Electrical Plan

O
Objectives
• Identify the different
symbols in drafting an
electrical plan

• Differentiate the difference

between electrical plan and
floor plan lay-out

• Create an Electrical plan

ELECTRICAL PLAN – DCS A.Y. 2022-2023 2
 Electrical Plan
The electrical plan display all of the circuits and systems to be used by
the electrical contractor during installation.

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 Electrical installation for new
construction occurs in these three phases:
● Temporary. The installation of a temporary underground or overhead electrical service near the
construction site and close to the final meter location provides electricity during construction.
● Rough-in electrical. Also known as simply “rough-in” or prewiring, this is when the electrical
boxes and wiring are installed. Rough-in happens after the structure is framed and covered with
roofing. The electrical meter and permanent service can also be installed at this time.
● Finish electrical. This is when the light fixtures, outlets and covers, and appliances are installed
prior to occupancy. Finish electrical is one of the last construction phases

ELECTRICAL PLAN – DCS A.Y. 2022-2023 4

Definition of Terms
 Ampere: A measurement of electrical current flow. Referred to by its abbreviation amp or amps.
Box: A box equipped with clamps, used to terminate a conduit. Also known as an electrical box
or outlet box. Connections are made in the box, and a variety of covers are available for finish
electrical. A premanufactured box or casing is installed during electrical rough-in to house the
switches, outlets, and fixture mounting
Breaker: An electric safety switch that automatically opens a circuit when excessive amperage
occurs. Also referred to as a circuit breaker.
Circuit: The various conductors, connections, and devices found in the path of electrical flow
from the source through the components and back to the source.
Conductor: A material that permits the free motion of electricity. Copper is a common
conductor in architectural wiring.
Conduit: A metal or fiber pipe or tube used to enclose one or more electrical conductors

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 Distribution panel: Where the conductor from the meter base is connected to individual circuit
breakers, which are connected to separate circuits for distribution to various locations throughout the
structure. Also known as a panel.
Electrical work: The installation of the wiring and fixtures for a complete residential or commercial
electrical system. The installation of the wiring is referred to as the rough-in. Rough-in takes place
after the framing is completed and the structure is dried-in. Dried-in refers to installing the roof or
otherwise making the building dry. The light fixtures, outlets, and all other final electrical work are
done when the construction is nearly complete. This is referred to as the finish electrical. Temporary,
rough-in, and finish electrical make up the electrical work.
Ground: An electrical connection to the earth by means of a rod.
Junction box: A box that protects electrical wiring splices in conductors or joints in runs. The box
has a removable cover for easy access
Lighting outlet: An electrical outlet that is intended for the direct connection of a lighting fixture

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 Meter: An instrument used to measure electrical quantities. The electrical meter
for a building is where the power enters and is monitored for the electrical utility.
Meter base: The mounting base on which the electrical meter is attached. It
contains all of the connections and clamps.
Outlet: An electrical connector used to plug in devices. A duplex outlet, with two
outlets, is the typical wall plug.
Switch leg: The electrical conductor from a switch to the electrical device being
controlled
Volt: The unit of measure for electrical force.
Watt: A unit measure of power.

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 Temporary electric service: This service is provided during construction and is
used for construction electricity purposes. This service is installed on a temporary
pole, which is placed near the permanent power pole or transformer. The
temporary service has a meter base and meter, and usually two 20-ampere, 120-
VAC, grounded, duplex outlets and one 50-ampere, four-wire, single phase, 240-
VAC (208-VAC at some locations) outlet mounted in a weatherproof enclosure.

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 Installation of outlets and junction box

Presentation title 10
 Installation of outlets and junction box

Presentation title 11
 Installation of outlets and junction box

Presentation title 12
“
Business opportunities are like buses.
There's always another one coming.
Richard Branson
”
Energy-efficient considerations related to
electrical design
 Energy Conservation

Presentation title 15
 Energy Conservation

Presentation title 16
 ELECTRICAL DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
You need to meet minimum code requirements while also considering the
needs and preferences of the occupants. One way to design the electrical
layout is to pretend that you are living in a home, or working in a
commercial building, and plan a system based on your convenience and
daily activities.

Presentation title 17
 Entry. Every entry shall have at least one lighting outlet controlled by a switch on the
inside of the building. There shall be at least one weatherproof GFCI outlet
Entry foyer. There is generally a light fixture centered in the entry foyer, with a single
switch or two switches if necessary. Depending on the size of the foyer, there may be
additional ceiling- or wall-mounted lighting outlets. The foyer should contain at least
one duplex convenience outlet, with more spaced a minimum of 12' (3600 mm) apart if
needed
Patios and porches. Patios and porches are generally designed with an entry and should
have the same requirements. Additionally, these areas need adequate lighting. One
lighting outlet per 150 sq ft (1394 sq m) should be considered. The number of duplex
convenience outlets in an area depends on its use. A light fixture and weatherproof
GFCI outlet should be placed at a sink, serving counter, or outside cooking area.

