ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DRAWING

INTRODUCTION
Electrical engineering drawing is one of the means by which effective planning of a successful electrical power and
lighting project depend on. Electrical engineering drawing provides a concise picture of the objectives for the
electrical project work to be done. It also serves as a record of intent for owners and as instructions and guidance for
contractors, electricians, installers, and others performing the work. It also serves as Contract documents, can be
used as evidence in court cases involving contractor malfeasance, or failure to comply with the intent of the
drawings and specifications.
The present conformity to accepted formats for drawings and specifications is the result of years of practical
experience reinforced by accepted national and international standards issued by government agencies and private
standards organizations. The standards organizations are advised by experienced personnel from the ranks of
manufacturers,contractors, and other interested parties. The intent of standards is to produce unambiguous
documentation that is understandable by all project participants, from engineers and architects to contractors, project
supervisors, electricians, and installers.

Electrical Drawing Objectives

Drawing for an electrical project serves three distinct functions.
1 Describes the electrical project in sufficient detail to allow electrical contractors to use the drawings in estimating
the cost of materials, labor, and services when preparing a contract bid.

2 Instructs and guides electricians in performing the required wiring and equipment installation while also warning
them of potential hazards such as existing wiring, gas pipes, or plumbing systems.

3 Provides the owner with an “as-built” record of the installed electrical wiring and equipment for the purposes of
maintenance or planning future expansion. The owner then becomes responsible for recording all wiring and
equipment changes.

A typical electrical drawing consists of solid or dashed lines representing wiring or cables and symbols for
luminaires, socket outlets, switches, auxiliary systems, and other electrical devices and their locations on a scaled
architectural floor plan of a home or building. The drawings also include title blocks to identify the project, the
designers or engineers, and the owner, and change blocks to record any changes that have been made since the
drawing was first issued.
In any given set of electrical drawing there are also specialized drawings such as one-line, elevation or riser, and
electrical equipment installation drawings. There might be no drawing requirements for relatively simple electrical
projects such as updating the amperage capacity of a home or extending branch wiring into a basement, attic, or
extension. In these situations, all information needed can be included in a written proposal or other contractual
agreement.

Computer-Aided Drawing
Most large engineering consulting and architectural firms around the world have made the transition from manual to
computer-aided drawing (CAD). These companies have had to purchase computer workstations, applications
software, and plotters, as well as pay for personnel training in CAD. The dedicated workstations and off-theshelf
High-performance desktop computers now available are capable of supporting the most sophisticated commercial
CAD software available.
Some CAD programs are capable of producing the proper forms and making the necessary calculations to produce
material lists and cost estimates based on the number and type of symbols placed on the drawing.

The benefits of CAD electrical drawing are the following.

1. Saving time in the preparation of all types of electrical drawings.

2. Eliminating the tedious tasks of lettering and drawing uniform lines and symbols.

3. Permitting the transfer of large sections of drawings prepared originally for one project to be reused on a
 different project.

4. Providing databases of “families” of master digitized drawings that can be modified for reuse on other projects
or become de facto templates for new drawings.

5. Making rapid changes on completed and approved drawings to reflect field changes such as the substitution of
different equipment.

6. Making rapid corrections of mistakes or oversights that have been discovered.

7. Reproducing corrected drawings rapidly for use in the field, eliminating concern that work might be done against
obsolete drawings, necessitating costly rework.

8. Permitting work to be done on a specific drawing by two or more persons at separate workstations within the
same office or miles apart, because data can be transmitted over networks to a master workstation. This permits
two or more persons to participate in the design work in real time.

9. Reducing the space required to store completed drawings, because digital data can be stored on a centralized
server, computer disks, or CD-ROMs.

10. Accelerating the distribution of drawings to all concerned parties: owners, contractors, equipment
manufacturers, and suppliers. The drawing data can be transmitted over computer networks and printed out by
the recipient, saving time and delivery cost.

11 Providing a secure backup for all master drawings files if the drafting offices are destroyed by fire or flood,
saving the time and expense needed to reconstruct the drawings from alternative sources.
.
ELEMENTS OF MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS

1 . Relays:

Control magnetic relays are used as auxiliary devices to switch control circuits and large motor
starter and contactor coils and to control small loads such as small motors, solenoid ,electric
heaters, pilot lights, audible signal devices and other relays. A magnetically held relay is
operated by an electromagnet which opens or closes electrical contacts when the electromagnet
is energized. The position of the relay changes by spring and gravity action when the
electromagnet is de-energized. They are normally used to enlarge or amplify the contact
capability, or multiply the switching functions of a pilot device by adding more contacts to the
circuit. Control relays are available in single or double throw arrangements with various
combination of normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contact circuits.

Fig 1 Symbols used to represent relays on a schematic diagram

2. Overload relays:

The overload relay is added to the magnetic switch of a motor to form what is called a starter. It
acts to open the motor circuit when full load is exceeded. The ideal overload protection for motor
should be an element with current sensing properties very similar to the heating curve of a motor.
A motor with an overload can do no more work than the motor can permit. However, like a fuse
the overload relay has a characteristic permitting it to hold on during the accelerating period
when the inrush current is drawn.

Fig 2. Symbols used to represent overload relays on a schematic diagram

3. Timing relays

Timing relays can be divided into two general classifications:

I. On -delay relay (Delay on energizing, DOE) ii. Off -delay relay (Delay on de-energizing,
DODE).

Timer relays are similar to other control relays in that they use a coil to control the operation of
some number of contacts. The difference between a normal relay and a timer is that the contact
of a normal timer delay changing their position the coil is energized.

On –delay relay (Delay on energizing, DOE)

When power is connected to a coil of an on -delay timer, the contacts delay changing their
positions for some period of time. For this example assume that the timer has to be set for a delay
of 10 seconds. Also assume that the contact is normally open. When voltage is connected to the
coil of the on-delay timer, the contacts will remain in the open position for 10 seconds and then
close. When voltage is removed and the coil is de-energized, the contact will immediately
change back to its normally open position. The contact symbols for the on-delay relay are shown
in the figure below.

Fig 1 Symbols used to represent relays on a schematic diagram

Fig 3 Symbols used to represent on –delay relays on a schematic diagram

II. Off Delay relays (Delay on de-energizing, DODE)

The operation of the off-delay timer is the opposite of the on-delay timer. For this example, again
assume that the timer has been set for a delay of 10 seconds, and also assume that the contact is
normally open. When voltage is applied to the coil of the off-delay timer, the contact will change
immediately from open to closed. When the coil is de-energized, however, the contact will
remain in the closed position for 10 seconds before it reopens. The contact symbols for an off-
delay relay are shown in figure below. Time delay relays can have normally open, normally
closed, or a combination of normally open and normally closed contacts.

Fig 4 Symbols used to represent off –delay relays on a schematic diagram

4. Contactors

They are electromagnetically operated switches that provide a safe and convenient means for
connecting and interrupting branch circuits. The principal difference between a contactor and a
motor starter is that the contactor does not contain overload relays. Contactors are used in
combination with pilot control devices to switch lighting and heating loads and to control AC
motors in those cases where overload protection is provided separately.

Fig 5 Symbols used to represent contactors on a schematic diagram

5. Limit switches

They are designed to pass an electrical signal only when a predetermined limit is reached.The
limit may be specific position for a machine part or piece of work, or a certain rotating speed
These devices take the place of a human operator and are often used under conditions where it
would be impossible or impractical for the operator to be present or to efficiently direct the
machines. Limit switches are used most frequently as the over travel stops for
machines ,equipments and products in process .These devices are used in control circuits of
magnetic starters to govern the starting, stopping and reversal of electric motors.

Fig 6 Symbols used to represent limit switches on a schematic diagram

6. FLOAT SWITCH

The raising or lowering of a float that is mechanically attached to electrical contacts may start
motor driven pumps to empty or fill a tank. Float switches are also used to open or close piping
solenoid valves to control fluids. A float switch is used when a pump motor must be started and
stopped according to changes in the water (or other liquid) level in a tank or sump. Float
switches are designed to provide automatic control of ac and dc pump motor magnetic starters
and automatic direct control of light motor loads.

The operation of a float switch is controlled by the upward or downward movement of a float
placed in a water tank. The float movement causes a sod-operated, or chain and counterweight
assembly to open or close electrical contacts. The float switch contacts may be either normally
open or normally closed and may not be submerged. Float switches may be connected to a pump
motor for tank or sump pumping operations or tank filling, depending on the contact
arrangement.

