GA drawings vs Engineering drawings, where do you draw the line?

[Einstein.T]

Lately at work, there's been a lot of confusion between the two. Some people treat GA (General Arrangement) drawings like they're full blown engineering plans, and it's causing all kinds of headaches down the line. In your experience, how detailed do you expect a GA to be? And when do you absolutely need to dive into the real engineering drawings?

 

[IamHelium]

Man, I feel this one. Seen it too many times, people grabbing a GA and running with it like it's gospel. Then you're knee deep in fabrication or install and suddenly everyone's asking why things don't line up or where the specs are.
To me, a GA should show the big picture, layout, major dimensions, clearances, overall design intent, enough to understand how things fit together but not enough to start cutting steel or wiring anything. If I'm looking for weld details, bolt sizes, tolerances, or anything critical, I go straight to the detailed engineering drawings, always cos mixing the two just sets everyone up for frustration

 

[blockbuster]

Lately at work, there's been a lot of confusion between the two. Some people treat GA (General Arrangement) drawings like they're full blown engineering plans, and it's causing all kinds of headaches down the line. In your experience, how detailed do you expect a GA to be? And when do you absolutely need to dive into the real engineering drawings?

Yeah, GA drawings should give an overall layout with the dimensions and all, it's not for the fine details. I agree with @IamHelium. Should be really clear with the distinction because if not, it's the root of delays due to rework, miscommunication, and safety issues!