Electrical Plan Symbols

A comprehensive guide to electrical symbols commonly used in construction drawings. These symbols represent power outlets, lighting fixtures, fire alarm devices, security equipment, and communications infrastructure.

Power

Duplex Receptacle

Standard electrical outlet for general power connection

Weatherproof Duplex Receptacle

Outdoor-rated electrical outlet for exterior locations

GFCI Duplex Receptacle

Ground fault circuit interrupt protected outlet for wet areas

Switched Duplex Receptacle

One receptacle controlled by switch

Emergency Duplex Receptacle

Outlet powered by backup emergency systems

Quad Receptacle

Double duplex receptacle - four outlets in single location

Switch

Basic light or circuit control switch

3-Way Switch

Switch controlling circuit from multiple locations

Dimmer Switch

Switch with built-in dimmer for variable lighting control

Power Panel

Main electrical distribution panel

Lighting Panel

Dedicated lighting circuit distribution panel

Junction Box

Electrical connection and wire junction point

Recessed Floor Box

Flush-mounted floor electrical outlet

Through-Wall Sleeve

Wall penetration for electrical conduit passage

Lighting

2x2 Recessed Light

Two-by-two-foot ceiling-mounted fixture

2x2 Emergency Recessed Light

Emergency-powered 2x2 recessed fixture

2x4 Recessed Light

Two-by-four-foot ceiling-mounted fixture

2x4 Emergency Recessed Light

Emergency-powered 2x4 recessed fixture

Recessed Linear Light

Long, narrow ceiling-mounted fixture

Emergency Linear Light

Emergency-powered linear ceiling fixture

Surface Mounted Utility Light

Non-recessed practical work area lighting

Track Lighting

Adjustable fixture system mounted on track rail

Recessed Can Light

Cylindrical recessed downlight fixture

Wall Mounted Light

Vertical surface-mounted wall fixture

Recessed Wall Wash Light

Recessed fixture for accent wall illumination

Fire Alarm

Fire Alarm Pull Box

Manual fire alarm activation station

Strobe and Horn

Visual and audible alarm notification device

Smoke Detector

Automatic smoke sensing and alarm trigger

Fire Department Key Box

Secure access point for emergency responders

Ceiling Mounted Exit Sign

Overhead emergency egress directional indicator

Wall Mounted Exit Sign

Vertical surface emergency egress indicator

Emergency Light

Battery powered backup illumination during power loss

Security

Panic Button

Emergency alert activation control device

Card Reader

Electronic access control identification point

Magnetic Door Lock

Electronically controlled door security mechanism

Electric Door Latch

Motorized door fastening device

Electric Door Strike

Powered frame-mounted door release mechanism

Security Camera

Surveillance monitoring equipment location

Communications

Telephone Jack

Voice communication connection point

Data Jack

Network and data transmission outlet

Wall Mounted Data Jack

Elevated data connection for wall devices

Telephone and Data Jack

Combination dual-purpose voice and data outlet

Ceiling Mounted Speaker

Audio system distribution point