Standard Electrical Schematic Symbols

Standard electrical schematic symbols can be found in almost any electronic device, from MP3 players to complex industrial equipment. They’re the basic building blocks of electrical engineering, used to describe and diagram the functioning of a machine or system.

But what exactly do electrical schematic symbols represent?

The answer depends on how they're used. In a circuit diagram, each symbol represents an independent component of the overall system, either directly or indirectly connected. These components can be resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, diodes, switches and transistors—any physical device used to control electric current. The use of standard symbols makes it easy to identify each component's role in the system.

Beyond the circuit diagrams, electrical schematic symbols are also used in wiring diagrams, which show the connection between each component in the system to the main power supply. This helps technicians quickly identify any potential problems or malfunctions in the system.

It's important to note that the electrical schematic symbols used across different countries and industries may vary slightly. This is due to the different standards adopted by each design team or organisation.

Despite this variation, all schematic symbols are based on the same universal principles. A circle usually indicates an active component, such as a battery or motor, while a triangle indicates a passive component, such as a resistor or capacitor. Arrows attached to the components symbolise the direction of the current flow, while other symbols like boxes and lines further define the type and nature of the connection.

With a basic understanding of the core standard electrical schematic symbols, professionals can more easily and accurately troubleshoot, diagnose and repair electrical systems. Indeed, these symbols serve as a visual language for anyone who deals with electronic devices and electronic engineering, making it easier to create consistent and reliable machines and systems.

Led Circuits