24 PLANNING FOR ELECTRICAL DESIGN
Because wiring diagrams are two-dimensional floor plan drawings, they do not include
information about the heights of switches, receptacles, and luminaires above the floor.
With the exception of ceiling fixtures, which are obvious from the diagram, the heights
of receptacles and switches above the floor and their separation distances are dictated
by the National Electrical Code® (NEC®)* and local building codes. In most cases the
local codes will be keyed to the NEC, but they may be more specific about certain details
based on local experience. For example, where soil conditions are typically dry a more
elaborate grounding system might be required, or more provisions for protection against
lightning strikes might be required in parts of the country where there is a high incidence
of lightning. Any exceptions to the NEC requirements for device placement must be noted
on the diagram. For example, switches and receptacles might be placed at more conve-
nient heights for the handicapped occupants or those in wheelchairs.
Nevertheless, it is possible for a homeowner without formal training or experience
in electrical wiring to prepare an acceptable wiring diagram if all of the rules and pro-
cedures are followed. A basic requirement, however, is familiarity with all of the rele-
vant sections of the NEC, with emphasis on chapters 1–4. All submissions of wiring
diagrams should be accompanied by a copy of a list of materials and a symbol key.
Some basic rules for the preparation of an acceptable wiring diagram are as follows.
■ Draw or obtain a scaled architectural drawing of the floor area to be wired showing
walls, doors, windows, plumbing pipes and fixtures, and heating and cooling ducts.
■ Determine the floor area by multiplying the room length by width and then deduct any
floor areas occupied by closets and storage areas. Indicate this figure on the diagram.
■ Mark the location of switches, receptacles, luminaires, and permanent appliances
such as ranges, microwave ovens, heat exchangers, and attic fans with standard
electrical symbols.
■ Draw in cable runs between wiring devices, indicating approved cables by type des-
ignation, wire gauge, insulation type, and branch circuit amperage. If conduit is
used, size and location should be given.
■ Identify the wattages for luminaires, permanent appliances such as ranges and air-
conditioning systems, building service equipment such as furnaces and hot water
heaters, and the type and size of each electrical box.
ONE-LINE DIAGRAMS
One of the most important drawing types for the design of a new electrical system or
modernizing an existing system is the one-line drawing. It uses single lines and stan-
dard symbols to show electrical wiring or busbars and component parts of an electric
circuit or system of circuits. The one-line drawing differs from the wiring diagram in
that it does not specify device (receptacle, switch, luminaire, etc.) locations or switch
locations for controlling those devices.
The one-line diagram in Fig. 1-7 gives an overview of a complete system and how it
works. For example, a three-phase load requires three wires, and each wire has its own
* National Electrical Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,
Massachusetts.
TLFeBOOK
