor over the designed load
current in amperes expressed as a ratio and indicated along side the
conductor.
4. Load Center:

A. Identification and/or labeling of load center
showing type and rating of transformer, switches, circuit breaker and
other related devices,
B. Incoming and outgoing feeders, type, size and voltage,
C. Equipment grounding.
1.2 Title Block

Title block or nameplate of plans and drawing shall be a standard strip of 40 mm high at
the bottom of the sheet. It shall contain the following:
A. Name and location of installation or project;
B. Name and signature and address of owner/manager/operator;
C. Title of sheet;
D. Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical Engineer together with
Professional Tax Receipt Number, and Tax Identification Number:
E. Scale used date drawn; and
F. Sheet number
1.2.1 Other Details

A. Exposed conductors shall show:
1. Means of support and types of insulators: and
2. Spacing and clearances.
B. Auxilliary gutters, wireways, busways, cabinets, boxes, metallic raceways,
underground installations, other than specified in the Code shall show:
1. Installation details;
2. Conductor supports, separator, and attachments where required by this code
3. Dimensions and description or specifications.
C. Private pole installation shall show:
1. Construction and installation details and dimensions;
2. Pole top wiring details including line hardware; and

3. Guying details.
D. Low energy power and low voltage power installation shall show:
1. Details of battery installation and/or other source of low voltage or low
energy power;
2. Equipment wiring actuating mechanism and protective devices;
3. Ventilation details whenever necessary.
1.2.2 Substation Plans and Specifications

1.2.2.1 Indoor Substation, Indoor substation plans shall
show:
A. Location and dimensions of:
1. Substation in building plan drawn to scale;
2. Building with respect to entire compound or property;
3. Incoming and outgoing lines, and
4. Windows, doors, and other openings.
B. Substation structural requirements:
1. Materials and construction of walls, floors, roof, windows,
enclosures, doors, and their dimension and;
2. Ventilation and drainage systems and other safeguards.
c. Substation electrical requirement such as:
1. Plan view showing location and sizes of equipment installed,
2. Clearances and spacing between exposed current-carrying and
Noncurrent-carrying portions and grounding equipment, and
4. Grounding system.
D. Cross sectional views showing:
1. Horizontal and vertical clearances between exposed and
adjacent surfaces.
2. Horizontal and vertical clearances parts from floor/ceiling.
3. Finished floor level and ground level.
4. Specification of equipment

5. Wiring of lighting and remote control
systems,
6. On-line diagram/s of entire installation with voltage indicated.

Unit Two: Recognize commonly used symbols and abbreviations.
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics:
 Recognizing construction symbols and abbreviations
 Location project drawings Symbols and Abbreviations on legend
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Recognizing construction symbols and abbreviations
 Location project drawings Symbols and Abbreviations on legend
1.1 Common Electrical Symbols used in Building Electrical

Installation
Lamps and Lightings
Electrical Symbols - Lamps & Lighting

The following table provides the commonly used electrical wiring
schematic symbols for push-buttons and lamps which comply with the IEC
and BS Electrical Symbols. We have included the Normally Open and
Normally Closed status for each contact.
Lamp (Standard)
Filament Lamp
Lamp (Flashing)
Fluorescent luminaire
Wall mounted luminaire

Self - contained emergency lighting
luminaire
Emergency lighting luminaire (or special

circuit)
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Connectors and Earthing
Connectors and Earthing
The following table provides the commonly used electrical wiring schematic
symbols for connectors which comply with the IEC and BS Electrical Symbols.
These connectors include plug and socket, coaxial, terminal and earth connectors.
Socket (plug
Plug Male
female)
Coax Plug Slow Operating

Male Relay - Delay On
Wire
Wire Connections
Connections
(crossed)
(Two Wires)
Wires
Crossing Terminal
(Not Connector
Connected)
Terminal
Earth Connection
Block
Noiseless
Protective Earth
Earth

