How to Make a Home Electrical Diagram

Measure the length and width of each room you intend to include in your diagram. Use a tape measure and write the results down so you can refer to them later.

Draw a diagram of your home. This diagram should be in architectural format, if possible. If not, then try and draw it to scale, using a straight-edge such as a ruler or T-square to keep the lines straight. Draw the diagram in dark pencil.

Find a list of electrical symbols and use it in the diagram. There are different symbols for outlets, 3-way switches and other items. Make sure you have a legend that details your symbols.

Draw each room with its doors, windows, walls and any other fixtures including heating ducts. Indicate the floor space of the room by mulitplying the length of the room by the width.

Indicate the locations of switches, outlets, fixtures and other electrical appliances using a different color pencil than the one you're using for your diagram.

Mark the cable between the devices and show the size and type of the cable being used. The amperage of the circuits involved should be indicated as well. Use different colors for each different circuit.

Write down the wattages of different lights and appliances. If there is no space for this in your diagram, use a separate piece of paper and list each item. For example, write down "Family Room -- corner lamp -- 45 watts."

Make a photocopy of the diagram before submitting it to your municipality, if you need to that.