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
- Pretend that you are hovering a couple of feet above the ceiling.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98be41a5629dfff645a7_1.png)
- Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent (see-through).
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98c6320f06df2bb66fdf_2.png)
- Visualize the ceiling over the floor below.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98d157676a15f1b91934_3.png)
- Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98dee27c6526494de639_4.png)
- Notice how the reflected ceiling plan relates to the floor plan.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98e97592d6875edeb306_5.png)
- 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.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98504870d1f2ab04d53d_6.png)
- Understand the information. An RCP should contain the following:
- 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
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c98fb00671d0031cefc63_7.png)
- Look for special ceiling features on the RCP, such as:
- 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
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c9841320f06df2bb61e12_8.png)
- Refer to the engineers electrical drawings for:
- Electrical wiring specifications
- Circuitry layout
- Connections to the electrical panel
- Location of switches
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/625f4fe9a8046c534f5e98f7/649c97fae5663a8cdd810b3f_9.png)
You can also check out this comprehensive guide on WikiHow: How to Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan. This resource will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make your ceiling planning process smooth and efficient.