Fig 7 Symbols used to represent float switches on a schematic diagram

7. Pressure switches:

They are used to control the pressure of liquids and gases (including air) within a desired range.
Air compressors, for example are started directly or indirectly on a call for more air by a pressure
switch. Any industrial application that has a pressure sending requirement can use a pressure
switch. A large variety of pressure switches are available to cover the wide range of control
requirements for pneumatic or hydraulic machines such as welding equipment, machine tools,
high pressure lubricating systems, and motor driven pumps and air compressors.

The pressures ranges over which pressure switches can maintain control also vary widely. For
example, a diaphragm-actuated switch can be used when a sensitive response is required to small
pressure changes at low-pressure ranges. In all of pressure controlled devices, a set of contacts is
operated.

Fig 8 Symbols used to represent pressure switches on a schematic diagram

8. Temperature actuated switches (Thermostat)

In addition to pilot devices sensitive to liquid levels, gas pressure and time of day, thermostat
sensitive to temperature changes are widely used. Thermostat indirectly control large motors in
air conditioning systems and in many industrial applications to maintain the desired temperature
range of air, gases, liquids, or solids.

Fig 9 Symbols used to represent temperature actuated switches on a schematic diagram

9. Push button station

It is a device that provides control of a motor through a motor starter by pressing a button which
opens or closes contacts. It is possible to control motor from as many stations as there are,
through the same magnetic controller. This can be done by using more than one push button
station. Push buttons are momentary contacts and they return to their normal position a pressure
on them are released. They may be normally closed or open ie the contacts are in a rest position,
held there by spring tension and are not subject to either mechanical or electrical external force.

Fig 10 Symbols used to represent push button stations on a schematic diagram

10. Selector switches

They are switches that make contact positions by turning the operator knob - not pushing it. They
usually maintain contact positions with three and sometimes two selector positions.

Fig 11 Symbols used to represent selector switches on a schematic diagram

11. Push pull operator

It is another type of push button control. It contains two sets of contacts in one unit. One set of
contacts is operated by pulling outward on the button and the other set is operated by pushing the
button. They may consist of two normally open momentary contacts i.e. in its normal position;
neither movable contact connects with stationary contacts. When pushed or pulled outward
(inward) one of the movable contacts will connect with one stationary contact. Another type of a
Push pull operator consists of a normally open momentary contact and a normally closed
momentary contact. In its normal position one movable contacts (normally closed) connect with
a stationary contacts and the other movable contacts (normally open) stays open. When the
button is pulled outward the normally open movable contacts connect with its stationary contact
and the normally closed movable contacts maintains it connection.
Fig 12 Symbols used to represent push pull operator on a schematic diagram

12 Flow switches

A flow switch is a device that can be inserted in a pipe so that when liquid or air flows against a
part of the device called a paddle, a switch is activated This switch either closes or opens a set of
electrical contacts. The contacts may be connected to energize motor starter coils, relays, or
indicating lights. In general, a flow switch contains both normally open and normally closed
electrical contacts, figure 13.

The applications of flow switches are commonly found in the chemical and petroleum industries.
Vapour proof electrical connections must be used with vapour proof switches. The insulation of
the wire leading to the switches must be adequate to withstand the high temperature of the liquid
inside the pipe. Airflow or sail switches are also used in ducts in air conditioning systems.
Another use of these switches is to prevent duct heaters from energizing when there is no air
movement in the duct. While the construction of airflow switches is different from that of liquid
flow switches, the electrical connections are similar.

Fig 13 Symbols used to represent push pull operator on a schematic diagram

13. SCHEMATIC AND WIRING DIAGRAMS

Schematic and wiring diagrams are the written language of control circuits. If a maintenance
electrician is going to install control equipment, he must be able to interpret schematic and
wiring diagrams. Schematic diagrams show components in their electrical sequence without
regard to physical location. Schematics are used more than any other type of diagram to connect
or troubleshoot a control circuit.

Wiring diagrams show a picture of the control components with connecting wires. Wiring
diagrams are sometimes used to install new control circuit, but they are seldom used for
troubleshooting existing circuits. Figure 14 below shows a schematic diagram of a start-stop,
push-button circuit.

