Recessed light
A light set into the ceiling so it sits flush with the surface.
This explains what a symbol represents on a drawing. Conventions vary between firms and standards, and a drawing's own legend takes precedence.
How to read it
NECA 100 treats recessed mounting as a modifier on the basic fixture symbol, alongside surface and wall mounting. The Army's print-reading manual marks special types by adding a letter to the lighting outlet symbol, with R for recessed. NECA 100 allows other symbols when the drawing or its legend sheet explains them, so the legend defines the one in use.
Also searched as: can light, downlight, pot light.
Look-alikes
A ceiling light without the recessed marking is surface mounted.
More blueprint symbols
Sources
- Symbols for Electrical Construction Drawings, NECA 100-2013 (ANSI), National Electrical Contractors Association, sec. 2.1
- Construction Print Reading in the Field, TM 5-704 / AFM 85-27, Departments of the Army and the Air Force, fig. 3-32 (continued)
Last reviewed September 24, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research