Receptacles and outlets
Where power is taken from the circuit.
Outlet (Duplex)
Duplex receptacle. The standard 15A or 20A wall outlet, two receptacles on one yoke.
GFCI Outlet
GFCI receptacle. A ground-fault protected outlet, required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, and outdoors.
240V Outlet
240V receptacle. A 240-volt outlet serving one heavy appliance.
Weatherproof Outlet
Weatherproof receptacle. An outdoor outlet with a cover that keeps rain out.
Floor Outlet
Floor outlet. A receptacle set flush into the floor, usually under a table or in a great room.
Dryer Outlet
Dryer outlet. A 240V NEMA 14-30 receptacle for an electric dryer.
Range Outlet
Range outlet. A 240V NEMA 14-50 receptacle for an electric range or oven.
Switches and controls
How the lighting is operated.
Switch (1-Pole)
Single-pole switch. Controls a light from one location.
3-Way Switch
3-way switch (S3). Controls one light from two locations, such as the top and bottom of a stair.
4-Way Switch
4-way switch (S4). Sits between two 3-way switches to control a light from three or more locations.
Dimmer
Dimmer. A switch with a variable level control.
Occupancy Sensor
Occupancy sensor. A motion sensor that switches the lights on and off automatically.
Photocell
Photocell. A light sensor that switches fixtures on at dusk and off at dawn.
Thermostat
Thermostat. The control for heating and cooling.
Lighting
Luminaires and the fixtures that move air.
Ceiling Light
Ceiling light. A general ceiling-mounted luminaire.
Recessed Light
Recessed light. A can light set flush into the ceiling.
Track Lighting
Track lighting. A run of adjustable heads on a track.
Under-Cabinet Light
Under-cabinet light. A linear fixture mounted beneath upper cabinets.
Wall Sconce
Wall sconce. A decorative wall-mounted light.
Flood Light
Flood light. An exterior fixture that throws a wide beam.
Emergency / Exit Light
Emergency / exit light. A battery-backed light or an illuminated exit sign.
Wall Pack
Wall pack. A wall-mounted exterior fixture used around building perimeters.
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fan. A paddle fan, often with a light kit.
Bath Exhaust Fan
Bath exhaust fan. A vent fan that pulls moisture out of a bathroom.
Panels, boxes, and distribution
Where circuits begin and how equipment is isolated.
Main Panel
Main panel. The service panel or load center where the circuits originate.
Sub-Panel
Sub-panel. A secondary panel fed from the main panel, often for a garage or addition.
Junction Box
Junction box. An accessible box where conductors are spliced.
Equipment Disconnect
Equipment disconnect. A switch that isolates a piece of equipment, such as an AC condenser or a motor.
Motor
Motor. A motor load, such as a fan, pump, or compressor.
Appliances and equipment
Dedicated loads that get their own circuit.
Water Heater
Water heater. A tank or tankless water heater.
Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal. An under-sink disposer.
Dishwasher
Dishwasher. A dedicated dishwasher circuit.
EV Charger
EV charger. An electric vehicle charging station.
Detectors and low voltage
Life safety and communications devices.
Smoke Detector
Smoke detector. A smoke alarm, usually interconnected so one sounds them all.
CO Detector
CO detector. A carbon monoxide alarm.
Data / Comms
Data / comms. A network jack (RJ45).
Phone Jack
Phone jack. A telephone jack (RJ11).
Coax / TV
Coax / TV. A cable television outlet.
Doorbell
Doorbell. A door chime or push button.
Questions
What do the symbols on an electrical floor plan mean?
Each symbol is shorthand for a device and how it is wired. A circle with a cross is a ceiling light, a circle marked S3 is a 3-way switch, and a rectangle with two slots is a duplex outlet. The symbol says what to install and where; the lines between symbols show the circuit runs.
Are these symbols standard?
Most follow common residential and light-commercial drafting conventions, but plans vary and a set of drawings will normally carry its own legend. If a symbol is not on the plan legend, confirm it with the designer before installing.
Is WireDraft free to use?
Yes. WireDraft is free and needs no account. It runs entirely in your browser, so your plans are not uploaded to a server.
Can I export a marked-up plan to send to the crew or the permit office?
Yes. Export a high-resolution PNG of your marked-up plan with a legend of the symbols used, ready to print or email.
All 39 symbols are built into WireDraft. Free, no account, works offline.