Chassis
Equipotentiality
Earth
General Symbol
General Symbols
Ammeter Voltmeter
Selector Switch
(N/O) Normally
Circuit Breaker Open
(N/C) Normally
Closed
Contactor Contactor
(N/C) (N/O)
Limit Switch Thermal Overcurrent
Mechanical
Voltage Transformer
Interlock
Potentiometer Solenoid Valve
Contacts and Switches
The following table provides the IEC and BS Electrical Symbols for contacts. We
have included the Normally Open and Normally Closed status for each contact

Normally Normally Closed
open Contact Contact
(N/O) (N/C)
Change Over
or 2 way Fused Switch
Contact Open Contact
Made (N/O)
position
Limit Switch Limit Switch

(N/O) (N/C)
Flow Switch Flow Switch

(N/O) (N/C)
Time Delay Time Delay

(N/O) (N/O)
Delay on Delay on re-
Closing opening
Thermal
Thermal Switch
Switch -
- Overload
Overload
(N/C)
(N/O)
Temperature Temperature
Switch Switch
(N/O) (N/C)
Pressure
Pressure Switch
Switch
(N/C)
(N/O)
Push Button Switch

symbols for push-buttons and lamps which comply with the IEC and BS
Electrical Symbols. We have included the Normally Open and Normally Closed
status for each contact.
Normally Open PB
(N/O)
Normally Closed PB
(N/C)
Emergency Stop PB
(N/O)
Indication Contact
Emergency Stop PB
(N/C)
Pull Switch
(N/O)
Pull Switch
(N/C)
Turn/Rotary Switch
(N/O)
Turn/Rotary Switch
(N/C)
Coils and Relays
symbols for coils and relays which comply with the IEC and BS Electrical
Symbols
Contactor Coil

Relay with AC Supply
Slow Release Relay

Delay Off
General Relay
(DC Supply)
Slow Operating Relay

Delay On
Mechanically Latched Relay
Other Symbol
Three-phase winding - Star
Primary cell - longer line positive, shorter line

negative
Battery
Fuse link, rated current in amperes
Inductor, coil, winding or choke

Inductor, coil, winding or choke with magnetic
core
Microphone
Loudspeaker
Antenna, general symbol
Machine, general symbol

* Function M=Motor G=Generator
Generator, general symbol
Indicating instrument, general symbol

* function V = Voltmeter A = Ammeter etc.
Integrating instrument or Energy meter

* function Wh = Watt-hour
VArh = Volt ampere reactive hour
Lamp, or signal lamp, general symbol
Switch
Switch- fuse
Fuse-switch
Isolator (Disconnector), general symbol

Disconnector - fuse (fuse combination unit)
Fuse - disconnector
Switch - disconnector
Switch - disconnector - fuse (fuse combination

unit)
Fuse - switch - disconnector
Symbol for Installation
Push button
Clock, general symbol
Bell (Audible)
Buzzer (Audible)
Siren (Audible)
Horn
Telephone handset, general symbol

Machine, general symbol
* function etc
Load, general symbol

* details
Motor starter, general symbol

* Indicates type etc.
Socket-outlet, general symbol
Twin Socket-outlet, general symbol
Switched socket-outlet
Twin Switched socket-outlet
Switch, general symbol
2 way switch, single pole
Intermediate switch
Pull switch, single-pole

Unit Three: Locate and identify key features on a site plan.
 Completing orientation plan with site.
 Identifying and locating key features of site.
 Gaining and servicing site access, main features, contours , datum of project
 Completing orientation plan with site.
 Identifying and locating key features of site.
 Gaining and servicing site access, main features, contours , datum of project
3.1 Completing orientation plan with site

3.1.1 Interpreting Electrical Plan
This is the floor plan layout, it show the location of the furniture, equipment and other
electrical appliances. This plan is used by electrical designers as basis for the
location of the convenience outlet, switch outlets, lighting outlets and other special
purpose outlet.

This is a lighting circuit layout. The lighting circuit in this plan divided into two circuit,
circuit 1 and circuit 2 as represented by the symbol circuit home run.
You will notice that the circuit home run symbol is pointing towards the power panel,
to represent that these circuits are connected to this power panel and each circuit is
individually protected by a circuit protection device.
. Circuit 1 is composed of two fluorescent lamps and four incandescent lamps. This
means that circuit 1 interconnects these lamps up to the power panel board.

