Electrical symbols for floor plans: the standard icons
An electrical floor plan uses standardized symbols to represent each piece of equipment universally. This guide covers the 99 most common symbols out of the 370+ available in Planelico, organized by category, with usage notes, applicable NF C 15-100 rules, and practical installation tips.
Why use standardized electrical symbols?
Standardized electrical symbols ensure that a floor plan can be read and understood by any electrician, inspector, or architect — regardless of who drew it. In France, the NF C 15-100 standard defines a shared symbol library that all electrical professionals use, based on the European IEC 60617 conventions.
A plan without standard symbols (hand-drawn or text-only) is not sufficient for:
- Submitting a brief to an electrician
- CONSUEL inspection approval
- Accurate quoting of electrical work
- Technical archives of the home (resale, insurance claim, future renovation)
Contents — jump to a category
Power — outlets & circuits
Power outlets and dedicated circuits make up the bulk of a residential electrical installation. The French NF C 15-100 standard sets a minimum number per room and requires dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances (cooking, laundry, oven).
Standard outlet 16A (2P+T)
Standard 2-pole + earth socket, 16A rated. The most common symbol on a residential plan — used for lamps, TV, small appliances.
NF C 15-100 · NF C 15-100 sets minimums per room: 3 in bedrooms, 5 in living rooms (up to 28 m²) then +1 per 4 m², 6 in kitchens including 4 on the worktop.
Tip · Install 5 cm above the finished floor (or 8 cm for surface-mounted retrofits). Keep at least 60 cm from wall corners.
Double outlet 16A
Two 2P+T outlets in a single back box. Counts as 2 outlets under NF C 15-100 if both are on the same circuit.
Tip · Great for bedside, behind the TV, on a desk, or either side of the kitchen worktop — anywhere a power strip would otherwise live.
Triple outlet 16A
Three 2P+T outlets in a single box (usually wide horizontal or vertical format). Useful in kitchens, media corners, and office desks.
Tip · Mind the circuit rating: 3 simultaneous devices can exceed 16A. Use a dedicated circuit if mixing a large appliance with smaller loads.
Specialized 20A outlet
2P+T outlet rated 20A for high-draw appliances: oven, washing machine, dishwasher. Identifiable by its larger earth contacts.
NF C 15-100 · Must be on a dedicated 20A circuit with 2,5 mm² cable, protected by a 20A breaker and 30 mA RCD.
32A cooktop outlet
Direct wire exit (no plug) for hardwiring an electric cooktop or range. Shown as a reinforced square box.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated circuit required: 6 mm² cable, 32A breaker, 30 mA RCD. Position: behind the cooktop, ~10 cm from the floor.
Specialized 16A outlet
2P+T 16A outlet on a dedicated circuit — typically for a freezer, tumble dryer, or any appliance you want isolated from the general outlet circuit.
Tip · Put sensitive loads (like a freezer) on their own circuit so unrelated tripping in the house doesn't spoil the contents.
Recessed cable exit
Wall outlet for hardwiring fixed equipment without a visible plug (water heater, towel warmer, built-in oven).
Tip · Always pair with a DCL junction box or a code-compliant cable exit — no exposed terminal blocks inside the wall.
Surface cable exit
Surface-mounted cable exit, typically at 1,80 m height to feed a range hood, wall sconce, or motorized blind.
Tip · For a range hood, prefer a 16A outlet nearby over a hardwired exit — makes future replacement much easier.
High-mounted outlet (HT)
2P+T 16A outlet mounted high, typically 1,30 to 2 m from the floor. Used behind wall-mounted TVs, range hoods, sconces with a visible plug, or wall consoles.
Tip · Align the outlet to a specific piece of furniture. Note the exact height directly on your Planelico plan (using the "Note" field).
Weatherproof outlet IP44 (ET)
2P+T IP44-rated splash-proof outlet for use in bathrooms (outside zones 0, 1, 2) or other humid spaces.
