Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Mechanical Building Services

• Overview of building services (HVAC, plumbing, fire protection)

• Role of draughting in MEP coordination

• Mechanical systems in buildings: key concepts and components

• Drawing standards (BS, ISO, ASHRAE symbols)

Exercise: Identify and sketch key mechanical services components

Module 2: Engineering Draughting Basics

• Drawing sheet layout, title blocks, legends

• Line types, lettering, and scale usage

• Drafting tools (manual and CAD overview)

• Orthographic and isometric sketching basics

Exercise: Set up a drawing sheet manually and sketch a plan view

Module 3: HVAC Systems and Symbols

• HVAC system types (ducted, split, VRF, chilled water)

• Air handling units, ducts, grilles, dampers, diffusers

• HVAC symbol library and annotation standards

• Duct sizing concepts and line weights

Exercise: Draft a sample HVAC plan with ductwork and diffusers

Module  4: Plumbing Systems and Symbols

• Cold and hot water systems, waste and vent piping

• Pipes, valves, fittings, pumps, and water tanks

• Plumbing symbols and pipe representation in 2D

• Pipe slopes and notation for elevations

Exercise: Draw a basic plumbing layout for a bathroom or kitchen

Module  5: Fire Protection Systems

• Sprinkler systems, hose reels, extinguishers

• Fire riser diagrams and layouts

• NFPA/BS standard symbols for fire protection

• Pipe routing, sprinkler spacing, and zones

Exercise: Draft a small sprinkler layout with annotation

Module 6: Introduction to AutoCAD for MEP

• Interface navigation and workspace setup

• Drawing tools (line, polyline, circle, trim, etc.)

• Layers, blocks, and text styles for MEP drafting

• Setting up title blocks and layouts

Exercise: Recreate a manual HVAC drawing in AutoCAD

Module 7: Mechanical Plan Layouts in CAD

• Importing architectural backgrounds (DWG)

• Overlaying mechanical layouts (HVAC/plumbing/fire)

• Use of Xrefs, layers, and annotation scaling

• Coordinate systems and drawing units

Exercise: Produce a combined HVAC and plumbing plan on CAD

Module 8: Detailing and Sections

• Creating section views (duct risers, pipe drops)

• Equipment schedules and legends

• Drawing callouts and reference tags

• Working with details and enlarged views

Exercise: Draft a duct riser detail and label connections

Module 9: Coordination and Clash Considerations

• Coordination with structural, electrical, and architectural plans

• Vertical clearances and ceiling space constraints

• Color coding for trades

• Best practices for service coordination drawings

Exercise: Modify a service layout to resolve a clash with structure

Module 10: Final Project and Review

• Capstone project: Create a full MEP mechanical layout (HVAC, plumbing, fire)

• Annotate, dimension, and generate plot-ready drawings

• Peer review and feedback session

• Wrap-up and next steps for advancing skills

Exercise: Submit and present a completed mechanical layout drawing