How to Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan

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A reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is a drawing that shows which shows the items are located on the ceiling of a room or space. It is referred to as a reflected ceiling plan since it is drawn to display a view of the ceiling as if it was reflected onto a mirror on the floor.

Things You Should Know

  • Pretend that you're hovering a few feet above the ceiling. Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent.
  • Use this perspective to read and understand the ceiling plan.
  • Read the specs and additional details listed on the plan. Check the legend to decipher any symbols.

Steps

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  1. [1]
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  5. [2]
    • In some cases, the items below are not shown, in order to keep the RCP
      from becoming too confusing.
    • When furniture, fixtures or the millwork below are shown,they are shown dotted.
  7. An RCP should contain the following: [3]
    • The construction of the ceiling (gypsum board., acoustical tile, etc)
    • A specification and/or finish (paint, stucco, etc.) of the ceiling material
    • The height of the ceiling above the finished floor (A.F.F.)
    • Dimensions
    • A legend explaining the symbols on the RCP
    • An explanation of any ceiling features such as bulkheads, soffits,
      raised or vaulted areas, trim or decorative applications
    • Section symbols to further explain the construction of any ceiling features
  8. [4]
    • Speakers from a stereo or other communication device
    • Emergency lighting, exit signs
    • Security cameras or domes
    • Sprinkler heads
    • Smoke or fire alarm devices
    • Return air grilles and supply air diffusers for the Heating,
      Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
    • Exhaust fans
    • Seismic information and/ or details
    • Expansion joint information and/ or details
    • Electrical wiring specifications
    • Circuitry layout
    • Connections to the electrical panel
    • Location of switches
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you draft a reflected ceiling plan?
    Lauren Adams and Jeremy Baker
    Licensed Architect & Licensed General Contractor
    Lauren Adams and Jeremy Baker are the Co-Founders of Letter Four, a full-service Design-Build firm in Los Angeles, California. With over 45 years of academic and professional experience between them, they prioritize building close relationships with clients to find practical and imaginative solutions to bring design ideas to life. Lauren leads Letter Four's Architectural Design team. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and was the recipient of an award for exceptional merit for her thesis. Jeremy leads Letter Four’s General Contracting team and is an expert in the construction of commercial, hospitality, retail, and residential projects.
    Lauren Adams and Jeremy Baker
    Licensed Architect & Licensed General Contractor
    Expert Answer
    Include all of the lighting locations, switch locations, and switch varieties, along with how all the lights are connected—that way, you'll know exactly what switches on and off and where those switches are located. It also helps to include the furniture, arrangements, and cabinets, so you know what the lighting is placed relative to in the final layout.
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  • Question
    Is a reflected ceiling plan the same thing as an electrical lighting layout on engineering construction drawings when there is an electrical lighting layout plan included?
    Community Answer
    No. The reflected ceiling plan focuses on the everything on the ceiling. The electrical layout plan is a part of the RCP. The electrical construction drawings must be referred to in order to determine the electrical wiring of the ceiling lights and sprinklers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What does B.O.S. Mean?
    Community Answer
    "Back of store." Generally, it is BOH and FOH, which mean "back of house" and "front of house."
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      Tips

      • A reflected ceiling plan layout must comply with local building codes, electrical codes as well as fire codes.
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      • Interior designers and architects draw reflected ceiling plans and then pass them to their consulting engineering firm. The electrical engineer then adds the electrical circuitry, etc.
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      • A reflected ceiling plan can be found in a set of construction drawings for a house or a retail store.
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      Things You'll Need

      • A drawing of a reflected ceiling plan and the floor plan that goes with it.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about home construction, check out our in-depth interview with Lauren Adams and Jeremy Baker .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.edrawsoft.com/reflectedceiling-design-guide.php
      2. ↑ https://www.edrawsoft.com/reflectedceiling-design-guide.php
      3. ↑ https://www.northernarchitecture.us/building-codes/reflected-ceiling-plan.html
      4. ↑ https://www.northernarchitecture.us/building-codes/reflected-ceiling-plan.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The easiest way to read a reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is to imagine you are hovering just below the ceiling depicted in the RCP. Then, look for the different ceiling fixtures that may be present in the RCP such as speakers, emergency lighting, security cameras, or sprinkler heads. You should also notice the engineers drawings which will signify electrical wiring among other things. If you’re creating your own RCP, scroll down to learn what information you should include in your plan.

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