OBJECTIVES 1. Characterize the various stages leading to the production of finished blueprints. 2. Differentiate between an architectural schematic drawing and a set of preliminary drawings. 3. Establish why a cover sheet is such an important document. 4. Identify the items of information that would normally appear in the title block. 5. Describe the various types of lines and symbols that are typically found on an architectural drawing. 6. Specify the importance of including building material symbols on a drawing. 7. Explain how topographic symbols help the contractor. 8. Contrast the main differences between an architect’s scale and an engineer’s scale. 9. Clarify the necessity for working drawings to include a detailed set of specifications.

Various drawing types include: Architectural drawings, which show a layout of the proposed project’s floor plans, elevations, and details. Structural drawings, which characterize how various load-carrying systems will be built. Mechanical/Electrical drawings, which show the physical plant of the structure, such as lighting, power, plumbing, fire protection, and HVAC.

Various drawing types include: (continued) Site drawings, which depict the relationship between the structure and the property it will occupy, including various site improvements, such as sanitary systems, utilities, and so on.

Figure 10-1: Cover Sheet

Figure 10-2: Title Block

The title block should include the following information: The sheet or drawing number, identifying the group and order to which it belongs. The drawing name or title, such as “Second Floor Plan”. The date of completion of the drawing. The initials of the draftsperson. Any revisions to the final set of drawings.

Figure 10-3: Revision Marker

Figure 10-4: Registration Stamp

Figure 10-5: Lines and Symbols

Figure 10-6: Line Types

The most commonly encountered line types in architectural drawings are: Main Object Lines, which define the outline of the structure, or object. They are thick, unbroken lines that show the main outlines of the walls, floors, elevations, details, or sections. Dimension Lines, which provide the lengths of the main object lines. They are very light lines with triangles, resembling arrowheads, on each end. The number that appears in the center break of the dimension line represents the measurement of the specific main object line to which it refers.

The most commonly encountered line types in architectural drawings are: (continued) Extension Lines, which are used together with dimension lines, and are the light lines that extend beyond the main object lines. The arrowheads of the dimension lines usually reach and touch the extension lines. Hidden Lines, which are light dashes that indicate the outlines of an object normally hidden from view, either under or behind some other part of the structure. The dashes used in this line type are usually of equal length.

The most commonly encountered line types in architectural drawings are: (continued) Center Lines, which are light lines with alternating long/short dashes, indicating the center of an object, and frequently labeled with the letter C superimposed over the letter L.

Figure 10-7: Single Receptacle Outlet Symbol

Table 10-1: Building Material Symbols

Table 10-2: Topographic Symbols

Table 10-3: Electrical Symbols

Table 10-4: Plumbing Symbols

Table 10-5: Climate-Control Symbols

Table 10-6: Architectural Symbols

The three-sided version of the architect’s scale has ten separate scales, paired in five groups of two: 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch 1-inch and 1/2-inch 3/4-inch and 3/8-inch 3/16-inch and 3/32-inch 1 and 1/2-inch and 3-inch

Figure 10-8: Architect’s Scale

Figure 10-9: Engineer’s Scale

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations (continued)

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations (continued)

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations (continued)

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations (continued)

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations (continued)

Table 10-7: Architectural Abbreviations (continued)

Identifying Blueprint Symbols LAB 26 OBJECTIVE Identifying Blueprint Symbols To understand how to identify standard blueprinting symbols

Figure 10-10: Conceptual Plan

TIP Notice that the conceptual plan includes several different buildings separated by two crossing streets. You can be assured that the master set of blueprints will include detailed drawings for each of the buildings shown, in addition to the building-to-building cabling specification being used.

TIP Notice that Figure 10-11 is a miniature version of the industry standard blueprint that you just unfolded. It may be necessary to place objects on the corners of the industry standard blueprint to keep it flat.

Figure 10-11: Industry Standard Blueprint Depiction

LAB 26 QUESTIONS 1 Do all of the symbols shown in the blueprint relate to cable installations?

LAB 26 QUESTIONS 2 Why could the architectural abbreviation MC possibly be confusing?

LAB 26 QUESTIONS 3 List the different types of lines that may occur on an architectural drawing, and indicate which ones existed on the blueprint you used for this lab procedure.

REVIEW QUESTIONS 1 What are the various types of working drawings?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 2 What do the numbers that appear in the center break of a dimension line represent?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 3 Why are topographic symbols important to a communications contractor?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 4 How do architectural drawings relate to the actual size of the structure they represent?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 5 Which document takes precedence in cases where a contradiction between the blue-print and the specifications exists?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 6 What constitutes the main difference between the architect’s scale and the engineer’s scale?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 7 What is the primary use for a revision marker?

REVIEW QUESTIONS 8 Where is a title block usually located on an architectural drawing?