NF C 15-100 · Forbidden in bathroom zones 0, 1, and 2. Allowed in zone 3 if protected by a 30 mA RCD.
High-mounted weatherproof outlet (ET+HT)
Combines IP44 weatherproof rating and high mounting. Typical in laundry rooms above a tumble dryer, or in a workshop garage.
Built-in oven outlet
Dedicated 16A or 20A circuit for a built-in oven. Position: inside the adjacent base cabinet or as a cable exit in the oven niche.
NF C 15-100 · Must have its own circuit, separate from the cooktop circuit.
Freezer outlet
Dedicated 16A circuit for a standalone freezer. Isolated circuit avoids unintended power-cuts spoiling the contents.
Tip · Stick a visible label on the wall plate ("FREEZER — DO NOT UNPLUG"). Prevents half of incidents.
Dishwasher outlet
Dedicated 16A or 20A circuit for a dishwasher. Position: in the adjacent cabinet or behind an accessible panel — never directly behind the unit.
Cooktop outlet
Dedicated 32A exit for a ceramic or induction cooktop. See [32A cooktop outlet](#sortie-32a-cuisiniere) — same circuit depending on kitchen layout.
Washing machine outlet
Dedicated 20A circuit for a washing machine. Position: behind the unit, at least 25 cm from the floor to limit splash risk.
NF C 15-100 · 30 mA RCD required. Never share with the general outlet circuit.
USB / USB-C outlet
2P+T outlet combined with 1 or 2 USB / USB-C ports. Handy at bedside, on a desk, or in the kitchen for adapter-free charging.
Tip · Counts as a standard 2P+T outlet under NF C 15-100 (USB ports are extra).
Lighting
Every room must have at least one controlled light point. Lighting symbols show the fixture location — wiring to the switch is shown separately by a connection line.
Ceiling light point
Central ceiling fixture — pendant or flush mount. The most common lighting symbol.
NF C 15-100 · Every fixed light point must be connected via a DCL junction box (standardized in France).
Recessed LED spotlight
LED spot recessed in a dropped ceiling or rail. Use in groups (3, 4, 6) for uniform lighting.
Tip · Plan one spot per 1 to 1,5 m² for diffuse lighting. Avoid single spots — they create a "flashlight" effect.
Wall sconce
Wall-mounted fixture, typically at 1,80 m. Used in hallways, bathroom mirror lighting, bedside, and stairs.
Tip · Bedside sconces should be controlled by a switch at hand-height (60-70 cm), independent from the main ceiling light.
Ceiling fan
Motorized ceiling fan, often combined with a central light point. Requires a dedicated control (dual switch or remote).
Tip · Position: dead center of the room. Minimum blade clearance: 2,30 m from the floor.
LED strip
Linear lighting in coves, under wall cabinets, headboards, or stair nosings. Powered at 12V or 24V via a driver that should be hidden but accessible.
Tip · Prefer 24V over 12V once the strip exceeds 5 m: less voltage drop, even brightness from end to end.
Switching
Switches control lighting circuits and some equipment. Any light controlled from more than one entry point requires 3-way wiring — and from three points, a 4-way (crossover) switch or an impulse relay.
Single-pole switch
One control for one light point. The most common switching symbol.
NF C 15-100 · Standard mounting height: 1,10 m. Minimum 15-20 cm from a door frame so it falls naturally to hand on entry.
Double switch
Two independent controls in one box. Typical for splitting ceiling light + sconces in a living room.
Tip · Great in kitchens to separate general lighting from worktop lighting.
3-way switch (va-et-vient)
Two switches controlling the same light from different locations.
NF C 15-100 · Required for: hallway with 2 entries, bedroom with door + bedside, stairs (one at top, one at bottom).
Tip · On your Planelico plan, draw a connection between both switches and the light to visualize the wiring.
Push button
Momentary button (springs back) used with an impulse relay or timer. Lets you control a light from 3+ locations.
Tip · Elegant solution for long hallways or multi-landing stairs: a button at each entry, one impulse relay at the panel.
