Molly Ayala
Electrical drawings are visual representations of electrical systems and wiring for electricians and engineers. They include various components, such as outlets, fixtures, switches, lighting, fans, and appliances. While electrical drawings typically include symbols, notes, and schedules, they rarely illustrate conduit routing. Conduits are pipes that carry electrical wiring, and their inclusion in drawings depends on industry standards and specific project requirements. For instance, in the UK, conduits are usually omitted unless they serve a specific purpose, while in the US, their illustration depends on construction type and size. Some engineers choose to omit conduit routing to avoid taking ownership of its accuracy, while others argue for its inclusion to prevent field conflicts and aid contractors in accurate estimations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conduit illustration | Conduits are illustrated differently depending on the industry and what is being designed. For example, in the US, conduits are rarely drawn for project designs, whereas in Mexico, it is common to draw them for shop drawings. |
| Conduit size | Conduits with a size of 2" and above are typically included in conduit plans, and groups of 3 or more conduits may also be included. |
| Routing | Conduit routing is usually not shown in electrical drawings, which can lead to field conflicts. However, notes about routing to difficult areas may be included. |
| Symbols | Electrical drawings use symbols and abbreviations to represent various appliances and electrical systems. The symbols may vary depending on the engineer creating the drawings. |
| Voltage | Hash marks are typically used for voltages lower than 480V, such as 277V, 240V, 208V, and 120V. |
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What You'll Learn
Conduit size and routing
When illustrating conduit size and routing, it's common to indicate the wire and conduit size for each circuit, particularly for service entrances. Riser diagrams are valuable in displaying conduit sizes from switchgear to downstream panels and their connections to generators and specialised equipment. However, the absence of information on smaller conduit runs can create challenges in understanding their purpose and may lead to field conflicts with other systems.
To address this, some engineers choose to include notes about routing in challenging areas, such as where multiple conduits converge or where specific coordination is necessary. This provides guidance without dictating the exact path, as electricians often have more flexibility in determining the most efficient and economical route based on real-life obstacles.
In terms of conduit size, it is standard to list all conduits as if they were individual, regardless of their proximity to other equipment. This approach ensures clarity and organisation, allowing contractors to combine conduits as necessary during installation.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for illustrating conduit size and routing, providing some details about challenging areas and maintaining clear communication between engineers and contractors can help ensure a smooth installation process.
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Industry standards
- Project Complexity and Size: The level of detail in illustrating conduit often depends on the complexity and size of the project. For simple residential projects, electrical drawings may not include conduit information, as it is typically left to the electrician to coordinate in the field. On the other hand, complex industrial or commercial projects are more likely to require detailed illustrations of all conduits to ensure proper installation and avoid conflicts with other systems.
- Construction Type: The construction type of the building can also influence the illustration of conduit. For example, in wood and drywall construction, it is common to use "free wire" inside walls for electrical rough-ins, which can be represented with a "circuit home run" in plans.
- Industry Standards and Regulations: Standards organizations, such as NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), provide standards and guidelines for electrical installations, including conduit installations. These standards ensure safe and proper installations and are often referenced in electrical drawings.
- Symbolism and Abbreviations: Electrical drawings typically use symbols and abbreviations to represent various electrical components and systems. These symbols are defined in legends or abbreviation tables included with the drawings. General notes and legends on the first page of an electrical plan provide essential instructions, specifications, and guidelines for installation.
- Riser Diagrams and Conduit Sizing: Riser diagrams are valuable for illustrating conduit sizes and interconnections between switchgear, panels, and specialized equipment. Conduit sizing is critical, and notes might specify junction box sizes and wires used, ensuring compatibility and proper installation.
- Wiring and Routing: Electrical drawings include wiring layouts, indicating the set paths for wires inside ceilings and walls. These layouts help electricians understand the routing and ensure wires are installed according to plans or agreed-upon alternatives. While some drawings may not show all interior conduit runs, notes and coordination on routing to difficult areas are still provided.
- Permitting and Liability: In some cases, conduit routing is not required for obtaining permits, which may influence the level of detail provided in electrical drawings. Additionally, concerns about liability and changes during construction can lead to variations in industry practices.
It is important to note that industry standards and practices can vary across regions and organizations. While some firms may prioritize comprehensive illustrations of conduit, others may adopt a more minimalistic approach, focusing on essential information and leaving certain details to be determined by electricians during installation.
