Wiktor Wise
Electrical drawings are diagrams that show how electrical circuits are connected. They are used to build, modify, or troubleshoot circuits. To read an electrical drawing, you need to understand the symbols used to represent different components. These symbols are standardized, and each component should have a unique name or identifier. Drawings are usually read from left to right and top to bottom. Electrical drawings can be simple to understand, but it is important to have a basic knowledge of electrical systems and wiring conventions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbols | Used to represent components in a circuit, such as lamps, switches, and thermostats. |
| Component Names | Usually consist of one or two letters and a number, with the letter indicating the type of component (e.g., R for resistors, C for capacitors). |
| Schematics | Diagrams that show how wires and components are connected in a circuit, read from left to right and top to bottom. |
| Wires | Represented by lines, with connections indicated by dots or nodes. |
| Wire Numbers | Help locate the wire within the drawing, e.g., wire #35272 refers to page 35, line 27, the second wire in the circuit. |
| Diagrams | Various types, including ladder diagrams, piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), wiring diagrams, and electrical power flow diagrams. |
| Troubleshooting | Electrical drawings are used to identify and resolve issues in circuits and control systems. |
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What You'll Learn
Learn electrical symbols and their meanings
Electrical symbols are used to simplify the drafting of electrical drawings and help people understand them. They are standardized across the industry, so it is easy to interpret their meanings. These symbols are used to represent electrical components or devices in schematic diagrams or circuit diagrams.
Electrical symbols are used to represent specific components in a circuit diagram. Some of the basic electrical symbols include:
- Earth electrodes: Metal plates or other conducting elements of electricity partially buried in the earth to provide a reliable conductive path for the fault current to the ground.
- Cells: Devices containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for generating current or for electrolysis.
- Batteries: Containers consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a power source.
- Resistors: Components that impede the flow of the circuit to an extent determined by the resistance value used. They are used to scale and shape the signal.
- Capacitors: Used to control rapidly changing signals, as opposed to static or slowly changing signals conditioned by resistors.
- Switches: Symbolized by an opening or break in the line, similar to the flip of a light switch.
When creating circuit diagrams, electrical and electronic schematic symbols are used to signify electrical and electronic devices. For example, an antenna is an electrical device that converts electric power into radio waves and vice versa, and is represented by a specific symbol.
It is important to be familiar with the different types of diagrams and how to distinguish between them, as well as how to choose the appropriate diagram for a given situation. By studying a handbook or using software like EdrawMax, you can learn the meanings of electrical symbols and how to use them to create professional electrical drawings.
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Understand how to read schematics
Electrical schematics are diagrams that show how the components in a system are interconnected. They are widely used in electronics and electrical engineering. To read a schematic, you must first familiarise yourself with the standardised symbols used to represent various components. Each physical component, such as a resistor, capacitor, or transistor, has a unique symbol.
Component names usually consist of one or two letters and a number. The letter part of the name represents the type of component—for example, 'R' for resistors, 'C' for capacitors, and 'U' for integrated circuits. Each component name should be unique, even for multiple similar components in a circuit. For instance, if there are multiple resistors in a circuit, they should be labelled R1, R2, R3, and so on. These component names help reference specific points in schematics.
Resistors on a schematic are typically represented by zig-zag lines with two terminals extending outward. Variable resistors are augmented with a diagonal arrow across the middle. Capacitors have two symbols: one for polarised capacitors, usually indicated by a curved plate, and another for non-polarised capacitors. The curved plate in the symbol represents the cathode, which should be at a lower voltage than the anode pin.
Power sources, such as batteries, supply electrical energy to a circuit in the form of voltage and current. Direct current (DC) power sources provide electric current that flows in a constant direction, while alternating current (AC) power sources provide current that flows in two directions. The schematic symbol for a DC power source is different from that of an AC power source. A battery, a common DC power source, is represented by short and long parallel lines, with the longer line indicating the positive terminal and the shorter line indicating the negative terminal.
Once you have learned the symbols, you can start reading a schematic by locating the power source and following the lines to understand how the components are interconnected. With rare exceptions, schematics are read from left to right and top to bottom, and the signal generated or used by the circuit flows in this direction.
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Recognise component names and prefixes
Recognising component names and prefixes is a crucial step in understanding electrical drawings. Component names typically consist of one or two letters followed by a number. The letter(s) indicate the type of component: R denotes a resistor, C represents a capacitor, U signifies an integrated circuit, and so forth. Each component in a drawing should have a unique name. For instance, if a circuit has multiple resistors, they should be labelled R1, R2, R3, and so on. These names are invaluable for pinpointing specific locations in schematics.
The prefixes of component names are generally standardised. In some cases, the prefix is simply the first letter of the component, as seen with resistors. However, other prefixes may not be as intuitive. Inductors, for instance, are represented by L because the current has already been denoted by I, despite starting with the letter C. While these prefixes are generally consistent, there may be variations in certain cases. Integrated circuits, for example, may be prefixed with IC instead of U, or crystals may be labelled as XTAL instead of Y.