Circuit 2 is also composed of two fluorescent lamps and four incandescent lamps.
This means that circuit 2 interconnects these lamps to the power panel board.
These two incandescent

lamps and 1 fluorescent lamp are controlled by 3-ganged switch. This means each
lamp is controlled by a single pole switches in one switch plate.
The fluorescent lamp in the kitchen is controlled by two three-way switches in two
different locations.

These two lamps are controlled by two-ganged switch. This means that each lamp is
controlled individually by a single pole switches in one switch plate.
These lighting outlets are individually controlled by one-ganged switch. You will
notice that the switches are located near the door for convenient access.

This is the power layout of the same electrical plan. There are six circuits in this
power layout. Three circuits for small appliance load or sometimes called
convenience outlets and four special purpose outlet.
Every small appliance load circuit in this plan is composed of four duplex
convenience outlets interconnected with each other and guarded by a pair of circuit
protection.

Special purpose outlet is an outlet that is specially designed to supply
special equipment/appliance like air-conditioning unit (ACU) in the master’s bedroom
(circuit no. 7), washing machine/drier in the lavatory (circuit no. 9), refrigerator and
electric range in the kitchen circuit no. 8 and 10 respectively.
The power panel, KWHr meter service entrance is also included in the electrical plan
to show their actual locations.
This is one-line diagram of this plan. It
indicates single line diagram of lighting and
receptacles panel boards showing mains and
branch circuit rating; size of conductors for
feeders, rated voltage and current of each
circuit.
This is the schedule of load of this plan. It shows the description of each circuit,
current, voltage, size and type of wire, circuit breaker and conduit.

1. This is the general notes and specification of this plan. These indicate nature of
electrical service, voltage, type of wiring to be used, mounting height of
receptacle and KWHr. Meters, etc. this will guide the electrician on the
specification of electrical installation.

2. This is the location and site plan; it is included in the plan to show the location
of site of the proposed project. It shows public or well-known streets, landmarks
or structures

3. The parts described can be found in a single sheet of standard size electrical
plan, but sometimes these can be drawn in several sheets due to the size and
scale used.
4. Mostly, electrical plans particularly the lighting and power layout are drawn in
scale of 1:100 meters. This means that 1 unit of measures in the plan equals 100
units in the actual situation. Example: if a convenience outlet in the plan is
measured 1 mm away from the wall; it is measured 100 mm away from the wall
in actual situation.
Interpreting Electrical Plan

Self-Check 1
Test 1: Electrical Plan Interpretation
Direction: Interpret the electrical plans below by answering the following

question concisely.

1. How many fluorescent lamps are there in OFFICE 3?
2. Describe how the lamps are controlled in OFFICE 4.
3. How many fluorescent lamps are there in circuit 2?
4. Describe how the lamps are controlled in circuit 4.
5. How many fluorescent lamps are there in the pathway? Describe how these
lamps are controlled.
6. Which of the circuits in the lighting lay out hs incandescent lamps?
7. How many circuits are there in this lighting layout?
8. How many incandescent lamps are there in the plan?
9. Describe how the lamps are controlled in OFFICE 1
10. How many circuits are there in this power circuit layout?
11. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in CIRCUIT 9?
12. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in OFFICE 1?
13. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in the pathway?

15. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in
CIRCUIT 5?
3.1.2 Interpreting Circuit Diagrams
There are different kinds of diagram used to represent electrical installation.
1. LAYOUT DIAGRAM
Layout Diagram is used to present information on the actual locations of each

components and exact measurement of the installation. Figure 1 shows a layout
diagram of electrical circuit.
1. MS-Main switch (Safety Switch) – This is a main circuit breaker

which control all the loads in the circuit. The amperage rating of the
breaker depends on the loads of the circuit.

