INFORMATION SHEET 1.

3-3
Architectural Working Drawings

INFORMATION SHEET 1.3-1

Proper Planning and Preparation for Electrical and Electronic Layout and Details
 Information Sheet 1.3-1
Planning and Preparing for Draft Electrical and Electronic Layout and Details
Learning Objectives:
After you have completed this learning element, you should be able to:
1. Identify the standard operating procedure of electrical working drawings
2. Understand the use of tools and materials related to job requirements.
3. Recognize the importance of electrical and electronic working drawings.

Overview:

The electrical plan is a fundamental technical drawing that provides a visual representation
of circuits and electrical systems. It is also commonly referred to as an electrical drawing or
wiring diagram. This type of plan employs electrical symbols and lines to illustrate the engineer's
electrical design to clients. The purpose of the electrical plan is to describe the precise location of
all electrical apparatus clearly and concisely. In summary, the electrical plan is a critical
document that plays a significant role in conveying the engineer's electrical design to clients.

An excellent electrical plan enhances a building's aesthetic appeal and comfort. It should
include fixture types, locations, cables, switches, and appliances. Drafting an electrical plan
doesn’t need to be complicated. Key points to remember include meticulous design, simplicity,
and compliance with safety standards. By adhering to these guidelines, a functional and pleasing
electrical plan can be created, enhancing the value of the building and ensuring occupant safety
and comfort.

Gearing Up for Work!

As professionals in the field of architecture, it is imperative that we give priority to the

development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These protocols provide a valuable
resource in our arsenal of leadership tools, offering clear guidance and aiding in effective
decision-making. SOPs also play a crucial role in establishing a positive work culture by
reinforcing behaviors that align with our organizational vision. Additionally, SOPs enable us to
concentrate on our priorities and devote more time to the aspects of our work that bring us
satisfaction.

Standard operating procedures

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for electrical and electronic layout drawings are
essential to ensure consistency, accuracy, and safety in the design and installation of electrical
systems. Here are some common SOPs for electrical and electronic layout drawings:

1. Use standardized symbols. Follow industry-standard symbols and abbreviations for electrical
components, devices, and circuits. This ensures clear communication and understanding among
designers, installers, and maintenance personnel.

2. Scale and dimensions. Clearly indicate the scale and dimensions of the drawing to accurately
represent the physical layout of the electrical system. This helps in proper placement of
equipment, conduits, and wiring.

3. Title block and revision history. Include a title block with project information, drawing
number, revision history, and date. This allows easy identification and tracking of different
versions of the drawing.

4. Drawing layers. Organize the drawing using different layers for different components, such
as lighting, power, data, and control systems. This simplifies editing, visibility, and management
of the drawing.
5. Wiring and cable routing. Clearly show the routing of electrical cables, wires, and conduits.
Use different line types or colors to differentiate between different types of cables (e.g., power,
data, control). Indicate cable tray or conduit sizes and routing paths.

6. Equipment and device labeling. Label all electrical equipment, devices, and components
with unique identifiers or tags. This helps in easy identification, troubleshooting, and
maintenance.

7. Circuit numbering and labeling. Assign unique circuit numbers to each electrical circuit and
label them accordingly on the drawing. This aids in circuit identification, load balancing, and
troubleshooting.

8. Safety considerations. Highlight safety-related information, such as emergency shut-off

switches, fire alarm systems, grounding points, and safety clearances. Ensure compliance with
relevant electrical codes and regulations.

9. Legend and notes. Include a legend or key that explains the symbols, abbreviations, and other
notations used in the drawing. Add necessary notes to provide additional information or
instructions.

10. Review and approval process. Establish a review and approval process for electrical layout
drawings. Involve relevant stakeholders, such as electrical engineers, architects, and project
managers, to ensure accuracy and compliance with project requirements.

By following these SOPs, electrical and electronic layout drawings can be created consistently
and accurately, leading to efficient installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical
systems.

Drafting Equipment and Tools

Drafters and other professionals involved in design and construction use common
equipment and tools. While CAD has become the preferred method of drafting, it is still
important to learn how to draw manually or by hand. This is because CAD is easier to use when
the person using it has first learned the principles and techniques of drafting through freehand
drawing.
In addition, some professionals believe that drawing manually is still a valuable skill
because it can help integrate creativity and originality into the design process. For projects where
CAD isn't necessary, knowing how to make blueprints by hand can save companies from having
to buy CAD software and pay subscription fees.
The following are some of the most common equipment and tools used by drafters, engineers,
and other design and construction professionals.
1. Drafting Paper
Professionals use specially designed papers when making technical drawings or
blueprints. These are papers that work well with freehand drawing and are also suitable for
printing designs made with CAD.
The common varieties of drafting paper today include drawing paper, tracing paper,
plotter paper rolls, engineering film, engineering bond, uncoated and coated engineering paper,
CAD paper, CAD rolls, and CAD Inkjet paper. Some papers are available in sheets while others
come in rolls.

