How to 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.

a. In some cases, the items below are not shown, in order to keep
the RCP
from becoming too confusing.
b. When furniture, fixtures or the millwork below are shown,they are
shown dotted.
7. Understand the information. An RCP should contain the following:

a. The construction of the ceiling (gypsum bd., acoustical tile, etc)

b. A specification and/or finish (paint, stucco, etc.) of the ceiling
material
c. The height of the ceiling above the finished floor (A.F.F.)
d. Dimensions
e. A legend explaining the symbols on the RCP
f. An explanation of any ceiling features such as bulkheads, soffits,
raised or vaulted areas, trim or decorative applications
g. Section symbols to further explain the construction of any ceiling
features
8. Look for special ceiling features on the RCP, such as:

a. Speakers from a stereo or other communication device

b. Emergency lighting, exit signs
 c.
Security cameras or domes
d.
Sprinkler heads
e.
Smoke or fire alarm devices
f.
Return air grilles and supply air diffusers for the Heating,
Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
g. Exhaust fans
h. Seismic information and/ or details
i. Expansion joint information and/ or details
9. Refer to the engineers electrical drawings for:

a. Electrical wiring specifications

b. Circuitry layout
c. Connections to the electrical panel
d. 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.