Beyond the component names and prefixes, it's essential to understand the symbols associated with each component. These symbols are typically more universal than prefixes and provide a more immediate means of identifying components. For example, resistors are often represented by a series of zig-zag lines with two terminals extending outward. Variable resistors are distinguished by adding an arrow across the middle, indicating that they remain a two-terminal device. On the other hand, potentiometers, which are three-terminal devices, feature an arrow as the third terminal, or the wiper.
Understanding the symbols and their associated components is crucial for interpreting electrical drawings and schematics. These symbols are standardised and can be found in handbooks or online resources. By familiarising yourself with these symbols, you can quickly identify components and understand their functions within a circuit. This knowledge is essential for anyone working with electrical systems, whether they are electricians, electrical engineers, or hobbyists.
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Learn how to read wire connections and crossings
Electrical drawings, blueprints, and wiring diagrams are crucial for understanding how electrical systems work. They are graphical representations of electrical systems, showing how components are connected and how current flows through the system.
Wires are represented by lines, and connections are represented by dots. These dots over the intersections of wires are called nodes. If there is no node, it means the wires are not connected and simply pass by each other. Another way to show unconnected wires is with a semi-circle over the point where the wires cross.
Each electrical component, such as a switch, fuse, relay, or resistor, has its graphic symbol. These symbols simplify and standardize the representation of components, ensuring that anyone working with the diagram can quickly identify the components. For example, a switch is symbolized by a dashed line crossing two connection lines, and a fuse is a dashed line, indicating that the circuit will interrupt in case of overload.
It is important to memorize the most common symbols and abbreviations used in electrical drawings. Abbreviation tables are provided to explain the text written with the electrical symbols. For instance, a symbol with "TV" or "MCC" might refer to a television or a distribution panel, respectively.
Additionally, understanding potential lines is crucial. These lines indicate the voltage level in a given circuit, such as +12V or +24V, or circuit ground (GND). Cross-references are also important markings that help locate connections between different pages of documentation in complex systems.
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Understand the different types of diagrams
Reading electrical diagrams is a crucial skill for anyone working in a troubleshooting role. There are several types of electrical diagrams, each serving a specific purpose and providing different insights into electrical systems. Let's explore some of the most common types of electrical diagrams:
Wiring and Connection Diagrams:
Wiring diagrams illustrate the connections between various elements in an electrical installation. They visually represent the electrical wirings of a system, be it a simple control panel or a complex setup in a factory. Wiring diagrams are essential for understanding how different components are interconnected. These diagrams are typically drawn with wires represented by lines, and wire tags—combinations of letters and numbers—indicating the devices or terminal blocks to which they connect.
Schematic Diagrams:
Schematic diagrams are like roadmaps for designing, building, and troubleshooting circuits. They provide a step-by-step breakdown of successive operations, helping readers follow the flow of signals and power. Schematics are typically read from left to right and top to bottom, mirroring the direction of the signal's path. Understanding schematic symbols is crucial for interpreting these diagrams effectively.
One-Line Diagrams:
One-line diagrams offer a simplified overview of low and/or high-voltage distribution systems. They provide a high-level understanding of the electrical installation without delving into intricate details.
Block Diagrams:
Block diagrams are simplified representations of electrical systems, focusing on describing an operation without the need for intricate details. They are commonly used in troubleshooting to identify potential issues and the corresponding actions to take.
Logic Diagrams:
Logic diagrams are similar to block diagrams and are often used for troubleshooting. They illustrate the various possible system dysfunctions and the directives to follow in response to different events or occurrences. Logic diagrams are particularly useful for understanding the logic behind electrical systems.
It's important to note that these are just a few examples of electrical diagram types. Electrical engineering encompasses a wide range of diagrams, including ladder diagrams, electrical power flow diagrams, piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), and more. Each diagram type serves a unique purpose, and understanding how to interpret them is essential for effective electrical work and maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical drawings are used to build, understand, modify and troubleshoot electric installations. They are like a map for building or troubleshooting circuits and can tell you almost everything you need to know about how a circuit works.
Each physical component (i.e. resistor, capacitor, transistor) has a unique schematic symbol. Some common symbols include:
- Lamp: Usually represented as a circle with a cross inside it.
- Switches: Symbolized by an opening or break in the line. It looks like the flip of a light switch.
- Thermostat: A kind of thermal switch that is triggered by changes in temperature.
- Motor: A circle with the letter "M" and positive and negative terminals on either side.
Electrical drawings are usually read from left to right and top to bottom. Each wire, represented by a line, will have a number indicating its relative position on the page. Connections between wires are represented by dots, called nodes. The absence of a node means the wires are not connected.