2. COB-Cutout Box - This is also called a distribution board wherein
the branch circuit breakers are installed. The amperage rating of the
branch breaker depends on the load of each circuit. The minimum
breaker rating for lighting circuit is 10 amperes and the convenience
outlet is 16 amperes, and the power outlet for injerametad,
refrigerator and air-conditioner is 20 to 25 amperes.
3. Incandescent lamp – This is the load of the circuit, incandescent

lamp is a filament type bulb. This lighting load can be change any
type of lighting materials such as fluorescent lamp or day light lamp.
4. Junction box – This is one of the electrical materials wherein the

connections, termination and tapping of wires being made. There
should be proper insulation of wire connection on the junction box.
5. Single switch – The switch shown in Figure 1controls the lamp in

the circuit, once the switch pressed the lamp will light and when it
pressed again the lamp will turn OFF.
6. Race-way – This is an electrical conduit wherein the wires are

inserted. Electrical conduit can be Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or
Electrical Metallic Conduit (EMT). The installation of this material
proper bending should be observed.
2. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
Schematic Diagram uses

electrical symbols which clearly
show the path of current or
actual connection of the circuit.
Emphasis on the location of

electrical component is not necessary in this diagram. This type of diagram is
used when tracing and analyzing electrical
circuit. Converting the Layout Diagram in
number 1 into a schematic diagram will
look like in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the
operation of the circuit, when the switch (S)
is pressed the circuit complete (close)
allowing the current to flow from source L1
to the lamp and then from lamp to switch
back to the source L2 which make the lamp
light.
3. WIRING DIAGRAM
The Wiring Diagram is

shown in Figure 4. It is just
like a combination of
layout and schematic
diagram. The connection
of the circuit is the same
as in schematic diagram,
but the conductors are
assumed to be travelling
inside the raceway and
the electrical components
are situated where they
should be as sketched in
the installation layout.
(See again the installation layout in Figure 1 and try to figure out where the
components are located). Moreover, this type of diagram will help the electrician
determine how many wires are to be inserted in a particular conduit run.

B. Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-Lighting Circuit with One Way Switch.
1. To illuminate a little room as

shown in Figure 5, only one lamp
and one switch is needed, which
in this case the lamp is mounted
to the ceiling of the room and the
switch is installed at the opposite
side of the swing door.
2. As this room has only one door,

the lamp is operated by one
switch. The switch is used in this
lighting circuit is a ONE-WAY
(Single Pole) SWITCH.
SCHEMATIC SYMBOL ELECTRICAL SYMBOL
3. The lamp, the switch and the electrical supply are interconnected in a junction
box.
4. Figure 6 is the architectural

diagram of the above lighting circuit.

5. This is the wiring diagram of the architectural diagram shown on the previous
page. To illustrate the function of this circuit, it is shown once with the circuit
in its OFF position and once with the switch in operated (ON) position.
6. This is the schematic wiring diagram of the above wiring diagram. It is also
shown with the switch in ON and OFF position.
7. Additional lamps can be connected to

this lighting circuit, as shown by this
circuit diagram. The lamps are
connected in parallel. They are

switched ON and OFF at the same time by the same switch.
8. Each lamp can also be connected

directly to the terminals in the
junction box as shown by this
wiring diagram.
9. The lamps may be connected the

other way as shown, depending on the
situation. In this situation additional
junction boxes are provided
C. Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-lighting Circuit with Three-way Switch.

1. This room as two points
of entry. To illuminate it
sufficiently, one lamp is
mounted at the center
of its ceiling.
2. This is the architectural

diagram of the above
lighting circuit.
3. To be able to switch this lamp ON and OFF from each point of entry to the
room, two three-way switches are used in this room.
SCHEMATIC SYMBOL OF ELECTRICAL SYMBOL

TWO-WAY SWITCH OF TWO-WAY SWITCH
S3W

4. This is the wiring diagram of the
above architectural diagram. To
show the functions of this circuit, it is
shown there with its switches in this
position, the lamp is OFF.
5. Toggling the three-way switch on the left will lit the lamp.
6. Turning OFF the switch on the right will turn the lamp OFF.

7. This is schematic diagram of the
above wiring diagram. It is also shown
with the switches in their different
operating positions.
Figure 20 – Switches in their Different

operating positions

8. Additonal lamps can be connected to this circuit as
shown in this diagram. The lamps are connected parallel to each other. They
are switch ON and OFF at the same time by the same switch.
9. The lamps can be connected inside the junction boxes.
10. The lamps may be connected the other way as shown, depending on the
situation. In this situation additional jnction boxes are provided.

D. Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-Lighting Circuit Controlled in Three Different
Locations by Three-way and Four-way Switches.
1. This room as three points of entry. To illuminate it sufficiently, one lamp is

mounted at the center of its ceiling and controlled by switches in each entry point
for convenience. The lamp can be turn ON and OFF in either switches.
2. To be able to switch this lamp ON and OFF from each point of entry to the room,
two three-way and one four-way switches are used this room. The symbols for
four-way switch are shown on the figure, (three-way switch were already
discussed in the previous information sheet)

ELECTRICAL SYMBOL
S4W
3. This is the wiring diagram of the

above architectural diagram. To
show the function of this circuit,it is
shown here with its switches in their
different operating positions in this
position, the lamp is OFF.
4. Toggling the two-way switch on the left will lit the lamp.

5. Toggling the intermediate switch will turn OFF the lamp.
6. This is the schematic diagram of the above wiring diagram. It is also shown with
the switches in their different operating positions.
7. Pressing the three-way switch to the left changes the state of lamp from OFF to
ON.
8. Then by pressing the four-way switch turns OFF the lamp.

9. Pressing the three-way switch to the right turns the lamp ON again.
10. Pressing again the left two-way switch turns OFF the lamp.
11. Just add another intermediate switch between two-way switches to control the
lamp in four or more locations as shown in the figure.

Interpreting Circuit Diagram
Self – Check 2
Test 1. Diagramming:
Direction: Draw the schematic diagram and wiring diagram of the given
installation layout diagram below.
1.
2.

3.
4.

Test II. Diagramming:
Direction: Complete the diagram below by connecting each component.
5.
6.

7.

Unit Four: Read and interpret job specifications.
 Identifying job specifications
 Identifying project specifications
Identifying material attributes from specification
 Identifying job specifications
 Identifying project specifications
 Identifying material attributes from specification
4.1 Interpreting Electrical Plan
4.1.1 Interpreting Electrical Plan

5. This is the floor plan layout, it show the location of the furniture, equipment and
other electrical appliances. This plan is used by electrical designers as basis for
the location of the convenience outlet, switch outlets, lighting outlets and other
special purpose outlet.

6. This is a lighting circuit layout. The lighting circuit in this plan divided into two
circuit, circuit 1 and circuit 2 as represented by the symbol circuit home run.
7. You will notice that the circuit home run symbol is pointing towards the power
panel, to represent that these circuits are connected to this power panel and
each circuit is individually protected by a circuit protection device.
8. . Circuit 1 is composed of two fluorescent lamps and four incandescent lamps.
This means that circuit 1 interconnects these lamps up to the power panel board.

9. Circuit 2 is also composed of two fluorescent lamps and four incandescent
lamps. This means that circuit 2 interconnects these lamps to the power panel
board.
10. These two incandescent lamps and 1 fluorescent lamp are controlled by 3-
ganged switch. This means each lamp is controlled by a single pole switches in
one switch plate.

11. The fluorescent lamp in the kitchen is controlled by two three-way switches in two
different locations.
12. These two lamps are controlled by two-ganged switch. This means that each
lamp is controlled individually by a single pole switches in one switch plate.

13. These lighting outlets are individually controlled by one-ganged switch. You will
notice that the switches are located near the door for convenient access.
14. This is the power layout of the same electrical plan. There are six circuits in this
power layout. Three circuits for small appliance load or sometimes called
convenience outlets and four special purpose outlet.

15. Every small appliance load circuit in this plan is composed of four duplex
convenience outlets interconnected with each other and guarded by a pair of
circuit protection.
16. Special purpose outlet is an outlet that is specially designed to supply special
equipment/appliance like air-conditioning unit (ACU) in the master’s bedroom
(circuit no. 7), washing machine/drier in the lavatory (circuit no. 9), refrigerator
and electric range in the kitchen circuit no. 8 and 10 respectively.