Dimmer switch
Lets you control light intensity from 0 to 100 %. Symbol: switch with a diagonal stripe.
Tip · Check bulb compatibility: a classic resistive dimmer doesn't work with all LEDs. Choose a universal (RLC) dimmer to avoid surprises.
Timer switch
Time-delayed switch that automatically cuts off after a set delay. Common in hallways, building stairwells, and basements.
Switch with pilot light
Single switch with an indicator LED. The pilot lights up either when the circuit is OFF (to locate the switch in the dark) or ON (to signal a running device), depending on wiring.
Tip · Bedside or dark hallway: pilot ON when OFF = locate the switch. To signal a running device: pilot ON when ON.
Double switch with pilot
Two controls plus an indicator. Typical for controlling a VMC + extractor fan in a bathroom, with the pilot showing whether the fan is on boost.
Push button with pilot
Momentary button with indicator LED. Ideal for hallways: the pilot helps locate the button in the dark.
Impulse relay
Electromagnetic relay installed in the electrical panel, triggered by momentary push buttons. Lets you control one light from 3+ locations.
Tip · For 3+ control points, an impulse relay is simpler and more reliable than chaining 3-way + crossover switches.
Two-pole switch
Switches both line and neutral at once (two poles). Used for water heaters, towel warmers, and any appliance in humid zones needing total isolation.
Doorbell
Outdoor bell button wired to an indoor chime. Low-voltage wiring (12V or 24V), typically via a transformer in the panel.
Crossover switch (four-way)
Intermediate switch installed between two 3-way switches to control the same light from three or more locations. Despite the name, it is not a quadruple switch: it crosses the two travelers.
NF C 15-100 · Wiring: both travelers from the upstream 3-way pass through the crossover, which swaps them or not. Add as many crossovers as needed between the two end 3-ways.
Tip · Beyond 3 control points, compare with an impulse relay + push buttons: usually less cable and identical wall plates everywhere.
VMC control switch
Dedicated low/boost speed switch for the ventilation unit, usually in the kitchen. Boost runs while cooking to clear steam and odors.
NF C 15-100 · The control must never fully switch the VMC off — only toggle between the two speeds.
Tip · Place it near the cooktop, not at the kitchen entrance: cooking is when you need it.
Roller shutter switch
Up / stop / down switch for a motorized roller shutter. One control point per shutter, usually next to the window.
NF C 15-100 · Mounting height: 0.90 to 1.30 m for accessibility in French new builds.
Tip · Choose momentary (impulse) switches if you plan centralization or smart control later: maintained-position switches complicate both.
Central shutter control
Single control point to raise or lower every shutter on a floor or in the home. Placed at the entrance or in the master bedroom.
Tip · The winning combo: individual control at each window + one central at the entrance and one at bedside. Close everything when leaving, open everything on waking.
Presence detector (lighting)
Ceiling or wall detector that switches lighting automatically: hallway, pantry, garage, WC, walk-in closet. Not to be confused with an alarm motion detector.
Tip · In WCs and pantries, choose a presence detector (high sensitivity) rather than a motion detector: it keeps the light on even when you sit still.
Twilight switch
Photocell that switches lighting on at dusk and off at dawn. Typical use: facade lighting, house number, driveway.
Tip · Pair twilight + time clock: on at dusk, off at 11 pm — the best compromise between a welcoming home and the bill.
Boxes & connections
Junction boxes, DCL boxes, and conduits distribute and connect circuits inside walls and ceilings. Invisible once the work is done, they still belong on the plan: their position determines connection accessibility and inspection compliance.
Junction box
Junction point between multiple cables, either recessed or surface-mounted. Lets multiple devices share a circuit while keeping connections accessible.
NF C 15-100 · Must remain accessible for maintenance (never buried in sealed plaster).
DCL ceiling box
French standardized luminaire connection box, recessed in the ceiling with a normalized socket and plug. Lets you connect / disconnect a fixture without touching the wiring.