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Symbols and legends
The IEC60617 standard, for instance, specifies the symbols to be used in diagrams of electrical installations in the UK. Adherence to this standard is essential, as non-compliance may contribute to liability in cases of injury or death resulting from misinterpretation. While some variation exists depending on the engineer, adherence to standardised symbols and legends is generally observed.
In electrical drawings, symbols are employed to denote electrical systems, such as distribution panels, starters, sound systems, and televisions. These symbols are often accompanied by abbreviation tables to clarify the text associated with each symbol, ensuring clear communication of the electrical components represented. The use of symbols and legends is particularly prevalent in schematic diagrams, which provide a visual representation of electrical systems for electricians and electrical engineers to reference.
Conduit symbols specifically denote the presence of electrical conduits, which are pipes used to carry electrical wiring for power or communication. These symbols may vary based on the engineer's preferences and the specific type of conduit being represented. For example, a straight line may indicate control wiring or an empty conduit, while hash marks could signify voltages lower than 480V, typically used for single-phase loads.
Additionally, electrical drawings often include general notes that provide instructions for installing wiring, switches, lights, and appliances. These notes may also encompass the owner's requirements, renovation guidelines, and other pertinent details. By combining symbols, legends, and notes, electrical drawings offer a comprehensive guide to installing and understanding electrical systems.
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Interior conduit runs
Conduit plans are useful when accommodating future equipment and buildouts. It is common to illustrate conduit runs in electrical plans for conduits of 2" and above or a bundle of six or more 1" conduits. Underground vs. overhead conduit plans may also be included in some projects. In tight retrofit projects, drawings may specify exactly how conduit runs need to be laid out in the field.
In the UK, trays/baskets of all sizes are typically shown, along with major/tricky conduits, which are usually considered secondary containment. In the US, wires for main feeders tend to surpass 1/0 AWG, reaching up to 500 MCM, resulting in large arrangements of 4" conduits in undergrounds and overhead runs. In Mexico, anything above 1/0 CU is considered unusual.
When creating electrical drawings, it is essential to consider the specific requirements and standards of the country or region where the project will be implemented.
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Electrical systems and components
Electrical drawings are visual representations of electrical systems and components. They are used by electricians and electrical engineers to understand the electrical layout of a building. These drawings include various electrical components such as electrical outlets, fixtures, switches, lighting, fans, and appliances. Electrical conduit, defined as piping used to carry electrical wiring for power or communication, is also included in these drawings.
The level of detail included in electrical drawings can vary. Some drawings may only include symbols, notes, and schedules, while others may be more comprehensive. Riser diagrams, for example, can show conduit sizes from switchgear to downstream panels, along with interconnections to generators and other specialized equipment. However, smaller conduits are often not shown, which can lead to confusion in the field.
The inclusion of conduit in electrical drawings depends on industry standards and specific project requirements. In the US, for instance, it is common to see large arrangements of 4" conduits in underground and overhead runs due to the difficulty of running medium voltage to projects. In Mexico, on the other hand, medium voltage is more common for undergrounds and high-rise buildings.
Standards also vary between countries. In the UK, conduits are generally not drawn unless they serve a specific purpose, such as being cast into a slab. In contrast, shop drawings in Mexico typically show conduits of 20mm and above.
To avoid confusion, electrical drawings often include abbreviation tables that explain the symbols used for various electrical components. These symbols may vary depending on the engineer creating the drawings. For example, a straight line may indicate control wiring or an empty conduit, but this interpretation can differ between engineers.
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Frequently asked questions
Conduit routing is rarely required for permits, so electrical engineers may choose not to include them. Conduits are also often not labelled, making it difficult to identify their function.
Standalone conduits of 1" and above are usually modelled. Groups of three or more conduits also need to be modelled and coordinated. Conduits are also shown on shop drawings, specifically those 20mm and above.
The British standard for electrical symbols is IEC60617. However, symbols may vary depending on the engineer and the type of electrical drawing.
Electrical drawings often lack details on the routing of smaller conduits, which can lead to field conflicts with duct or piping mains. Drawings may also not include accurate voltage information, which is crucial for safety.
Conduit plans can be useful for accommodating future equipment and buildouts. They also provide contractors with more accurate information for estimates and help avoid conflicts with other trades.
