Short answer: a lighting design drawing shows every light fitting position, how each one is switched, and how rooms are zoned — on your floor plans, to scale. It is the difference between "some downlights" and lighting that actually works for how you live.
What the service involves
Our Manchester electrical drawing service produces dedicated lighting plans from your floor plans: fitting positions on an even grid, two-way and intermediate switching where rooms have multiple entrances, separate switching for zones and scenes (kitchen task lighting vs. dining ambience, for example), dimmer positions, and outdoor lighting with appropriate protection. Everything uses standard UK symbols and is prepared to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.
Common lighting mistakes drawings prevent
- Downlights in a straight row regardless of furniture — leaving dark corners and lit walls
- A single switch by one door of a room with two entrances
- Kitchen task lighting and dining lighting on the same switch, so you cannot set a mood
- Garden lighting added as an afterthought with no switching or protection planned
- Bathroom lights positioned without regard to zones above baths and showers
Lighting and the wiring regulations
Lighting design is not just aesthetics. Bathrooms have defined zones around baths and showers with requirements for the fittings used there; outdoor lighting needs appropriate protection; and switching must be safe and practical. Our drawings reflect these requirements in plain, buildable form — your electrician then implements the detailed protection on site under Part P.
Working with your interior designer or architect
If you have a designer choosing fittings, we draw around their selections — positions, switching and circuiting that make the design work electrically. If you do not, we produce a clean, practical scheme you or your electrician can select fittings for. Either way, the overall electrical layout and the lighting plan stay coordinated as one set.
Pricing considerations
Lighting drawings are usually priced with the overall layout package — a whole-house lighting plan costs less per room than a one-room scheme. Complexity (scenes, garden zones, multiple switching) affects the work involved. As always, we confirm a fixed price before starting; see how pricing works.
Lighting questions
How many downlights do I need per room?
It depends on room size, ceiling height, the light output of the fittings and what the room is used for. Our lighting drawings position fittings on a proper grid based on your plans rather than guessing, so coverage is even and switching is practical.
Do you specify the actual light fittings?
We draw positions, switching and circuiting, and can note fitting types if you have chosen them. Final product selection is yours (or your designer's) — our drawings make sure whatever you choose is wired and switched correctly.
Can you include garden and outdoor lighting?
Yes. Garden lighting, driveway lighting and outdoor sockets can all be included, with appropriate switching and protection shown. Outdoor work has specific safety requirements which your electrician will implement on site.
Related services
- Electrical layout drawings — the full power and lighting picture
- As-fitted drawings — record the finished installation
Light every room properly
Send your floor plans for a free fixed quote on lighting design drawings.
Get a free quote