pinktoes I would suggest writing words next to the symbol on the plan to describe what it is (chandelier, flush mount, or semi flush mount) and the weight load of the fixture if that is a special consideration. Most plans I have seen use a circle to identify a ceiling fixture. remember - the person installing this fixture is not going to know what these symbols mean either - hopefully they can read (that is not a given by the way). Typically switches are marked with a dollar sign ($ for single pole, 3$ for 3 way and 4$ for 4 way). Outlets are marked with the small circle with two lines sticking out. If it is a special outlet (half hot, 220 volt, or special outlet for applianxes - that should be spelled out on the plan in words. I also suggest that you number every fixture and write that on the plan next to the symbol. I used the letter F followed by the fixture number (e.g. F26 is my dog room fixture - scary - I remember all the numbers and where they go!). Once you number each, then you can can make a spread sheet (or just write it down on tablet paper) with the fixture number, the name of the fixture, where it goes, and quantity. This little sheet will become very important when you go to order - so you can do inventory - and more importantly so the electrician knows where to install it. Just think of this as preparing a food shopping list for your DH. If you don't spell it out carefully - as if a child were doing the shopping - who knows what type of food he will bring home. Prepare a list - cross check the numbers on the list with what is on the plan - then write important words on the plan - and maybe - just maybe - the electrician who is putting these up will get it correct.

Sorry no one answered on paint forum. Sometimes it gets slow over there, I haven't been over there for a few days myself... The symbols are a key to coordination and it's based on harmony, not color categorization like lumping all the muted tones together. If you assemble all the color chips with a moon symbol, for example, they are all suppose to harmonize and look pretty together. All the flower symbol colors "go" together, etc.

Patti, I've noticed the same thing happening on other posts lately. I reluctantly opened your post earlier. I was afraid there was going to be a picture of a snake. I sure was relieved to see it was another critter. :) Linda

I just use the asterisk. It is 94.9* right now. I figure anyone would know what I'm talking about and it's not hard for me to remember.