Overview

A successful electrical power and lighting project depends on effective planning in the form of drawings, schedules, and contract specifications. This contract documentation provides a concise picture of the objectives for the electrical project work to be done. It also serves as a record of intent for owners and as instructions and guidance for contractors, electricians, installers, and others performing the work. Contract documents, which might also include surveys and test data, are legal documents, and they can be used as evidence in court cases involving contractor malfeasance, or failure to comply with the intent of the drawings and specifications.

The present conformity to accepted formats for drawings and specifications is the result of years of practical experience reinforced by accepted national and international standards issued by government agencies and private standards organizations. The standards organizations are advised by experienced personnel from the ranks of manufacturers, contractors, and other interested parties. The intent of standards is to produce unambiguous documentation that is understandable by all project participants, from engineers and architects to contractors, project supervisors, electricians, and installers.

This chapter discusses the preparation of drawings and schedules and their reproduction. It also explains and illustrates typical standard electrical symbols used on plan-view, one-line, and schematic drawings for electrical construction, and identifies the principal government and industry agencies whose standards affect all phases of electrical work. Appendix A is a compilation of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) electrical symbols and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) plug and receptacle and...