Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan

A reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is a drawing, which shows the items that 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. This way the reflected ceiling plan has the same orientation as the floor plan associated with it. It is as if the ceiling was see-through and you could see right through it to the floor below. Architects and interior designers draw reflected ceiling plans when designing spaces.

Steps

  1. Pretend that you are hovering a couple of feet above the ceiling.
  2. Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent (see-through).
  3. Visualize the ceiling over the floor below.
  4. Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept.
  5. Notice how the reflected ceiling plan relates to the floor plan.
  6. Observe the relationship of light fixtures to the furniture below.
    • 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. Understand the information. An RCP should contain the following:
    • 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. Look for special ceiling features on the RCP, such as:
    • 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
  9. Refer to the engineers electrical drawings for:
    • Electrical wiring specifications
    • Circuitry layout
    • Connections to the electrical panel
    • Location of switches

Tips

  • A reflected ceiling plan layout must comply with local building codes, electrical codes as well as fire codes.
  • 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.
  • A reflected ceiling plan can be found in a set of construction drawings for a house or a retail store.

Things You'll Need

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

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Sources and Citations

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