How to Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan

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

  1. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 1
    1
    Pretend that you are hovering a couple of feet above the ceiling.[1]
  2. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 2
    2
    Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent (see-through).
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 3
    3
    Visualize the ceiling over the floor below.
  4. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 4
    4
    Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept.
  5. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 5
    5
    Notice how the reflected ceiling plan relates to the floor plan.[2]
  6. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 6
    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. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 7
    7
    Understand the information. 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. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 8
    8
    Look for special ceiling features on the RCP, such as:[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
  9. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 9
    9
    Refer to the engineers electrical drawings for:[5]
    • Electrical wiring specifications
    • Circuitry layout
    • Connections to the electrical panel
    • Location of switches
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • 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
    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.
  • Question
    What does B.O.S. Mean?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    "Back of store." Generally, it is BOH and FOH, which mean "back of house" and "front of house."
  • Question
    How would I know if a ceiling needs to be painted in a drawing?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There will be tags with letters and numbers that correspond with a finish plan.
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

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

You Might Also Like

Read Engineering Drawings
How to
Read Engineering Drawings
Mix Mortar
How to
Mix Mortar
Build Your Own Home (US)
How to
Build Your Own Home (US)
Prepare a Foundation
How to
Prepare a Foundation
Fix Holes in a Ceiling
How to
Fix Holes in a Ceiling
Install Ceiling Drywall
How to
Install Ceiling Drywall
Install a Drop Ceiling
How to
Install a Drop Ceiling
Fix Ceiling Cracks
How to
Fix Ceiling Cracks
Texture a Ceiling
How to
Texture a Ceiling
Hang a Hook from a Ceiling
How to
Hang a Hook from a Ceiling
Fix a Leaking Ceiling
How to
Fix a Leaking Ceiling
Hang Heavy Objects from the Ceiling
How to
Hang Heavy Objects from the Ceiling
Wrap Beams
How to
Wrap Beams
Raise a Ceiling
How to
Raise a Ceiling
Advertisement

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
  5. ↑ https://cdn-web.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/PR-Elec-Req.pdf

About This Article

Christopher M. Osborne, PhD
Co-authored by:
Christopher M. Osborne, PhD
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Christopher Osborne has been a wikiHow Content Creator since 2015. He is also a historian who holds a PhD from The University of Notre Dame and has taught at universities in and around Pittsburgh, PA. His scholarly publications and presentations focus on his research interests in early American history, but Chris also enjoys the challenges and rewards of writing wikiHow articles on a wide range of subjects. This article has been viewed 334,155 times.
18 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 334,155
Categories: House Designs and Plans | Ceilings
Article SummaryX

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.

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement