Engineering Drawings

Usually, they are part of a set of construction drawings. The other part is the architectural drawings.

Consulting companies specialize in producing the electrical, mechanical, plumbing drawings.
Electrical and mechanical engineers are knowledgeable in designing the layout of the components and complying with code regulations. Their drawings are stamped with their professional seal.



The electrical, mechanical and plumbing drawings follow the layout of the floor plan and reflected ceiling plan provided by the interior designer or architect on the project.

Once a layout for the floor plan and reflected ceiling plan are established the drawings are passed to the consulting firm. The designer/ architect provides specific information regarding the type of light fixtures to be used as well as any other important requirements, such as outlets or water supply for special equipment.

The engineering consultants then proceed with their drawings while the architectural set is being completed. In theory, both sets of drawings will be completed at approximately the same time for the client.



Electrical
The consulting company provides all the required information for the electrical components.
All the circuiting for the lighting is shown as well as the connection to the new or existing electrical panel(s). The wiring for any special devises, such as fire alarms, communication systems, security system and so on is also indicated.
The circuitry for any item, which requires electrical power to operate, and the associated switches (when required) are laid out in a floor plan and reflected ceiling plan. These plans are based on the architectural ones provided. They are redrawn (so to speak) for the purpose of showing the electrical layout. These become the consulting engineers electrical drawings. He/she is responsible for the information provided on them.

Mechanical
The consulting company provides all the required information for the mechanical systems.
This includes the data for the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit. The size and layout of the ducts, the location of diffusers, return air grilles, and so on are all shown. The location and connection of any special mechanical devices as well as the location and type of thermostat required are all a part of the mechanical layout.
This information is shown on a reflected ceiling plan. A floor plan is included when needed, to explain any mechanical components relating to the floor level of a space. These plans are based on the architectural ones provided. They are redrawn (so to speak) for the purpose of showing the mechanical system. These become the consulting engineers mechanical drawings. He/she is responsible for the information provided on them.

Plumbing
The consulting company provides all the required information for the plumbing fixtures.
All water lines, drainage pipes and venting systems are laid out for any toilet room fixtures, sinks located in other rooms, drinking fountains, special equipment, etc. The water supply and/or drainage required by any item or equipment is detailed in the plumbing drawings.
For projects with very little plumbing requirements the information is shown on the mechanical drawings.
The plumbing layout is shown on a floor plan. It is based on the architectural one provided. It is redrawn (so to speak) for the purpose of showing the plumbing lines, etc. These become the consulting engineers plumbing drawings. He/she is responsible for the information provided on them.

The electrical and mechanical engineer is responsible for including all diagrams, charts, legends, dimensions, sizing and so on, in their respective drawings. All information must comply with provincial and local codes. The information must be specific.

General contractors, electrical, mechanical and plumbing
contractors all follow these drawings to do their work on a project.

Usually, electrical, mechanical and plumbing drawings are submitted with the architectural set as a package to the building department for a building permit application.
In some cases, depending on the size or complexity of a project, separate permits are required for the electrical, mechanical or plumbing.

Not all projects require all three engineering drawings. Some projects, such as small renovations, may only require electrical drawings. The existing mechanical system remains as is. Some projects, such as a retail store, do not require any type of plumbing drawing, as there is no plumbing fixture, such as a sink or toilet. In other cases, such as a HVAC upgrade, only the mechanical is required.
It all depends on the type of project, the design of the space and code requirements.

Click on a heading below for more information.

Engineering – Electrical Drawings

Plumbing Drawings

Mechanical Drawings