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 Living area. Living rooms and great rooms should have at least one switch-controlled
duplex convenience outlet. Additional outlets are needed for convenience and to meet
code requirements. There is generally no central ceiling lighting outlet, but there are often
accent lights such as recessed ceiling or wall lights.
Dining room. Dining rooms and eating nooks should have a switch-controlled centrally
located ceiling light. Outlets are needed for convenience and to meet code requirements.
Bedrooms. Bedrooms often have a switch-controlled central ceiling light. Bedrooms can
have a recessed ceiling light next to a wardrobe closet. The master bedroom can use a
switch-controlled duplex convenience outlet rather than the ceiling light. Additional
duplex convenience outlets should be spaced as desired or by minimum code
requirements. Walk-in wardrobes should have one or more switch controlled ceiling lights

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 Bathrooms. The bathrooms should have at least one lighting outlet in the ceiling or
wall above the sink mirror. There should be one light over each sink and a GFCI
outlet next to each sink, at 48" above the floor and not more than 36" from the
edge of the fixture. Additional convenience outlets can be placed around the room
to meet personal requirements. Outlets shall not be installed faceup in the work
surface or cabinet top in a bathroom sink location. If fixtures are used in an
enclosed shower or spa, they should be vapor proof. Ceiling lights are often
recessed and should be placed in areas such as over the water closet, tub, spa, or
sauna as needed for adequate lighting. An exhaust fan that is vented to the outside
is required, unless an operable window is used. Some owners prefer an exhaust fan
even if an operable window is provided.

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 Kitchen. The kitchen is a place where lighting and convenience outlets are very important. There should be
switch-controlled centrally located lighting. Many designs use ceiling fluorescent fixtures or adequately
spaced recessed ceiling lights. An additional switch-controlled light is often placed over the sink and other
work areas. Small, high-intensity halogen recessed light fixtures are popular because they provide excellent
illumination and are energy efficient. Fixtures are available with fixed and movable lights for directional
applications. Available bulbs vary in the number of degrees of illumination provided, from a narrow
directional effect to wide-angle lighting. The use of these light fixtures is not limited to the kitchen; they are
effectively used in hallways and other rooms. Duplex convenience outlets should be placed at least 4' (1200
mm) apart, no more than 2' (600 mm) from a fixture or appliance, and with at least one outlet at each end of
an island or peninsula. Each appliance should have a separate outlet. This includes the refrigerator, range,
hood light and fan, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and trash compactor. There should also be additional
small appliance outlets in every kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area. A switch-
controlled garbage disposal can be used. Custom kitchens can also have under- and over-cabinet lighting
and portable appliance compartments or garages. An exhaust fan vented to the outside is required. The
exhaust fan can be in combination with a hood and light over the range or adjacent to the range.

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 Laundry/utility room. The laundry room should have at least one switch-controlled
ceiling light, with other lights considered over work areas. Washer and dryer
outlets are required along with adequate duplex convenience outlets. The appliance
outlet cannot be more than 6' (1800 mm) from the appliance location.
Office, recreation, or hobby room. An office or other auxiliary room should have
ceiling lighting placed over planned work areas, and there should be duplex
convenience outlets placed as needed for the intended purpose and to meet codes.
If computers are used, dedicated outlets should be provided.
Hallways. Ceiling lights should be placed no more than 12' (3600 mm) apart, with
a switch controlling them from each end of the hall. Duplex convenience outlets
should be at least 12' (3600 mm) apart.

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 Stairs. Place at least one ceiling light at each floor or landing and have additional lights as
needed to light the stairs adequately. Convenience outlets are not required but may be
considered, especially if landings are involved.
Garage. At least one ceiling outlet for every two cars, but one light per bay is better. Use
at least one weatherproof GFCI duplex convenience outlet of 125-V, single phase, 15 to
20 amps. Provide additional outlets and lights as needed for work areas and other
conveniences. An outlet and controls should be wired for every electric garage door
opener.
Outdoor outlets. At least one weatherproof outlet must be installed at the front and back of
each home with direct access from grade and not exceed 6'–6" (1980 mm) above grade.
Crawl spaces. All outlets in crawl spaces should be GFCI, 125-V, single phase, and 15 to
20 amps.

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 Smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are required at each sleeping area and on each additional
story and basement of a living unit. Smoke detectors are generally placed in the ceiling
immediately outside the entrances to bedrooms or above stairs leading to adjacent
bedrooms or living areas. The type of smoke detectors can be indicated in the
specifications. Smoke detectors that are wired directly into the electrical system are
preferred, and some installations use additional battery backup smoke detectors
Telephones. Careful consideration should be given to the locations where telephones are
typically used. Common locations include the kitchen, master bedroom, laundry room, and
office. Telephone jacks should be placed in every desired location or rough-wired for future
installations. Rough-wire means to run wiring in the walls during construction for
possible future hookup and use. Another term for rough-wired is pre-wired. Wiring
during construction is always less expensive and easier than wiring after the building is
occupied.

