{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"iec-recessed-downlight","name":"Recessed downlight plan mark","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"DL","aliases":["downlight","recessed luminaire","can light"],"category":"installation-communications","drawingTypes":["GA"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC"],"summary":"Plan mark for a recessed ceiling downlight, usually a small circle, sometimes crossed or hatched.","description":["Recessed downlights are drawn as small circles, sometimes with a cross or a filled centre, placed in a regular grid on the reflected ceiling plan. The symbol is distinguished from the general luminaire by size and by the fixture tag.","Downlights need ceiling void depth, fire-rated covers where they penetrate fire-rated ceilings, and clearances from insulation. The plan symbol lets the electrician and builder coordinate these before ceilings close. The symbol does not tell you cut-out size, beam angle or whether the fitting is fire-rated. Those are scheduled."],"readingNotes":["Check fire-rated ceiling zones.","Read beam angle and cut-out in the schedule."],"drawingChecklist":["Tag fixture type.","Note fire-rated or insulation-contact requirements.","Coordinate spacing with ceiling layout."],"distinction":"A spotlight is directional and adjustable; a downlight is fixed and points straight down.","facts":[{"label":"Graphic form","value":"Small circle on ceiling grid"},{"label":"Coordination","value":"Ceiling void depth and fire rating"},{"label":"Exact standard graphic","value":"Not reproduced here; confirm the form against IEC 60617 and the project legend"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"iec-diagrams","relevance":"IEC graphical symbol context for installation plans; independently drawn here."},{"sourceId":"pub-object-engineering-design","relevance":"Installation design methodology covering lighting circuits and final distribution."}],"related":["iec-luminaire-general-plan-symbol","iec-spotlight-plan-mark"],"artwork":"s28-iec-recessed-downlight","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","symbolVariant":{"convention":"IEC","form":"Recessed luminaire","reference":"IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier."},"plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Recessed downlight plan mark mean?","introduction":"Recessed downlights are drawn as small circles, sometimes with a cross or a filled centre, placed in a regular grid on the reflected ceiling plan. The symbol is distinguished from the general luminaire by size and by the fixture tag.","example":"Downlights need ceiling void depth, fire-rated covers where they penetrate fire-rated ceilings, and clearances from insulation. The plan symbol lets the electrician and builder coordinate these before ceilings close. The symbol does not tell you cut-out size, beam angle or whether the fitting is fire-rated. Those are scheduled.","drawings":"Check fire-rated ceiling zones. Read beam angle and cut-out in the schedule. A spotlight is directional and adjustable; a downlight is fixed and points straight down.","terms":[{"name":"Rating","meaning":"A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified."},{"name":"Schematic","meaning":"A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/"},{"label":"Electrical installation design methodology and references","url":"https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design"}],"detail":"Plan mark for a recessed ceiling downlight, usually a small circle, sometimes crossed or hatched. A spotlight is directional and adjustable; a downlight is fixed and points straight down.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-recessed-downlight","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/iec-recessed-downlight.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"iec-diagrams","title":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","publisher":"IEC","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/","type":"standard","scope":"IEC 60617 and related symbol-design publications. Full database access requires a subscription.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"IEC graphical symbol context for installation plans; independently drawn here."},{"id":"pub-object-engineering-design","title":"Electrical installation design methodology and references","publisher":"Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide","url":"https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public design context. No universal working clearance, equipment dimension or project compliance conclusion is asserted.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Installation design methodology covering lighting circuits and final distribution."}]}