Plumbing and Fire Protection Abbreviations

The list of plumbing and fire protection abbreviations used in a set of architectural drawings varies from office to office.  Be sure to check the front section of the construction drawing set for the abbreviations used within.

APAccess Panel
BTBath Tub
BWVBack Water Valve
CFHCubic Feet per Hour
CFMCubic Feet per Minute
CICast Iron
CLDICement Lined Ductile Iron
COCleanout
CONCConcrete
CPChrome Plated
CTEConnect to Existing
CWCold Water
CWRCold Water Return
CWSCold Water Supply
DCVADouble Check Valve Assembly
DFDrinking Fountain
DIADiameter
EL or ELEVElevation
EWCElectrical Water Cooler (Drinking Fountain)
FCOFloor Cleanout
FECFire Extinguisher Cabinet
FHVFire Hose Valve
FLRFloor
FPFire Protection
FPWHFreeze Proof Wall Hydrant
FSFlow Switch
FTFoot or Feet
FVFlush Valve
GALVGalvanized
GCOGround Clean Out
GIGrease Interceptor
GPFGallons per Flush
GPMGallons per Minute
HCHandicapped
HWHot Water
HWRHot Water Return
HWSHot Water Supply
IDInside Diameter
INVInvert
IWIndirect Waste
MECHMechanical
MSBMop Service Basin
NCNormally Closed
NONormally Open
ODOutside Diameter
OEDOpen End Drain
PIVPost Indicator Valve
PLBGPlumbing
PSIPounds per Square Inch
RPBPReduced Pressure Backflow Preventer
SAShock Absorber
SDSanitary Drain
SH or SHWRShower
SKSink
SSSoil Stack or Stainless Steel
TLTToilet
TSTamper Switch
TWTempered Water
TYPTypical
UUrinal
VVent
VBVacuum Breaker
VFDVariable Frequency Drive
VSVent Stack
VTRVent Through Roof
WWaste
WCWater Closet (Toilet)
WHWall Hydrant
WSWaste Stack
Article Updated: September 7, 2019

Help make Archtoolbox better for everyone. If you found an error or out of date information in this article (even if it is just a minor typo), please let us know.