The Meaning of Symbols 197
The following figures show some of the most common standard symbols; during the course of your
work you will likely see many other types as well. For various reasons, some of the symbols on a draw-
ing may not be standard. Many times you will figure out what a symbol means by analyzing it and think-
ing about what it looks like. The legend on a drawing should show any nonstandard symbols and their
meanings. Occasionally a symbol for a particular component or device may have been specifically cre-
ated by the architect or engineer who developed the drawing.
Figure 8.2 Examples of typical door and window symbols shown in both plan (as it may appear on a
blueprint) and in pictorial form. Reading working drawings necessitates the ability to read, and understand and
visualize the various symbols.