2. Chapter 29
Electrical Plans

3. Objectives Describe an electrical plan and identify its features.
Identify typical electrical symbols found on a residential electrical plan.
Draw an electrical plan for a residential structure using manual drafting techniques.
Draw an electrical plan for a residential structure using CADD.

4. Electrical Plan
Electrical plan shows location and type of electrical equipment to be used
Plan view section
Usually traced from floor plan
Shows meter distribution panel, outlets, switches, and special features
Identifies number and types of circuits

5. Required Information Number, type of circuits
Service entrance capacity
Meter, distribution panel location
Location, placement, type of switches
Location, type of lighting fixtures
Special electrical equipment
Number, type of circuits

6. Required Information Electrical fixture schedule
Symbols, legends, and notes
Required amperage rating of service is shown beside distribution panel

7. Common Electrical Symbols

8. Service Entrance
Locate service entrance equipment close to service drop
Main breaker should be close to meter
Locate service entrance close to largest energy users
Larger loads require larger conductors
Shorter runs reduce voltage drops

9. Employability Negotiation
Process of coming to agreement on an issue that requires all parties to give and take a little to achieve intended result
Begins with trying to understand the other person’s interests
Together try to reach possible solutions that meet mutual concerns

10. Meters
Outside location is preferred, but meter can be located inside or outside
Smart meters can be read remotely by utility company

11. Switches
Number and placement of switches is related to number of lighting fixtures, switched outlets, and equipment
Select logical location for each switch
Use proper symbols to show type of switch

12. Switches
On electrical plan, switches are shown connected to fixtures, appliances, and outlets they operate
Thin, curved hidden line or centerline shows connection
Lines do not represent actual wiring, but only elements connected
Use SPLINE or POLYLINE in CADD

13. Receptacle Outlets Place outlets every 6' to 8' along all walls
Outlets are usually 120-volt duplex
Some duplex outlets may be split-wired
Receptacle outlets should be grounded or GFCI to prevent shock

14. Receptacle Outlets Receptacle outlets may be switched or always “hot”
Consider furniture arrangement when locating switches and outlets

15. Special-Purpose Outlets
Special-purpose receptacle outlets may have one or several receptacles
Unique symbols should be identified in a legend

16. Traditional Lighting Two types of lights have been commonly used
Incandescent light
Screw-in bulb
Fluorescent light
Tube

17. Energy-Efficient Alternatives
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs)
Contain mercury
Light-emitting diode (LED) lights
Multiple colors; many uses
Electronic-stimulated luminescence (ESL) lights
Up to 70% more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs

18. Lighting Fixtures
Trend is toward more freestanding lamps and fewer ceiling-mounted fixtures
Recessed lighting fixtures for hallways, foyers, or special emphasis
Track lighting is another option

19. Exterior Lighting
Exterior light fixtures should be rated for exterior applications
Plan adequate lighting for:
Walks
Drives
Porches
Patios
Other outside areas

20. Lighting Fixture Schedule
Use proper symbol for each lighting fixture at actual location
Include lighting fixture schedule in electrical plan

21. Green Architecture Phasing out the incandescent lightbulb
In United States, higher-energy bulbs were restricted first, with phase-out to be completed in 2014
Some bulbs are exempt from restrictions, such as appliance lamps
Keep up-to-date with new technologies and incorporate them into designs when possible

22. Other Devices Telephone jacks Intercom system Home security devices
TV antenna jack
Cable or satellite TV jack
Door chimes
Audio outlets

23. Branch Circuits
Electrical plan indicates number and type of branch circuits
Circuit data is generally shown as note, chart, or diagram on electrical plan
Number of lighting, small-appliance, and individual circuits should be listed

24. Manual Drafting: Electrical Plan
Trace exterior and interior walls and major appliances from floor plan.
Locate meter and distribution panel. Indicate voltage and amperage rating. Locate telephone junction box and home security or automation wiring enclosure. Check building code requirements.

25. Manual Drafting: Electrical Plan
3. Show all receptacle outlets using proper symbols. 4. Locate all ceiling and wall lighting outlets. Use standard lighting symbols. 5. Show all special-purpose outlets and fixtures. 6. Locate switches and connect them to outlets and lighting fixtures they operate.

26. Manual Drafting: Electrical Plan
7. Add lighting fixture schedule and symbol legend, if needed. 8. Note number and type of circuits required. 9. Letter all other notes and title, scale, and sheet number. 10. Check drawing for accuracy and completeness.

27. Residential Electrical Plan

28. CADD: Electrical Plan
If electrical plan is to be a separate file, open floor plan drawing and save it with new name. If combining electrical plan with floor plan, create set of layers specifically for electrical plan and lock or freeze all other layers.

29. CADD: Electrical Plan
2. Locate meter and distribution panel. Indicate voltage and amperage rating. Locate telephone junction box and home security or automation wiring enclosure. Double-check local building codes. 3. Insert symbols for receptacle outlets, placing them on electrical symbols layer. Indicate receptacle types.

30. CADD: Electrical Plan
4. Insert symbols for ceiling and wall lighting outlets on electrical symbols layer. 5. Insert symbols for special-purpose outlets and fixtures on the electrical symbols layer. 6. Insert symbols for switches on electrical symbols layer.

31. CADD: Electrical Plan
Connect switches to outlets and lighting fixtures they operate. Use hidden or centerline linetype with SPLINE command or Spline option of POLYLINE command. Place these lines on separate layer to achieve proper line width when plotting.
Add lighting fixture schedule and symbol legend, if needed.

32. CADD Drafting Procedure
9. Add note indicating number and type of required circuits. Create other notes and add title, scale, and sheet number. Place specific notes on their own layer. 10. Check drawing for accuracy and completeness.

33. Residential Electrical Plan Drawn Using CADD