Why it is called reflected
Picture a mirror that covers the floor. Look down and you see the ceiling. The RCP draws that view. It has the same orientation as the floor plan. A light near the north wall on the RCP is near the north wall in the room.
What an RCP shows
- Ceiling type in each room: acoustical tile grid, gypsum board or exposed structure.
- Ceiling height, usually as a note or a tag in each room.
- The grid layout and where it starts.
- Soffits, bulkheads and changes in height.
- Light fixtures, air diffusers and grilles, sprinkler heads and access panels.
- Ceiling-mounted items such as speakers, projectors and exit signs.
Where to find it
The architectural RCPs sit with the A sheets, often right after the floor plans. A legend lists the ceiling types and symbols. The electrical and mechanical sets have their own plans. Lighting is on the E sheets. Diffusers and ductwork are on the M sheets.
Who uses it
Ceiling contractors measure grid, tile and gypsum board from it. Drywall contractors find soffits on it. Electricians and mechanical contractors check device locations against their own sheets. Any trade that hangs equipment from above should read it too. A gym sheet can show backstops, divider curtains and the height of the structure they hang from.
How to read one
- Read the ceiling legend first.
- Find the ceiling type and height in each room that holds your work.
- Find the section cuts and detail marks, and open those details.
- Compare the RCP with the lighting plan and the mechanical plan.
- Write down each place where the sheets disagree.
Conflicts are common. Light fixture counts on the RCP often differ from the electrical lighting plan. A diffuser can land on a light. A ceiling height on the RCP can differ from the finish schedule. Hung equipment can cross a duct shown on the mechanical sheets. Ask about each one before the bid.
Bid documents · Updated 11 Nov 2026