NF C 15-100 · Mandatory for every light point in French new builds and full renovations. The box must support a 25 kg fixture.
Tip · Even in a spotlit dropped ceiling, keep the central DCL box in place: the day you want a pendant, everything is ready.
DCL wall box
Wall-mounted DCL box for sconces: same benefits as the ceiling version, at ~1.80 m height.
NF C 15-100 · In bathrooms, respect the zones: a sconce in zone 2 requires IPx4 minimum, and 12V SELV in zone 1.
Weatherproof junction box
IP55 junction box for outdoor use, crawl spaces, unheated garages, or damp rooms. Cable glands on every cable entry.
NF C 15-100 · IP55 minimum outdoors. Lever connectors (Wago-type) are allowed inside if the box remains accessible.
ICTA conduit
Flexible corrugated conduit carrying the conductors, embedded in walls, slabs, and partitions. On the plan, draw its route between panel and end points.
NF C 15-100 · Common sizes: 16 mm (lighting), 20 mm (outlets), 25 mm (32A, EV). Maximum fill: 1/3 of the cross-section.
Tip · Always lay one or two spare empty conduits toward the attic and garage: pulling a future cable will cost zero wall chasing.
Earth rod
Electrode driven into the ground forming the installation's earth connection, linked via the test bar.
NF C 15-100 · Earth resistance ≤ 100 Ω (recommended < 50 Ω). Galvanized or copper rod of at least 1.5 m, or a foundation loop in new builds.
Tip · In new builds, a foundation earth loop (bare 25 mm² copper in the footings) gives far better earthing than a rod — and is nearly free at that stage.
Equipotential bonding
Conductor bonding all metallic parts of a bathroom to earth: pipes, metal tub, frames. Eliminates dangerous potential differences.
NF C 15-100 · Supplementary bonding is mandatory in every French bathroom, using at least 2.5 mm² (protected) or 4 mm² (unprotected) conductor.
Electrical distribution
Main panel, sub-panels, metering, and protection devices: distribution is the heart of the installation. NF C 15-100 defines a dedicated space — the ETEL — housing the technical channel (GTL), the electrical panel, and the communications panel.
Electrical panel
Main distribution board with breakers, RCDs, and the grid feed. Heart of the installation.
NF C 15-100 · Installed between 0,9 m and 1,8 m height. Must be located next to the communications panel (GTL).
Tip · Leave 30 % spare capacity on each row — without it, adding a circuit later forces a full panel replacement.
Communications panel
Network cabinet, separate from the electrical panel: fiber termination (PTO), RJ45 patch block, room for the router and a switch. Installed in the GTL channel.
NF C 15-100 · Mandatory in French new builds since 2016. Grade 2TV minimum (Cat 6 RJ45). Plan a power outlet next to it for the router.
Tip · Pick a 2-row cabinet minimum: between the router, switch, fiber ONT, and a future NAS, a 1-row cabinet is full on move-in day.
Sub-panel
Secondary panel fed from the main board, serving a floor, extension, garage, or outbuilding. Saves running ten circuits across the whole building.
NF C 15-100 · Fed by a cable sized for the load, protected at both ends. Same 30 mA RCD rules as the main panel.
Tip · Worth it as soon as the served area is more than 15-20 m from the main panel or has more than 4 circuits.
Linky smart meter
The French communicating meter (Enedis). Its position on the plan sets the service entrance and the TIC data output usable by smart home systems.
NF C 15-100 · The TIC output enables real-time consumption monitoring: energy managers, load shedders, and EV chargers can connect to it.
Tip · Run a conduit between the Linky and the panel for the TIC wire: dynamic EV-charging control based on household consumption depends on it.
Main service breaker
The subscriber's main breaker at the head of the installation. Provides general emergency cut-off and limits power to the contracted level.
NF C 15-100 · Must be reachable from inside the dwelling, between 0.90 and 1.80 m. Built-in 500 mA selective RCD.
Surge protector
Panel-mounted module protecting against lightning-induced surges. Shields the home's electronics (router, appliances, smart home).