Fig 14 schematic diagram of a start-stop, push-button circuit

When reading schematic diagrams, the following rules should be remembered.

A. Read a schematic as you would a book – from top to bottom and from left to right.
B. Contact symbols are shown in their de-energized or off position.
C. When a relay is energized, all the contacts controlled by that relay change position. If a
contact is shown normally open on the schematic, it will close when the coil controlling it
is energized.

Fig 15. A wiring diagram of a start-stop, push-button circuit

The following circuits are used to illustrate how to interpret the logic of a control circuit using a
schematic diagram.

Circuit #1

The circuit shown in the figure16. is an alarm silencing circuit. The purpose of the circuit is to
sound the horn and turn on a red warning light when the pressure of a particular system becomes
too great. After the alarm has sounded, the reset button can be used to turn the horn off, but the
red warning light must remain on until the pressure in the system drops to a safe level. Notice
that no current can flow in the system because of the open pressure switch, PS.

Fig 16 schematic diagram of an alarm silencing circuit

If the pressure rises high enough to cause pressure switch PS to close, current can flow through
the normally closed S contact to the horn. Current can also flow through the red warning light.
Current cannot, however, flow through the normally open reset button or the normally open S
contact.

If the reset button is pushed, a circuit is completed through the S relay coil. When relay coil S
energizes, the normally closed S contact opens and the normally open S contact closes. When the
normally closed S contact opens, the circuit to the horn is broken. This causes the horn to turn
off. The normally open S contact is used as a holding contact to maintain current to the coil of
the relay when the reset button is released.

The red warning light will remain turned on until the pressure switch opens again. When the
pressure switch opens, the circuit is broken and current flow through the system stops. This
causes the red warning light to turn off, and it de-energizes the coil of relay S. when relay S de-
energizes, both of the S contacts return to their original position. The circuit is now back to the
same condition it was in figure Fig 16.
SESSION 2-2: REPRESENTATION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES
EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES BY STANDARD ELECTRICAL
SYMBOLS
2-2.1 Standard electrical symbols used for electrical services equipment and devices

Lighting outlet

Surface or pendant incandescent, mercury vapour or similar lamp outlet

Recessed incandescent, mercury vapour or similar lamp outlet

Surface or pendant exit fixture of incandescent, mercury vapour or similar lamp outlet

Recessed exit fixture of incandescent, mercury vapour or similar lamp outlet

Socket outlet
Signalling system outlet

Circuiting

Underground distribution
Panel board, Switch Board and related equipment

Table 2.18 Recommended lighting ratings for lighting medium sized homes

Location Watts

Living room 150-200

Passages 60

Stairs 60

Landing 60

Writing table 100

Sewing table 150

Dining room 150

Kitchen 200

Bedrooms 100-150

Mirror 2×60

Bathroom 100

Garage 150
The above power values refer to tungsten filament lamps. If fluorescent lamps are to be used,
1 1
multiply the above power values by factors from to .
3 2

1
To prevent the risk of under designing, use the upper limit i.e. of the above powers.
2

Table 2.19 Minimum number of socket outlets allowable for various rooms in a building

Room Number of outlets

Kitchen 3

Living room 4

Dining room 2

Double/Master bedroom 3

Single bedroom 2

Study bedroom 2

Study 2

Garage 1

Store 1

2-2.2 Determination of maximum number of a given type of lamps that can be connected in
a circuit and the representation of the lamps on an architectural plan

If the circuit supplies current using equipment, wiring from one fuse or CB is known as the final
circuit, and all the outlets fed from the same fuse or CB are on the same final circuit. The fuse or
CB must be large enough to carry the largest steady current ever taken at any one instant by the
A final circuit for lighting is usually supplied by a fuse or MCB rated 5A and it may feed an
unlimited number of points provided that the total current demand does not exceed 5A. For
example, if it is required that a number of 100W incandescent lamps be supplied by a 240V
circuit which is protected by 5A fuse then the maximum number of such 100W lamps can be
determined as follows
1) Determine the current requirement, I l , of the 100W incandescent lamp
P 100
ie I l = V = 240 = 0.42A

But the rating of the protective fuse (the maximum permissible current) of the circuit is 5A

5
The maximum number of incandescent lamps required N l = = 12
0.42

However, in order to minimize the pressure on the protective device should any instability occur

in the system, IEE regulation stipulates that we load the circuit to about 80% of its rated value .

