Architectural Abbreviations
This stands for "Not To Scale," often seen on sketches.
What is NTS?
This symbol looks like a triangle or a "Y" and represents a light fixture.
What is a Ceiling Light?
“CW” refers to this type of supply pipe.
What is Cold Water?
A double line in a wall section often means this component.
What is a Bearing Wall?
The north-pointing arrow is known as this.
What is a North Arrow?
This abbreviation marks the top surface of a finished floor.
What is T.O.F. (Top of Floor)?
This abbreviation is used for a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet.
What is GFCI?
This abbreviation is used to describe waste lines from plumbing fixtures.
What is DWV (Drain-Waste-Vent)?
"BM" stands for this key horizontal support element.
What is a Beam?
This abbreviation often marks where a section cut is taken.
What is SEC?
This means "Typical" and is used to indicate repeated details.
What is TYP?
A capital "S" in a circle typically means this control device.
What is a Switch?
“HWH” on a plan usually refers to this appliance.
What is a Hot Water Heater?
"CMU" walls are commonly made from this material.
What is Concrete Masonry Unit?
This term (abbreviated "EL" or "ELEV") shows height references.
What is Elevation?
Stands for the vertical distance from one level to another.
What is R.L. (Reference Level or Reduced Level)?
This term (abbreviated as "CB") refers to a safety component in panels.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
This abbreviation refers to a climate system used in commercial buildings.
What is HVAC?
"JOIST" refers to this part of a floor structure.
What is a Horizontal Support Member?
This term means you’re looking at a cut-through portion of a design.
What is a Section View?
The acronym used for the total square footage of a structure.
What is GFA (Gross Floor Area)?
This abbreviation means power supply lines for lighting or equipment.
What is PP (Power Panel)?
"VTR" refers to this roof-penetrating pipe.
What is Vent Through Roof?
"SLAB" is shorthand for this structural floor type
What is a Concrete Slab?
This full drawing set is often abbreviated to these three letters.
What is CDs (Construction Documents)?