NF C 15-100 · Mandatory in French high-lightning-density areas (AQ2) and when the building has a lightning rod. Strongly recommended everywhere else.
Tip · Given the cost of electronics in a modern home (heat pump, HRV, smart home), the surge protector is the cheapest insurance in the panel.
Off-peak contactor
Time-of-use contactor that automatically powers the water heater during cheaper tariff windows, driven by the meter signal.
NF C 15-100 · Paired with a 2A breaker for the control circuit and a 20A breaker for the tank's power circuit.
Tip · I-AUTO-0 positions: leave it on AUTO. Position I (forced on) is only for an occasional daytime reheat.
GTL / ETEL technical space
The ETEL is the home's reserved technical space (600 × 250 mm floor minimum); the GTL is the vertical channel inside it gathering every network: electrical panel, communications panel, incoming and outgoing runs.
NF C 15-100 · ETEL is mandatory in French new builds. It must stay clear of any other equipment (no boiler or water tank) from floor to ceiling.
Tip · On your plan, reserve the ETEL near the entrance, in a closet or utility room — never in the bathroom (forbidden) nor deep in the garage (a daily chore).
Data & communications
NF C 15-100 recommends at least one RJ45 outlet per main room. Since 2016, new homes must include a fiber inlet (PTO) and a dedicated communications panel.
RJ45 Ethernet outlet
Wired data outlet — Ethernet for the router, computers, TV, Wi-Fi access points.
NF C 15-100 · NF C 15-100 requires at least 1 RJ45 in the living room, each bedroom, and near the TV panel. Category 6 minimum.
Tip · Pull 2 RJ45s to each TV/desk location: one for the device, one for a future box (NAS, console, Wi-Fi AP).
TV coax outlet
Coaxial TV feed — terrestrial, satellite, or cable. Gradually being replaced by IPTV over RJ45 / set-top box.
Tip · In new builds, plan a TV outlet in every room where a TV could go: even if you don't pull the coax immediately, lay an empty conduit for later.
Satellite outlet
Coaxial outlet specifically for satellite reception. Often combined with the terrestrial TV outlet in a single double plate.
Router / patch panel
Position of the ISP router or main switch. On the plan, indicates where fiber arrives and RJ45 cables leave.
Tip · Plan at least 2 16A outlets near the router (router + equipment). Ideally in a ventilated cabinet.
Optical termination outlet (PTO)
Fiber termination point delivered by the ISP. Should be in the communications panel in new builds.
Tip · The ISP requires a minimum 25 mm conduit from the street to the inlet. Draw this conduit on your plan.
WiFi access point
Wall or ceiling access point wired over RJ45, covering zones the router can't reach. PoE (power over the network cable) removes the need for a 230V outlet.
Tip · One ceiling PoE access point at the center of each floor beats three repeaters: pull RJ45 runs to the ceilings at the planning stage.
Heating & cooling
Heating and cooling units typically require a dedicated circuit from the panel, with cable size and breaker rating matched to the load.
Electric radiator
Inertia, convector, or radiant panel. Place under a window or on an exterior wall to offset cold.
NF C 15-100 · Each radiator > 2,250 W needs its own circuit. For smaller units: up to 4,500 W per 1.5 mm² (16A) or 7,250 W per 2.5 mm² (20A) circuit.
Convector heater
Fast-acting fan or radiant convector. Used as auxiliary heating, in bathrooms (fan), or in low-use rooms.
Underfloor heating
Electric heating mat embedded in the screed. One zone per room, controlled by a thermostat.
NF C 15-100 · Cable size and breaker depend on watts per m². Always on type A or F 30 mA RCD.
Towel warmer
Towel warmer in bathrooms, often mixed (water + electric element).
NF C 15-100 · Bathroom zone 2 or 3. IP44-rated supply with 30 mA RCD. "Boost" button for quick warm-up.
Heat pump (outdoor unit)
Outdoor unit of an air-air or air-water heat pump. Mount on a concrete pad or anti-vibration feet, with clear access.
