Electrical Plan Symbols

Every engineering office uses their own set of electrical symbols; however, the symbols below are fairly common across many offices.  Refer to the legend sheet in your set of plans for special symbols used in a particular set.

Power Symbols

Duplex Receptacle

Duplex Receptacle symbol

Weatherproof Duplex Receptacle

Weatherproof Duplex Receptacle symbol

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt Duplex Receptacle

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt Duplex Receptacle symbol

Duplex Receptacle - One Receptacle Controlled by Switch

Duplex Receptacle symbol - One Receptacle Controlled by Switch

Duplex Receptacle on Emergency Branch

Duplex Receptacle on Emergency Branch

Double Duplex Receptacle (aka Quad Receptacle)

Double Duplex Receptacle symbol (aka Quad Receptacle)

Switch

Switch symbol

3-Way Switch

3-Way Switch symbol

Switch with Built-In Dimmer

Switch with Built-In Dimmer

Power Panel

Power Panel symbol

Lighting Panel

Lighting Panel symbol

Junction Box

Junction Box symbol

Recessed Floor Box

Recessed Floor Box symbol

Through-Wall Sleeve

Through-Wall Sleeve symbol

Lighting Symbols

2x2 Recessed Light

2x2 Recessed Light symbol

2x2 Recessed Light on Emergency Branch

Symbol for 2x2 Recessed Light on Emergency Branch

2x4 Recessed Light

2x4 Recessed Light symbol

2x4 Recessed Light on Emergency Branch

Symbol for 2x4 Recessed Light on Emergency Branch

Recessed Linear Light

Recessed Linear Light symbol

Recessed Linear Light on Emergency Branch

Symbol for Recessed Linear Light on Emergency Branch

Surface Mounted Utility Light

Surface Mounted Utility Light symbol

Track Lighting

Track Lighting symbol

Recessed Can Light

Recessed Can Light symbol

Wall Mounted Light

Wall Mounted Light symbol

Recessed Wall Wash Light

Recessed Wall Wash Light symbol

Fire Alarm Symbols

Fire Alarm Pull Box

Fire Alarm Pull Box symbol

Fire Alarm Strobe and Horn Combination

Symbol for Fire Alarm Strobe and Horn Combination

Smoke Detector

Smoke Detector symbol

Fire Department Key Box

Fire Department Key Box symbol

Ceiling Mounted Exit Sign

Symbol for Ceiling Mounted Exit Sign

Arrow Indicates Direction of Egress

Wall Mounted Exit Sign

Symbol for Wall Mounted Exit Sign

Arrow Indicates Direction of Egress

Battery Powered Emergency Light

Symbol for Battery Powered Emergency Light

Security Symbols

Panic Button or Distress Button

Symbol for Panic Button or Distress Button

Card Reader

Card Reader symbol

Magnetic Door Lock

Magnetic Door Lock symbol

Electric Door Latch

Electric Door Latch symbol

Electric Door Strike

Electric Door Strike symbol

Security Camera

Security Camera symbol

Communications Symbols

Telephone Jack

Telephone Jack symbol

Data Jack

Data Jack symbol

Data Jack for Wall Mounted Item

Symbol for Data Jack for Wall Mounted Item

Combination Telephone and Data Jack

Symbol for Combination Telephone and Data Jack

Ceiling Mounted Speaker

Ceiling Mounted Speaker symbol

Article Updated: February 3, 2024

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