2. Drawing Board
Drawing boards, also called drafting tables, aid professionals as well as students. These
boards usually can be tilted and have parallel rulers that keep the drawing papers in place while
providing horizontal and vertical guides. These boards come in a variety of sizes. However, for
better convenience, most boards today are designed to be lightweight and portable.

3. Drafting Scales
Because some objects are either too small or too large to draw with their actual life-size
measurements, drafters often have to scale up or scale down their drawings. To do this while
sticking with the object’s specifications, drafters use drafting scales.
Drafters can choose between the Architect’s Scale, Metric Scale, and Civil Engineer’s Scale
models, depending on what their specific project requires. These tools are also handy for getting
measurements from scaled drawings to be used in CAD.

4. Drafting Triangles
Drafting triangles are used to draw lines and angles at precise measurements. They come
in two models: the 30-60-90-degree model and the 45-45-90-degree model. They are used with
T-Squares and are normally made with a transparent material, allowing users to see the lines and
other elements of the drawing underneath the instrument.
5. Drafting Tape
Drafting tape is used to firmly attach a piece of paper on a drafting board. It works like
any ordinary adhesive tape, except that it is not so sticky and will not tear or rip the paper when
pulled off.
For better convenience, some professionals prefer using drafting dots instead of tape.
Drafting dots are round, pre-cut pieces of tape that eliminate the need to keep cutting adhesives.
These dots are easy to apply and, like drafting tape, are easy to remove and reposition.

6. T-Squares
A critical tool in drawing straight and perpendicular lines is a T-Square. It has two
components: the head that can be placed against the edge of a drawing board and the shaft or
blade that appears like an ordinary ruler. Aside from using this tool to draw lines, a T-Square is
also convenient when drawing with set squares and drafting triangles.

7. Protractor
Protractors are instruments that guide users in drawing and measuring angles. Most
models use degrees to measure angles of 0 to 360 degrees, but there are a few that use the radian
scale. Typically, protractors are made with glass or clear plastic.

9. Drawing Tubes
A drawing tube can protect a drawing from damage, creases, stains, and any other
element that can compromise one’s work. Drawing tubes are specifically designed to protect
important documents like blueprints, maps, and artworks. Plus, they also make it easier for
professionals and students to carry their work to places.
10. Compass and Dividers
Compass and dividers are drafting instruments used to draw circles or mark a certain
distance. Both of these tools have two legs, but that is also where their difference is. One leg of a
compass accommodates a pencil or marker while the other leg is sharp-ended and is placed at the
center of the arc or circle to be drawn. A divider, on the other hand, has two sharp-ended legs:
one for marking and the other for the center of the arc or circle.

11. Irregular Curves

Drafters draw smooth curves through instruments called irregular curves. These tools
work by helping users connect pre-determined points on their drawings and produce the arcs that
their work needs. Aside from the ordinary metal or plastic French curves commonly used by
students, drafters may also choose between adjustable or flexible curves and other irregularly
shaped curves, depending on what their specific project demands.

Modern Technologies Related to Drafting

In the 1960s, CAD technologies boomed with the rise of programs that simplified
technical drawing, especially for complex designs like those of the automotive industry. Today,
CAD continues to gain popularity and change the way drafters and other design professional’s
work.

Using CAD provides several benefits, such as improved quality of design, the ability to
store and reproduce designs in a more efficient manner, and the ability to create three-
dimensional models with minimal effort. As the years go by, further improvements are
continuously being designed by companies that create CAD software.

Aside from this, another process that’s changing the landscape is Building Information
Modeling or BIM. To explain succinctly, BIM is a process that depends on creating an intelligent
3D model that will guide the entire span of a project, including its planning, designing, building,
and operation phase. In some countries, the use of BIM is included in their standards for new
infrastructure projects.

Future of Drafting
Drafting as a profession continues to be in demand across several fields. Even with the
recent advancements and technologies, its principles and techniques remain the same. However,
to be successful in this field, drafters need to equip themselves with both manual drawing skills
and computer skills.

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