Designing and planning a home today involves much more than the physical layout of the home. Electronics are everywhere and their documentation is critical. Documenting electronics can be done readily with a simple, yet powerful, way to communicate technologies with visual representations: CEA TechHome Symbols for Blueprint Design and Technology Specification. The symbols streamline the process of installing technology into homes by assisting architects, designers, builders and electronic systems contractors with properly labeling technology on house plans to ensure accurate placement.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) TechHome Division developed the symbols package to give all participants in construction and design of a home an agreed upon guide when labeling technology. Over the course of almost a year, a committee worked to identify the categories and symbols needed. They reviewed icons from numerous industries and sources and worked to incorporate existing standards whenever possible. The end result is a set of easy-to-understand symbols representing common categories of wired electronics including communications, audio/video, security, home control, lighting/electrical, HVAC and vacuum. Optional labeling, conventions and color coding make the different systems quickly identifiable on plans.
“Technology integrators are an important partner in the development of a home,” stated John Tunnell, vice president, CEA Member Relations. “CEA TechHome Symbols give a visual representation of exactly where installed technologies should be placed on blueprints. By having one simple resource for these symbols, CEA is giving all parties involved a vital tool in building the digital home.”
Implementation is simple with the TechHome Symbols because they are available in different electronic file formats in both color and black and white. When certain symbols appear in more than one category, text or color will clarify differences. Symbol labeling is optional unless needed to differentiate between subsystems or for further explanation. Optional conventions indicate if the specific technology is wireless, mounted to, or located on the ceiling, floor, wall or tabletop.
Symbols clearly communicate the locations of wiring for devices, eliminating guesswork when collaborating with others on the project. Design firms, builders and electronic systems contractors can turn to these easy-to-use symbols to identify devices and their placement.
