DRAFTING SYMBOLS AND STANDARDS

Architectural drawings are intended to communicate design intentions in a clear manner. This can
be best presented with graphic symbols and written forms. Industry standards have been developed to
provide a universallanguage of graphic symbols and written forms for different designcompanies and
building professions.

LINE TYPES
Along with line weight and quality, there are standards for different types of lines. Each has a
definite meaning and is recognized as a typical symbol or object within the building trades industry.
Listed below are the standardtypes of lines thatwill typically be used in design drawings.
Solid Line
Solid lines are used to indicate visible objects that can be seen in plan, elevation or3D views.
Solid lines are also used forleader lines and dimension lines.

Dashed Line
Hidden objects or edges are drawn with short dashed lines. These are used to show hidden parts
of an object or objects below or behind another object. Dashed lines are also used to indicate shelving or
cabinets above a counter. These lines should be incontact at corners and when perpendicular to another
line.

Movement, Ghost or Phantom Line

These lines are a series of dashes and veryshort dashes and are used to show movement or imply
direction. These typically are used instead of a dashed line toshow an alternate position of an object that
canbe moved. One object would be drawn with a solid line and its alternate position would be dashed or a
phantom line. This can include bi-swing doors, the space needed for drawer and cabinet door openings,
sliding door opening direction, hinge points for doors and windows in elevation
Break Lines
Break lines are used when the extents of a drawing cannot fit on the size of paper being used for
the drawing. It can also be used when you only need to illustrate a portion of a design or a partial view.

Center Line
Center lines are used to indicate the centerof a plan, object, circle, arc, or any symmetrical object.
Use a series of very long and short dashes to create a center line. Iftwo center lines intersect use short
dashes at the intersection.

Section Line
The section line is used to show a cutaway view of a floor plan. A section cutting all the way
through a floor plan is referred to as a full section. The direction of the arrows shows the direction of the
section view.

Leader Line
Leader lines are used to connectnotes or references to objects or lines in a drawing. Leader lines
start as a solid line and end in an arrow. Leader lines may be drawn at an angle or curved.

Dimension Line
The dimension line is used to show the measurement of an object. It can be used to indicate
length, width, diameter, etc.

MATERIAL SYMBOLS
Material symbols represent the construction materials cut in section. Below is a list of materials and their
symbols used on architectural drawings.

ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHIC SYMBOLS

DRAWING SYMBOLS FOR CROSS- REFERENCE

Section Symbols
Elevation Symbol
Elevation marks are used to indicate which direction and from which point on the floor plan is
drawn. The elevation mark consists of a 1/2" diameter circle, an arrow that indicates the direction of sight,
and two numbers.

Plumbing code, standards and notes

Information for plumbers and drainers
The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is the new technical standard for all plumbing and
drainage work in NSW. All plumbing and drainage work in NSW must comply with the PCA.
The new Code replaces the more prescriptive NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage
and other local requirements. This system means plumbers no longer need to remember a myriad
of local variations to plumbing standards. Plumbers will be able to work more easily across
different regions, without needing to know local variations.
The PCA sets out performance requirements for the design, construction, installation,
replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of plumbing and drainage installations.
The Code calls up AS/NZS 3500, and it has two provisions that plumbers and drainers can work
to and achieve code compliance. One option is for the work to be done under the Deemed to

Satisfy provision which means that it has been done in accordance with AS/NZS 3500. The
other is the performance based provision where work (usually designed by a hydraulic engineer
or consultant) meets or exceeds the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.
Plumbers and drainers can get copies of the PCA from the Australian Building Codes Board at
www.abcb.gov.au
Plumbers and drainers can download a copy of the Guideline for plumbing and drainage:
installing code compliant work and alternative solutions from the Fair Trading website.

Technical advice for licensed plumbers and drainers

NSW Fair Trading provides technical advice about the interpretation of the PCA and relevant
industry standards. This service is only available to licensed plumbers and drainers in the Sydney
Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Newcastle regions.
You can email Fair Trading with technical enquiries to PIAStechnical@services.nsw.gov.au If
you do not have email access, you can call on 1300 889 099 between 8am and 12pm, Monday to
Friday.
For all enquiries you must have a current version of the PCA and standards
(AS/NZS 3500) available as Fair Tradings technical support staff will refer to these documents.
Plumbers and drainers outside Sydney, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Newcastle should contact
their local council or water utility operator for technical advice.