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 Television, cable, stereo, security. Wiring for planned television, DVD, sound electronics,
and security systems should be designed into the project. These items should also be pre-
wired for installation during or after construction. The type of television wiring depends
on the hookup to an antenna, cable, or satellite. The location of television outlets depends
on the needs of the occupants, but outlets are generally provided in the living room,
family room, recreation room, master bedroom, and in other rooms as needed. Sound
electronics installations can be wired separately for sound throughout the home or
associated with the cable television. The sound system can be connected to a central
system with AM/ FM, CD, satellite radio, and other devices, and can be part of an
intercom system. The security system should be wired throughout the building and should
be designed in cooperation with a security expert to provide the best possible installation
needed to meet the owner’s requirements. Security systems can be internal or connected to
a monitoring station such as a private security provider or public police department.

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 Television, cable, stereo, security. Wiring for planned television, DVD, sound electronics,
and security systems should be designed into the project. These items should also be pre-
wired for installation during or after construction. The type of television wiring depends
on the hookup to an antenna, cable, or satellite. The location of television outlets depends
on the needs of the occupants, but outlets are generally provided in the living room,
family room, recreation room, master bedroom, and in other rooms as needed. Sound
electronics installations can be wired separately for sound throughout the home or
associated with the cable television. The sound system can be connected to a central
system with AM/ FM, CD, satellite radio, and other devices, and can be part of an
intercom system. The security system should be wired throughout the building and should
be designed in cooperation with a security expert to provide the best possible installation
needed to meet the owner’s requirements. Security systems can be internal or connected to
a monitoring station such as a private security provider or public police department.

ELECTRICAL PLAN – DCS A.Y. 2022-2023 26

 Computers and peripherals. Wiring for computers and peripherals is becoming an
important part of the electrical system, as explained earlier in this chapter.
Peripherals are items outside the main computer box. These items can include
printers, modems, and fax machines. Refer to the earlier discussion covering home
automation and structured wiring systems.

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 UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATIONS
The design of the electrical system to accommodate people of all ages
and possible disabilities should be considered.

Presentation title 28
 Switch locations. Place light switches 2'−6" (760 mm) above the floor for easy use
by children and people in wheelchairs. Additionally, provide an adequate turning
radius next to the switch for wheelchair movement. More switches than what is
considered normal should be considered for access by people with disabilities.
Switches should be the type that operate by touch or can be sound- or motion-
activated, and on a timer if necessary. A master switch that controls all of the lights
in a home can be located in a convenient and commonly used place, such as in the
master bedroom. See the earlier discussion covering radio frequency systems.
Place the distribution panel in an easily accessible location and install the panel at
a height lower than normal, such as 4'−6" (1320 mm), for wheelchair access.

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 Convenience outlets. Bathroom vanity outlets should be placed in the side wall for
easy access. Place outlets on the front or top surface of the base kitchen cabinets in
convenient locations. Provide more than the normal number of outlets. For
example, a spacing of 8' (2400 mm) is preferred over the code requirement of 12'
(3600 mm). Outlets should be at least 15" (380 mm) above the floor rather than the
normal 12" (300 mm). Determine the owner’s need for special medical equipment,
communication systems, and emergency alarm circuits. Provide a special outlet in
a ventilated area for a home owner to charge an electric wheelchair battery.

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 Lighting. Provide specifications for wall-mounted lights to be placed within reach
and ceiling fixtures that pull down for easy access from a wheelchair. Extra
lighting should be considered, especially in locations where a person with
disabilities might have difficulty seeing, such as a shower, bathroom, and kitchen.
Provide extra lighting around stairs and landings. Additional lighting should be
considered as occupants grow older. Lights can be controlled with dimmer
switches as needed to provide varying intensity. Fluorescent lights should be
avoided when designing a home for people with epilepsy, Alzheimer disease,
hyperactivity, hearing aids, and cataracts. Specify natural light tubes when
fluorescent lights are used. Track lighting should be considered when it is desirable
to add or remove lights or change the angle of lights

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Common electrical symbols

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Common electrical symbols

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Placement of Switch Symbol

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Placement of Switch Symbol

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Good and poor electrical layout techniques

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Sample Lay-out of an Electrical Plan

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Bath electrical layout

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 R
REMEMBER
• The electrical plan is prepared as a separate floor plan
drawing, labeled ELECTRICAL PLAN (for complex
homes, or combined with all other floor plan information
for basic homes)

Presentation title 46
 How we get there

Presentation title 47
 Summary
As floor plans are generated for construction documents, other plans may be
needed to complete the construction set of working drawings. In both
residential and commercial applications, the addition of an electrical plan is
normally required. Many companies provide two separate drawings for
residential and commercial projects. One drawing is the floor plan completely
dimensioned, and the other drawing is a floor plan that includes the walls,
doors, and windows with electrical symbols added. In many cases, a base floor
plan drawing is used as an underlay, and then electrical symbols are drawn over
the top creating a composite electrical plan drawing.

Presentation title 48
 Reference:

Thank you