Hence the actual number of lamps required is 12 × 0.8 =9.6

In design, it is better to round down the figure to 9 lamps especially when power consumption

and cost of material are involved.

The arrangement of the lamps in a circuit when at least one lamp is controlled by one switch is

shown in fig 2.10

 fig 2.10

Now if the lamps were to be fluorescent tubes , the procedure will be almost the same except that

the circuit in this case is feeding fluorescent lamps (discharge lamps). The consideration of the

rating of the discharge lamps outlets, has a different meaning from the one used for incandescent

lighting points. The reason is that owing to the losses in the lamp control gear (ballast) plus low

power factor, it is necessary to multiply the rated lamp watt by a factor 1.8 and divide the

product by the lamps rated voltage to obtain the actual current flowing in the circuit. This factor

also takes into consideration harmonic current in the circuit

Suppose the rating of the fluorescent lamp is 40W, then from the above consideration the current

1.8× 40
requirement per a fluorescent tube is I F = = 0.3 A
240

5
The maximum number of fluorescent lamps required N F = = 16.7
0,30

By applying a factor of 0.8 , the actual number of fluorescent tubes required will be

16.6 × 0.8 =13.3 =13

The arrangement of the fluorescent tube is as shown in fig 2.11.

Fig 2.11

2-2.3 Determination of maximum number of a given type of lamps that can be controlled
by a switch and the representation of the lamps and the switch on an architectural plan

Although commercial and industrial lighting may require the use of 15A switches, interior

lighting are mostly controlled by switches rated 5A.. If it is required that a number of certain

types of lamps be controlled by one 5A switch, 240V single phase , then the procedure may be

as follows

1. Determine the current requirement, I l , of the lamp ,say, one 100W incandescent lamp

P 100
ie I l = V = 240 = 0.42A

But the rating of the controlling switch is 5A , (the maximum permissible current is 5A )
 .
.. The maximum number of 100W incandescent lamps that can be controlled by one 5A switch is

5
Nl = = 12 .
0.42

Thus one 5A switch can control not more than 12 lamps at the same time.

The arrangement of one 5A switch controlling say 12 incandescent lamps are as shown below in

fig 2.12.

Fig 2.12 A number of incandescent lamps being controlled by one switch.

However, if the lamps are discharge lamps ,say, fluorescent lamps , then because of the high

inductiveness associated with discharge lamps , it is necessary to derate the 5A or 15A switch

that is to be used to control the discharge lamp ie to assume that the .

rating of the 5A or 15A switch is say 2.5A for the 5A switch or 7.5A for 15A switch. Then

proceed to determine the number of, say, 40W fluorescent lamps as follows:

1. Multiply the rating of the lamp by 1.8 (owing to the losses in the lamp control gear (ballast)

plus low power factor), and divide the product by the lamps rated voltage to obtain the actual

current flowing in the circuit.

1.8× 40
The current requirement of one fluorescent tube I F = = 0.3 A.
240

Now using 2.5A as the rating of the 5A switch,

2.5
The maximum number of fluorescent lamps required N F = = 8.33 = 8 .
0,30

Thus one switch can control not more than eight 40 W fluorescent tubes at the same time..

The same principle can be applied to a 15A switch.

2-2.4 Representation of One and multi positional control of lamps schematically and on the
Architectural plan

Depending on the size of a room and the requirement of a client, the number of lamps in a given

room can be controlled from one or more positions .Usually for small sized room, the lamps are

controlled from one position as shown in figure 2.13

 Fig 2.13 Control of lights from one position

However, for long hall especially the one with two or more entrances or exits, the normal

practice is to control the lights from more than one position. The switches that are employed to

control the lights in such long halls may be either two-way or two-way and intermediate

switches. Figure 2.14 shows the control of fluorescent tubes from two and three points

respectively.
Fig 2.14 Control of lamps from multi-positions (two-way and intermediate)

2-2.4 Switching and connecting circuits of lamps

The Figures 2.14 show how multi positional controls of lamps are represented on an architectural

plan. The corresponding schematic diagrams for the switching and circuit connections of the

lamps can be represented as shown in figure 2.15.