Tip · Plan 1 m of clear space in front of the unit for maintenance. 35-45 dB noise — ideally 3 m from neighbors.
Air conditioning (indoor unit)
Indoor split AC unit. Position: exterior wall, height > 2 m, with condensate drain planned.
Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation (VMC) is mandatory in all humid rooms (kitchen, bathroom, WC). On the plan, distinguish the fan unit (attic or utility room), room-by-room extraction grilles, and air inlets in window frames.
Single-flow VMC unit
Motorized extraction unit of the ventilation system, installed in the attic or utility room. It pulls air from the room grilles and exhausts it through the roof.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated circuit required, with no accessible switch: the VMC must run continuously. 1.5 mm² supply, 2A to 16A breaker depending on model.
Tip · Hang the unit from anti-vibration straps rather than resting it on the attic floor — it halves transmitted noise.
Double-flow VMC unit
Heat-recovery ventilation unit: it extracts stale air from humid rooms and supplies pre-heated fresh air to living rooms.
NF C 15-100 · Meets French RE 2020. Dedicated circuit + condensate drain required. Ducts must be insulated outside the heated envelope.
Tip · Place the unit as close to the center of the duct network as possible: every meter of duct saved means more efficiency and less noise.
Humidity-controlled VMC unit
Single-flow VMC whose airflow adjusts automatically to humidity. Hygro A: humidity-controlled extract grilles only. Hygro B: grilles AND air inlets — the standard in new builds.
NF C 15-100 · The hygro B version is the most common way to pass the French RE 2020 thermal study with single-flow ventilation.
Tip · Hygro grilles swap out without touching the unit: you can upgrade an existing self-regulating VMC room by room.
Extraction grille
Extract grille connected to the VMC unit, in every humid room: kitchen (90-135 m³/h), bathroom (30 m³/h), WC (15-30 m³/h).
NF C 15-100 · Position: high on the wall or ceiling, opposite the room's air inlet to sweep the whole volume.
Tip · In the kitchen, keep the grille away from the cooktop: it would suck in grease and foul the ducts — that's the hood's job, not the VMC's.
Air inlet
Fresh-air trickle vent in the top rail of dry-room windows (living room, bedrooms). Fresh air enters here, crosses the home, and exits through the extract grilles.
NF C 15-100 · Required in every dry room with single-flow VMC. Never in humid rooms, never with double-flow systems.
Tip · Order windows with the inlet slots factory-machined — drilling them after installation is a nightmare.
Extractor fan
Individual fan for an isolated humid room without VMC ductwork: standalone WC, added shower room, pantry. Timer or humidity-controlled versions.
NF C 15-100 · Does not replace whole-home ventilation — tolerated case-by-case in renovations.
Tip · Choose a model with backdraft damper and run-on timer: triggered with the light, it keeps running 5-10 minutes after switch-off.
Safety & access control
At least one smoke detector (DAAF) is mandatory per floor in France since 2015. Alarms, CCTV, and video door entry are optional but should be planned upfront to avoid retrofit work in finished walls.
Smoke detector (DAAF)
Standalone smoke alarm. Mandatory in all French homes since 2015.
NF C 15-100 · At least 1 per floor. Position: ceiling, in circulation areas (hallway). Not in kitchens or bathrooms.
CO / gas detector
Carbon monoxide or gas detector. Recommended in any room with combustion equipment (gas boiler, stove, fireplace).
Motion detector
Presence sensor for automatic lighting. Used in hallways, entries, outdoor, garage, stairs.
Tip · Pair with LED lighting: instant on, adjustable duration. Avoid IR-only sensors indoors — they miss slow movements.
Surveillance camera
IP or analog camera. Position: entry, garage, garden, gable.
Tip · Note the connection type on the plan: PoE (single RJ45 for power + video) or separate 12V supply.
Alarm / siren
Intrusion alarm panel or siren. The panel typically sits at the electrical board, sirens are installed outside (facade) and inside.
