| An electrical plan is a plan view similar to the floor | | | | next to a room entrance for convenience. When |
| plan in that all the walls, doors, and windows are | | | | switching an exterior light, these are usually |
| shown along with the electrical symbols that | | | | located inside near the exterior lights location. |
| describe service to the house. It also includes | | | | Receptacles, also known as outlets are usually |
| what is known as a legend which defines what | | | | spaced every six feet in a room. This is to make |
| each symbol represents. | | | | sure that electrical cords do not have to be |
| There are several considerations that have to be | | | | stretched far from the appliance they are |
| made when drawing an electrical plan for a house. | | | | powering. Some times a homeowner requests |
| They are as follows: | | | | that the top half of a receptacle be controlled by |
| The Meter and Service Box | | | | a light switch to make turning off lamps simpler. |
| The electrical meter is always on the exterior of | | | | Exterior receptacles and those inside the house |
| the home. This is the location where power | | | | within six feet of a water source like a sink are |
| enters the house into the circuit box. The circuit | | | | ground fault interrupt. This is to eliminate possible |
| box is located no more than twelve feet away | | | | shock if shorted by water. |
| from where the power enters the homes. From | | | | All of these are one hundred and twenty volt with |
| this location electricity is distributed to the | | | | a few exceptions and the amperage varies. |
| individual rooms. The circuit box is usually located | | | | Smoke Detectors |
| in a service area of a home like the utility room | | | | These are required by code for fire safety. The |
| or kitchen. If the home has a basement, this is | | | | must be located in each individual bedroom and |
| usually the preferred location for it to be placed. | | | | also near each exit from the home. These are |
| Light Fixtures, Light Switches, and Receptacles | | | | usually battery powered so that even if the |
| Light fixtures are usually placed in the middle of a | | | | power is out, they will still function. |
| room to allow even lighting throughout. | | | | Wiring Connections |
| Sometimes these are included in special fixtures | | | | These are usually drawn using a arched dashed |
| like ceiling fans. When a fixture is placed in a large | | | | line showing which switch controls what light or |
| closet, it is usually mounted so that it is at least | | | | receptacle. |
| three feet from where the clothing is hung to | | | | There are many more considerations like two |
| insure against a fire from its heat. Exterior lighting | | | | twenty volt power for appliances such as the |
| should be waterproof in some way to eliminate | | | | stove or electrical clothes dryer. You may also |
| the possibility of electrical short. | | | | place special fixtures like phone jacks and cable tv |
| The light switches almost always are mounted | | | | connections on this plan. |