CAD drawing package

[billthefire]

can anyone recommend a suitable CAD drawing package to produce building drawings that include fire symbols

[Les Potter(elementalfire)]

Autocad will produce your drawings.

********* THIS IS NOT A COMMERCIAL PLUG*********   Jalite have produced a disk that integrates with autocad superbly and allows the insertion of the symbols that you need to put signs onto drawings. there are undoubtibly others, by other companies. ********* THIS IS NOT A COMMERCIAL PLUG*********

[AM]

The full version of Autocad is very expensive (particularly as it will only let you use it on one computer) and will probably have more features than what you need. Abdidged versions like Auto sketch are available for about £170, and these should be able to produce decent floorplans.

[jayjay]

I use AutoCad and it is excellent but expensive considering that I only use a tiny portion of its capabilities. The benefits are that it is Industry standard. I get provided with building plans, fire alarm and emergency lighting system layouts etc direct from the Architect or contractor when available, which tends to be the norm now.

If you want to get into CAD there are a number of adequte packages available for free.

Get some and try them do a Google or try the attached link.

 http://www.structural-engineering.fsnet.co.uk/free.htm

What you need to ensure is what  the file format is in any package you go for. AutoCad uses .DWG files but will also take in .DXF files which is a standard  for transfering Cad drawings.

The above site also contains other free software such as PDF converters so if you wish to send documents or plans by email they can be changed into PDF documents which gives you control and prevents any alterations.

[Tom Sutton]

Does Jalite have the current symbols or the old symbols I am sure you will not like the current symbols.

Try http://www.firesafe.org.uk/html/miscellaneous/fssymbol.htm for more info.

[Graeme]

I have used Autocad for a couple of years now and as mentioned it's standard,so it saves lots of time when producing your as fitted drawings and zoning layouts as all the devices have already been plotted.