Emergency lighting block
Self-powered light that activates on power loss. Mandatory in public buildings, co-owned properties, shared garages.
NF C 15-100 · Not required in single-family homes but useful in windowless basements or cellars.
Intercom / video doorbell
Communication between the outside (gate, front door) and an indoor handset. Video doorbell = with camera.
Tip · Prefer a Wi-Fi-connected video doorbell — lets you answer from your phone when you're not home.
Video doorbell
Connected doorbell with built-in camera: phone notification and live video for every visit. Wired power (recommended) or battery.
Tip · Plan wired power on the drawing (2 × 0.75 mm² low-voltage or per model): no more bimonthly battery charging.
Door entry panel
Outdoor station of the intercom or video entry system, at the gate or entrance: call button, mic/speaker, camera, optionally keypad or badge reader.
NF C 15-100 · Plan the conduit between the panel and the indoor station from the start: 2 wires (audio) up to 8 wires or a 2-wire video bus depending on technology.
Tip · Mounting height: 1.60 m at the button. Add a spare conduit to the gate: strike, motor, and panel often share the same duct.
Motorized access & openings
Motorized shutters, gates, and garage doors each need a dedicated supply and a control point. Planning them on the drawing avoids surface conduits and makeshift extensions.
Motorized roller shutter
Electric roller shutter motor, controlled by a dedicated up/down switch. Symbol: horizontal rectangle with arrows.
Tip · Plan centralized wiring (one control point per floor) if you may add smart home control later. Best: radio motor compatible with KNX, Somfy io, or Zigbee.
Gate motor
Arm or ram motor for swing gates, or rack motor for sliding gates. On the plan: power feed, safety photocells, flashing light, and antenna.
NF C 15-100 · 230V feed in buried conduit (60 cm deep), photocells required (EN 12453), and an orange flashing light when opening onto a public road.
Tip · Bury three conduits to the gate during construction: power, intercom, and one spare. That's €50 of conduit versus re-digging a trench.
Garage door motor
Ceiling motor (sectional doors) or tubular motor (roller doors). Plan the power feed on the garage ceiling, centered on the door.
Tip · Add a wired control by the service door in addition to the remote: batteries have a knack for dying on rainy days.
Smart home
Smart home elements enable centralized control of heating, blinds, and lighting. They typically require a wired bus (KNX), a wireless module (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter), or a micromodule behind existing switchgear.
Thermostat
Temperature controller for central heating or underfloor heating. Position: interior wall, 1,50 m height, no drafts or direct sun.
Tip · A well-placed connected thermostat (Netatmo, Tado, Nest) can cut heating bills 10-15 % with no installation change.
Smart home module
Connected relay module (in-wall back box or panel-mounted). Turns a regular switch into a smart control.
Tip · Choose a long-lasting protocol: KNX (pro wired), Z-Wave / Zigbee (wireless, open) or Matter (2025+ standard).
Energy & production
Solar generation, storage, and EV charging turn the home into an energy producer. These systems require dedicated circuits, specific protections (type B or F RCDs), and often a grid-operator declaration.
EV charging station (IRVE)
Charging station for an electric vehicle. Position: garage or outdoor parking spot.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated circuit required: 32A single-phase (7.4 kW) or three-phase (22 kW). Type B RCD (or type F + DC detection). Must be installed by an IRVE-qualified electrician.
Tip · Plan the charger upfront even without an EV yet: conduit + circuit in new construction is 10× cheaper than retrofitting.
Reinforced EV outlet (Green'Up)
Reinforced outlet (Green'Up type) charging an EV at 3.2 kW (14A continuous) without installing a wallbox. Good fit for plug-in hybrids and low-mileage drivers.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated circuit, 2.5 mm² minimum, 20A breaker, dedicated type A or F 30 mA RCD.
Tip · Fully charges a compact EV overnight (~8-10 h). If you drive a lot or fully electric, go straight to a 7.4 kW wallbox.