With one way switching the lamps can be switched on and off only from one position.

With two way switches the lamps are controlled from two positions such that when the lamp is

switched on from one end of a room and then the original position of the switch at the other end

of the room is changed, the lamps will go off. The lamps can be switched on again by bringing

either the latter switch or the first switch to its original position..

The same switching principle can be applied to a two way and intermediate switches, except that

in this case the lamps can be controlled from three positions in the same way as was explained

for the two way switches .

Fig 2.15
Fig 2.15 (cont’d)

2-2.5 Ring and Radial connection of socket outlets.

Ring connection of socket outlets .

As its name implies, a ring connection of socket outlets is one which forms a closed ring; it starts

at one of the ways of a distribution board, runs to a number of socket outlets one after another,

and returns to the distribution board it started from. This is illustrated in Figure 2.16.

The advantage of this arrangement is that current can flow from the fuse way to the socket

outlets along both halves of the ring, so that at any one point the cable carries only part of the

total current being taken by the whole circuit.

Fig 2.16 Ring and Radial connections of socket outlets.

It is this feature which makes it possible for the fuse rating to be greater than the cable current

rating. The fuse carries the sum of the currents in the two halves of the ring and will blow when

the current in one part of the ring is about half the fusing current of the fuse. A ring circuit with

socket outlets for 13A fused plugs cabled in 2.5mm2 PVC cable and protected by a fuse or circuit

breaker rated at 30A or 32A can serve any number of outlets but the floor area covered must not

be more than 100m2

Radial connection of socket outlets

A circuit which runs only from the fuse way to the outlets it serves without returning to the fuse

is called a radial circuit. A radial circuit for this type of outlet can serve a floor area of 50m 2 if it

is cabled in 4mm2 cables and protected by a 30 / 32A HRC fuse or circuit breaker. If it is cabled

in 2.5mm2 cable and protected by any type of fuse or circuit breaker rated at 20A, it is restricted

to a floor area of 20m2. In either case there can be any number of outlets within this area

Fig 2.17 Ring and Radial connections of socket outlets

Bathroom requirement for socket outlets and lamp switches

The human body when shoeless wet and covered in moisture from condensing bath water is most

vulnerable to electric shock. In those instances the body resistance is greatly reduced. Bathrooms

containing a bath and / or shower shall not have any main socket or make provision for main

portable equipment. However, it is permissible to install in bathroom a shaver supply unit and or

a shaver light unit and totally enclosed luminaries and to have normal access to the insulated

cord of a cord switch all within a reach of a person using a bath or shower. All other mains

switches, controls or equipment are out of normal reach. Metal work and other conductive parts

in bathroom must be bonded to prevent dangerous fault voltage existing during earth fault.

Table of Electrical Symbols

Symbol Component name Meaning
Wire Symbols

Electrical Wire Conductor of electrical current

Connected Wires Connected crossing

Not Connected Wires Wires are not connected

Switch Symbols and Relay Symbols

SPST Toggle Switch Disconnects current when open

SPDT Toggle Switch Selects between two connections

Pushbutton Switch
Momentary switch - normally open
(N.O)

Pushbutton Switch
Momentary switch - normally closed
(N.C)
DIP Switch DIP switch is used for onboard configuration

SPST Relay
Relay open / close connection by an electromagnet
SPDT Relay

Jumper Close connection by jumper insertion on pins.

Solder Bridge Solder to close connection

Ground Symbols

Earth Ground Used for zero potential reference and electrical shock protection.