17. The power panel, KWHr meter service entrance are also
included in the electrical plan to show their actual locations.
18. This is one-line diagram of this plan. It
indicates single line diagram of lighting and
receptacles panel boards showing mains
and branch circuit rating; size of
conductors for feeders, rated voltage and
current of each circuit.
19. This is the schedule of load of this plan. It shows the description of each circuit,
current, voltage, size and type of wire, circuit breaker and conduit.

20. This is the general notes and specification of this plan. These indicate nature of
electrical service, voltage, type of wiring to be used, mounting height of
receptacle and KWHr. Meters, etc. this will guide the electrician on the
specification of electrical installation.

21. This is the location and site plan; it is included in the plan to show the location of
site of the proposed project. It shows public or well-known streets, landmarks or
structures

22. The parts described can be found in a single sheet of standard size electrical
plan, but sometimes these can be drawn in several sheets due to the size and
scale used.
23. Mostly, electrical plans particularly the lighting and power layout are drawn in
scale of 1:100 meters. This means that 1 unit of measures in the plan equals 100
units in the actual situation. Example: if a convenience outlet in the plan is
measured 1 mm away from the wall; it is measured 100 mm away from the wall
in actual situation.

Interpreting Electrical Plan
Self-Check 3
Test 1: Electrical Plan Interpretation
Direction: Interpret the electrical plans below by answering the following

question concisely.
16. How many fluorescent lamps are there in OFFICE 3?

17. Describe how the lamps are controlled in OFFICE 4.
18. How many fluorescent lamps are there in circuit 2?
19. Describe how the lamps are controlled in circuit 4.
20. How many fluorescent lamps are there in the pathway? Describe how these
lamps are controlled.
21. Which of the circuits in the lighting lay out hs incandescent lamps?
22. How many circuits are there in this lighting layout?
23. How many incandescent lamps are there in the plan?
24. Describe how the lamps are controlled in OFFICE 1

25. How many circuits are there in this power circuit layout?
28. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in the pathway?

Test II: IDENTIFICATION
Direction: Identify the following diagram. Write the corresponding number of the
type of diagram.
1. Installation layout Diagram
2. Schematic Diagram
3. Wiring Diagram
Test III. Essay
Explain the difference among installation layout diagram, schematic diagram and
Wiring diagram.

Developers Profile
No Name Qualification Field of Organiz Mobile E-mail
(Level) Study ation/ number
Instituti
on
1 Tesfahun Ayalew A Electrical Assosa 09121323 Tesfugps44@gamil
Eng. poly 08 .com
TVET
College


Read and Interpret Plans

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BUILDING ELECTRICAL

Module Title: Reading and Interpreting drawing

Prepared by: BGRS-JCA & NRC

Module Title : Reading and Interpreting drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Unit one: Identifying types of drawings and their functions.

1.1 Identify plans and drawings

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

E. One Line Diagram. One line diagram shall indicate:

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

1.2 Title Block

1.2.1 Other Details

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

1.2.2 Substation Plans and Specifications

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

1.1 Common Electrical Symbols used in Building Electrical

Electrical Symbols - Lamps & Lighting

Wall mounted luminaire

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Emergency lighting luminaire (or special

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Connectors and Earthing

Connectors and Earthing

Coax Plug Slow Operating

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Limit Switch Thermal Overcurrent

Potentiometer Solenoid Valve

Contacts and Switches

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Limit Switch Limit Switch

Flow Switch Flow Switch

Time Delay Time Delay

Push Button Switch

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Coils and Relays

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Slow Release Relay

Slow Operating Relay

Mechanically Latched Relay

Three-phase winding - Star

Primary cell - longer line positive, shorter line

Fuse link, rated current in amperes

Inductor, coil, winding or choke

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Antenna, general symbol

Machine, general symbol

Generator, general symbol

Indicating instrument, general symbol

Integrating instrument or Energy meter

Lamp, or signal lamp, general symbol

Isolator (Disconnector), general symbol

Module Title : Reading And Interpreting Drawing Version -1

Switch - disconnector - fuse (fuse combination

Fuse - switch - disconnector

Symbol for Installation

Clock, general symbol