Solar panel
Photovoltaic module on the roof or ground. On the electrical plan, show the array, the DC route, and the protection boxes.
NF C 15-100 · DC and AC protection boxes with surge arresters are required. In France: specific Consuel certificate and an Enedis self-consumption agreement.
Tip · For self-consumption, size the array to your daytime load (base load + appliances), not to the available roof area.
Solar inverter
Converts the panels' DC into 230V AC fed into the installation. Place in a ventilated room, close to the panel.
Tip · Alternative: micro-inverters under each panel — pricier, but per-panel optimization and no single point of failure.
Home battery
Stores surplus solar energy for evening use. Sits between the (hybrid) inverter and the panel.
Tip · Payback is still limited at current French tariffs: first maximize direct self-consumption (water-heater scheduling, EV charging) before investing in storage.
Water & technical equipment
Water heaters, pumps, and pool equipment appear on the electrical plan for their power needs: dedicated circuits, reinforced RCD protection, and equipotential bonding in wet areas.
Hot water tank
Electric hot water cylinder. Position: laundry, garage, attic, or utility room.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated 20A circuit with 2,5 mm² cable and a two-pole switch nearby. Day/night contactor recommended for off-peak tariffs.
Heat-pump water heater
Hot water tank coupled with a small built-in heat pump: 3 to 4 times less consumption than a classic electric tank. Standard under French RE 2020.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated 20A circuit. The room must be at least 20 m³ (ambient-air version) or ducted to the outside.
Tip · The ambient-air version cools the room it sits in: perfect in a pantry or garage, avoid next to a living room.
Lift pump
Raises wastewater when gravity drainage is impossible: finished basement, cellar, WC below the sewer line.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated circuit with 30 mA RCD. Plan a high-level alarm on critical installations.
Tip · Add a power-failure detector or connected alarm: a failed lift pump is always discovered too late.
Pool filtration pump
Heart of the pool plant room. On the electrical plan: dedicated feed to the plant room, pool box with filtration clock, and the 12V run to underwater lights.
NF C 15-100 · Dedicated 30 mA RCD. All underwater lighting in 12V SELV via a safety transformer outside the pool zones (NF C 15-100 part 7-702).
Tip · Filtration rule of thumb: water temperature ÷ 2 = filtration hours per day. Size the clock and contactor accordingly.
Outdoor
All outdoor electrical equipment must be IP44-rated minimum (IP55 recommended), fed by cables in TPC conduit buried 60 cm deep, and protected by a 30 mA RCD.
Outdoor outlet IP44
Weatherproof 2P+T outlet with hinged cover for outdoor use (patio, garden, garage).
NF C 15-100 · IP44 minimum. 30 mA RCD protection required. Recommended height: > 1 m from the ground to avoid runoff water.
Outdoor light
Outdoor light point (facade, garden, patio). Symbol: light point with reinforced outline.
Tip · Use a motion + dusk sensor for outdoor lights: efficient and useful.
Garden bollard light
Outdoor bollard light (garden, pathway). Typical height: 40 to 80 cm.
Tip · Wire bollards in parallel on a dedicated outdoor lighting circuit, with the switch indoors. Cable in TPC conduit buried 60 cm.
Using these symbols in Planelico
Planelico includes 370+ symbols in a drag-and-drop library. To annotate your electrical plan:
- Import your PDF plan (architect drawing or estate plan)
- Browse the library in the left panel, grouped by category
- Drag each symbol to its exact location on the plan
- Add notes on each element (circuit, reference, remark)
- Draw connections between switches and light points
- Export the annotated plan as a PDF with auto-generated legend
FAQ — Electrical symbols
Are electrical symbols standardized internationally?
What is the difference between a symbol and a legend on an electrical plan?
How do I show wiring connections between switches and lights?
What does IP44 mean on some symbols?
What is the standard mounting height for a light switch?
How many electrical outlets per room under NF C 15-100?
Can I customize symbols or add new ones?
Is the legend included in the PDF export?
Related guides
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