Chassis Ground Connected to the chassis of the circuit

Digital / Common
Ground
Resistor Symbols

Resistor (IEEE)
Resistor reduces the current flow.
Resistor (IEC)

Potentiometer (IEEE)
Adjustable resistor - has 3 terminals.
Potentiometer (IEC)

Variable Resistor /
Rheostat (IEEE)
Adjustable resistor - has 2 terminals.
Variable Resistor /
Rheostat (IEC)

Trimmer Resistor Preset resistor

Thermistor Thermal resistor - change resistance when temperature changes

Photoresistor / Light
dependent resistor Photo-resistor - change resistance with light intensity change
(LDR)
Capacitor Symbols

Capacitor
Capacitor is used to store electric charge. It acts as short circuit
with AC and open circuit with DC.
Capacitor

Polarized Capacitor Electrolytic capacitor

Polarized Capacitor Electrolytic capacitor

Variable Capacitor Adjustable capacitance

Inductor / Coil Symbols

Inductor Coil / solenoid that generates magnetic field

Iron Core Inductor Includes iron

Variable Inductor

Power Supply Symbols

Voltage Source Generates constant voltage

Current Source Generates constant current.

AC Voltage Source AC voltage source

Generator Electrical voltage is generated by mechanical rotation of the generator

Battery Cell Generates constant voltage

Battery Generates constant voltage

Controlled Voltage Generates voltage as a function of voltage or current of other circuit

Source element.

Controlled Current Generates current as a function of voltage or current of other circuit

Source element.
Meter Symbols

Voltmeter Measures voltage. Has very high resistance. Connected in parallel.

Ammeter Measures electric current. Has near zero resistance. Connected serially.

Ohmmeter Measures resistance

Wattmeter Measures electric power

Lamp / Light Bulb Symbols

Lamp / light bulb

Lamp / light bulb Generates light when current flows through

Lamp / light bulb

Diode / LED Symbols

Diode Diode allows current flow in one direction only (left to right).

Allows current flow in one direction, but also can flow in the reverse
Zener Diode
direction when above breakdown voltage
A semiconductor diode with a low forward voltage drop and a very fast
switching action. When current flows through a diode there is a small
voltage drop across the diode terminals. A normal silicon diode has a
voltage drop between 0.6–1.7 volts, while a Schottky diode voltage
Schottky Diode
drop is between approximately 0.15–0.45 volts. This lower voltage
drop can provide higher switching speed and better system efficiency.

with low voltage drop

Varactor / Varicap
Variable capacitance diode
Diode

Tunnel Diode

Light Emitting Diode

LED emits light when current flows through
(LED)

Photodiode Photodiode allows current flow when exposed to light

Transistor Symbols
NPN Bipolar
Allows current flow when high potential at base (middle)
Transistor

PNP Bipolar Transistor Allows current flow when low potential at base (middle)

Made from 2 bipolar transistors. Has total gain of the product of each
Darlington Transistor
gain.

JFET-N Transistor N-channel field effect transistor

JFET-P Transistor P-channel field effect transistor

NMOS Transistor N-channel MOSFET transistor

PMOS Transistor P-channel MOSFET transistor

Misc. Symbols

Motor Electric motor

Transformer Change AC voltage from high to low or low to high.

Electric bell Rings when activated

Buzzer Produce buzzing sound

Fuse
The fuse disconnects when current above threshold. Used to protect
circuit from high currents.
Fuse

Bus

Bus Contains several wires. Usually for data / address.

Bus

Optocoupler / Opto-
Optocoupler isolates onnection to other board
isolator

Loudspeaker Converts electrical signal to sound waves

Microphone Converts sound waves to electrical signal

Operational Amplifier Amplify input signal

Schmitt Trigger Operates with hysteresis to reduce noise.

Analog-to-digital
Converts analog signal to digital numbers
converter (ADC)

Digital-to-Analog
Converts digital numbers to analog signal
converter (DAC)

Crystal Oscillator Used to generate precise frequency clock signal

Antenna Symbols

Antenna / aerial
Transmits & receives radio waves
Antenna / aerial

Dipole Antenna Two wires simple antenna

 Logic Gates Symbols

NOT Gate (Inverter) Outputs 1 when input is 0

AND Gate Outputs 1 when both inputs are 1.

NAND Gate Outputs 0 when both inputs are 1. (NOT + AND)

OR Gate Outputs 1 when any input is 1.

NOR Gate Outputs 0 when any input is 1. (NOT + OR)

XOR Gate Outputs 1 when inputs are different. (Exclusive OR)

D Flip-Flop Stores one bit of data

Multiplexer / Mux 2 to
1
Connects the output to selected input line.
Multiplexer / Mux 4 to
1

Demultiplexer /
Connects selected output to the input line.
Demux 1 to 4