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. 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.
 * 7) *In some cases, the items below are not shown, in order to keep the RCP from becoming too confusing.
 * 8) *When furniture, fixtures or the millwork below are shown,they are shown dotted.
 * 9) [[Image:RCP1_173.jpg|thumb|click on image to enlarge]]Understand the information. An RCP should contain the following:
 * 10) *The construction of the ceiling (gypsum bd., acoustical tile, etc)
 * 11) *A specification and/or finish (paint, stucco, etc.) of the ceiling material
 * 12) *The height of the ceiling above the finished floor (A.F.F.)
 * 13) *Dimensions
 * 14) *A legend explaining the symbols on the RCP
 * 15) *An explanation of any ceiling features such as bulkheads, soffits, raised or vaulted areas, trim or decorative applications
 * 16) *Section symbols to further explain the construction of any ceiling features
 * 17) Look for special ceiling features on the RCP, such as:
 * 18) *Speakers from a stereo or other communication device
 * 19) *Emergency lighting, exit signs
 * 20) *Security cameras or domes
 * 21) *Sprinkler heads
 * 22) *Smoke or fire alarm devices
 * 23) *Return air grilles and supply air diffusers for the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
 * 24) *Exhaust fans
 * 25) *Seismic information and/ or details
 * 26) *Expansion joint information and/ or details
 * 27) Refer to the engineers electrical drawings for:
 * 28) *Electrical wiring specifications
 * 29) *Circuitry layout
 * 30) *Connections to the electrical panel
 * 31) *Location of switches

Tips

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

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

 * Construction Drawings
 * Engineer’s Drawings