MEP drawings are an integral part of the structural design of any property, whether domestic, commercial or industrial. They ensure the building will be risk free and energy efficient, identifying optimal routes for each component and helping the various trades working on the project to understand exactly where to construct. Once complete they have to be signed off, but can an architect stamp MEP drawings? Below we discuss what MEP drawings are, what they involve and who can authorise them.
When a mechanical, electrical or plumbing drawing is stamped it means it has been prepared by, or under the direction of, a qualified engineer. It ensures the three components have been designed to meeting building regulations and that if followed correctly the plans ensure that the structural safety of the building should not be compromised.
A mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) drawing creates a definitive plan for the technical aspects of a new property being built. They are coordinating drawings that ensure there is clarity around spatial issues related to mechanical, electrical and plumbing components being installed. Without these drawings, it is likely various subcontractors working on the project would build in areas they are not supposed to, leading to costly mistakes and lengthy delays to rectify them. An MEP drawing will also ensure the systems are not interfering with the structure of the building. For example, when a HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is being installed it can be done so without routing it through structural beams.
MEP drawings play an important role in supporting the installation of three key elements:
The use of MEP drawings for mechanical components largely revolves around HVAC design. The drawings will detail how the heating and cooling units are linked to the ventilation systems without affecting key structural elements of the property. Mechanical drawings should ensure that plumbing and electrical plans are not affected while remaining efficient. Duct routes can be mapped out on MEP drawings to ensure that key areas of the property are cooled and heated efficiently, which makes climate control much easier once the project is finished.
The electrical aspect of a set of MEP drawings will map out the best routes from power sources to fixtures and outlets across the entire property. The drawings should ensure the conduit routing is clearly laid out for the build and also highlight where various components have to be penetrated so that the integrity of the structure is not compromised in any way.
Layouts for both cold and warm feed pipes should be outlined in the plumbing drawings, along with waste water pipes. As with mechanical and electrical components, the drawings should display where the pipes connect with the various components within the building. The pipe routing also has to be designed to avoid interfering with electrical and mechanical systems. Other information you are likely to see includes parts, dimensions and installation guidance.
An architect is not a qualified engineer and is not able to stamp and authorise MEP drawings. Similarly, an engineer cannot stamp architectural drawings. They are two different disciplines and while there is some crossover in their skillsets, neither is qualified to undertake the other’s responsibilities.
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