The plans show curved lines running between switches and various outlets. What do these dashed lines indicate?

• A. The outlets that are controlled by the switches.
• B. Wiring routes to the electrical panel.
• C. Grounding paths.
• D. Future expansion.

Answer: (A)

Dashed lines between switches and outlets show which outlets are controlled by those switches. This marks a switch leg—the path from the switch to the receptacle so the outlet’s power can be turned on or off with the switch. It helps you understand which outlets will operate only when a switch is on, versus outlets that are always energized. Other kinds of lines on plans typically indicate different things—panel feeders show main power routes, grounding paths are drawn with distinct symbols, and lines for future expansion would usually be noted differently or shown as separate notes—so the dashed switch-to-outlet line specifically communicates the switched relationship.