Symbols on architectural drawings
This article catalogues some of the more commonly used symbols on architectural drawings and designs.
[edit] Add to the list by clicking the 'Edit this article' button.
![]() |
1 gang light switch |
![]() |
2 gang light switch |
![]() |
2 gang 2 way light switch |
![]() |
Adjustable recessed spotlight |
![]() |
Automatic air vent |
![]() |
Bath |
![]() |
Blockwork |
![]() |
Boiler flue |
![]() |
Brick |
![]() |
Category 5 break tank |
![]() |
Compressor |
![]() |
Concrete |
![]() |
Consumer unit |
![]() |
Dimmer switch |
![]() |
Door (plan) |
![]() |
Double switched wall socket |
![]() |
Double switched wall socket above worktop level |
![]() |
Ethernet socket |
![]() |
Expansion vessel |
![]() |
Filter |
![]() |
Flexible hose |
![]() |
Floor tiles |
![]() |
Flow restrictor |
![]() |
Glass |
![]() |
Hardcore |
![]() |
Hardwood |
![]() |
Incline (steps, stairs or ramp) with arrow head at the higher side |
![]() |
Insulation |
![]() |
Isolation valve |
![]() |
Lamp |
![]() |
Lockshield valve |
![]() |
Mechanical fan vent |
![]() |
Microbubble coalescent material |
![]() |
Non return valve |
![]() |
North point |
![]() |
Passive vent |
![]() |
Paving |
![]() |
Pendant light |
Plywood | |
![]() |
Pressure sensor |
![]() |
Pump |
![]() |
Radiator |
![]() |
Rainwater outlet |
![]() |
Recessed downlight |
![]() |
Recessed spotlight |
![]() |
Roof tiles |
![]() |
Rubble |
![]() |
Safety valve |
![]() |
Sand |
![]() |
Sawn timber |
![]() |
Shaver socket |
![]() |
Shingles |
![]() |
Shower tray |
![]() |
Single switched fused spur |
![]() |
Single switched wall socket |
![]() |
Sink |
![]() |
Soil vent pipe |
![]() |
Solenoid valve |
![]() |
Stairway with arrow head at the higher side |
![]() |
Stone |
![]() |
Stonework |
![]() |
Telephone point |
![]() |
Temperature sensor |
![]() |
Test point |
![]() |
Thermostat |
![]() |
Towel rail |
![]() |
Tree (existing) |
![]() |
Tree (proposed) |
![]() |
Tree - to be removed |
![]() |
Tundish |
![]() |
TV aerial |
![]() |
Wall light |
![]() |
Wash basin |
![]() |
wc |
![]() |
Weight sensor |
![]() |
Window (elevation) showing direction of opening - point of triangle indicates hinged side |
![]() |
Window (plan) |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Architect.
- Common mistakes on building drawings.
- Common spelling mistakes in the construction industry.
- Drawings.
- Drawing board.
- Hatching.
- How to draw a floor plan.
- Manual drafting techniques.
- Notation and units on drawings and documents.
- Paper sizes.
- Scale drawing.
- Technical drawing pen sizes.
- Techniques for drawing buildings.
- Types of drawing.
- Visualisation.
- Working drawing.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.
Great start, but it would be really helpful if people would add more.