I don't know if there are universal symbols, my gc and my lighting specialist had different symbols. Would you consider using FM for flush mount, SFM for semi flush mount and P for pendant?

Amy

pink, I would add that if that isn't ok, then ask them what symbols they want you to use for what, that way there is NO confusion. Believe me, having just gone through this and practically having to be there to hand it to the guy, make it as clear as possible:-)

Amy

Amy: Good Idea about the letter symbols.

I still have no clue how to respond to our GC's lighting symbols. He might have what we want, but without knowing what, ex, a "ceiling lamp globe" is, how do I know if that's what I want?

I know I could call him and have him spend 20 minutes trying to describe to me what these 3 fixtures look like. But I'm trying to use our communication time for things I can't find out without him. Surely somewhere there are pictures of light fixtures that say, "This is a 'ceiling lamp globe'" and like that. I am woefully ignorant.

Maybe you could get help on the Lighting Forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lighting Forum

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.

sniffdog: good advice. I see your homebuilding experience has made you more than a little skeptical. Here is my wishful thinking for our lighting installation: We have a GC; he has site-supervisors assigned to each build. It will be THEIR job to make sure the lighting is installed correctly. Yes??

I'm paying the overhead so once we have a plan, it is someone else's job to execute it. And to pay for any mistakes made (it's a fixed price build). I wonder if there's any chance it will actually work this way.

My sincere hope for you is that it works out the way you hope it will. An ounce of prevention is worth a lot of patched drywall.

Amy

Amy: Can we put that in the famous sayings post, wherever that is? Yes, I'll be watching them. But I sure think it oughtta work the way I said.

I just wrote down your symbols and I'm going back to put them on my lighting plan. And then make a chart/schedule. The whole mess goes off to our G.C. tomorrow. I thought I was done with it when I decided where I wanted lights and roughly what I wanted. But you guys have reminded me that I have more to do. (I'm so strung out on coffee already that I'll have a massive withdrawal when I get a chance to come off it. Oh, wait! That's probably at least a year away, so why worry about the crash now?!)

pinktoes

In theory - yes - once you provide a plan and a schedule the GC and the team - they should execute to the plan. Unfortunately - theory is not reality. There are soooo many piece parts to a house it is absolutely staggering.

The trim carpenter told me at the start of the build that a house has over a million parts - and I thought he was kidding. Now - after all of this - I believe his number was too low.

I think you have to watch what comes into the house and what is going to get installed for all items. You have to have your lists in hand (or in your head) and watch what they are planning to install. Most of the time when a delivery comes in, the supervisor of the project or the trades themselves will stage the items to be installed in or near the rooms they are going. Snoop around (snoop constantly) and see what is going where - you will find that they do get things mixes up. Here are some of the things we caught:

- Doors installed with the swings going in the wrong direction

- plumbing fixtures installed in the wrong rooms

- incorrect wiring for low voltage lights

- the wrong light fixtures installed

- window cut outs in the wrong spot

the list goes on - but you get the point. We caught a lot of things before they were installed (or at a point where the fix was easy) and that saves time and helps the builder stay on cost & schedule. Yes - the GC should do the work but you can help avoid mistakes and when you do, you are helping yourself.

The fun is only beginning! Hang on - it's a wild ride.

Fixtures on commercial plans usually, the symbols generally are identified by type with Alpha characters. Or the specification list will have matching symbols.
Then the fixture schedule is either on the same plan sheet, or on a separate specifications page, or in a spec book - saying exactly what those fixtures are by manufacturers name & model number.
It can be real elaborate or simple,
something like this...

A; SL-281 Thomas Industries, 2-light bath bracket
B; SL-123 ditto 2-light ceil dish
C; SL-320-1 ditto 1-light ceil globe
etc...
Any deviation from specified manufacturer or model numbers needs spec and photo submittal to the engineer/arch/builder for approval.

mikie: many thanks. I made up a table last night with a place to specify each fixture. I see what I need to put in there now, once I select our fixtures. I printed your post.