Journeyman Electrician Exam (NEC)General Electrical Knowledge and Plan ReadingMedium
A client's existing electrical service blueprint shows a symbol consisting of a circle with a diagonal line through it, crossed by another diagonal line. What does this symbol typically represent?
- AWeatherproof Receptacle
- BFloor Outlet
- CSpecial Purpose Outlet
- DDuplex Receptacle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Special Purpose Outlet
In electrical blueprints, a circle with a single diagonal line typically denotes a duplex receptacle. Adding another diagonal line, making an 'X' inside the circle, generally signifies a special purpose outlet, indicating it's for a specific appliance or voltage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A weatherproof receptacle is usually a circle with 'WP' or 'GFI' (for GFCI) inside or adjacent.
- B. A floor outlet is typically a circle with a 'F' or 'FO' inside, or sometimes just a circle with a square around it.
- D. A single diagonal line through a circle usually represents a duplex receptacle.
Special Purpose Outlet Symbol
The electrical blueprint symbol for a special purpose outlet is a circle with two diagonal lines forming an 'X' inside it, often accompanied by text indicating its specific use or voltage.
- Used for dedicated equipment or specific voltage/current requirements.
- Distinguished from general-purpose receptacles.
- Standardized by ANSI/IEEE for clarity in drawings.
- Variations exist, but the 'X' within a circle is common.
Memory trick: X marks the 'Special' spot for outlets.