The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is a.
The symbol shown in option ‘a’ is the standard representation for a fan outlet on electrical blueprints and wiring diagrams, often found in an EWR (Electrical Wiring Residential) legend. This symbol is designed to be clear and concise, providing electricians with essential information for installation.
Let’s break down the components of the correct symbol. The outermost square represents a ceiling-mounted fixture or outlet box. Electrical symbols often use squares for ceiling outlets and circles for wall outlets, although conventions can vary. Inside the square, the circle represents the electrical outlet or junction box itself, which is the point where the electrical wiring is terminated to supply power. Finally, the capital letter ‘F’ inside the circle is a specific designator that stands for “Fan.” This tells the installer that the outlet is intended to power a ceiling fan. This is a critical piece of information because fan outlets require a special junction box that is rated to support the weight and dynamic stress of a moving fan, which is significantly more robust than a standard box used for a simple light fixture.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons. Symbol ‘b’ is not a standard electrical symbol for a fan outlet. Symbol ‘c’ represents an outlet with a “PS” or Pull Switch, typically for a light fixture. Symbol ‘d’ is a pictorial representation of fan blades but lacks the essential circle that denotes the electrical outlet box, making it an incomplete schematic symbol. Symbol ‘e’ is a more illustrative version that combines the fan blades with an outlet symbol, and while sometimes used for visual clarity, the symbol in ‘a’ is the more common and fundamental standard in technical drawings. Therefore, option ‘a’ is the most accurate and widely recognized symbol for a fan outlet on an electrical plan.
