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
Symbol reference courtesy of Archtoolbox. For the most up-to-date symbols and additional resources, visit their website.
Keep exploring
Related symbol references and electrical drawing guides.
100+ electrical abbreviations organized by category.
Step-by-step guide to electrical plan review.
Dedicated reference for fire alarm device symbols.
Symbols used on architectural floor plans.
AI-powered symbol and annotation recognition on drawings.
Best practices for coordinating electrical systems.