INFORMATION SHEET

Different Electrical Component and devices with Symbols

Learning Objective:
After Reading this information sheet, you should be able to:
1. Enumerate the different components and its symbols use in mechatronics.
2. Familiarize and recognize the different symbol use in mechatronics.

Switches
A switch is a device which is designed to interrupt the current flow in a circuit. So the switches are the
part of a control system and without it, control operation cannot be achieved. A switch can perform two
functions, namely fully ON (by closing its contacts) or fully OFF (by opening its contacts).
When the contacts of a switch are closed, the switch creates the closed path for current flow and hence
load consumes the power from source. When the contacts of a switch are open, no power will be consumed by
the load as shown in below figure.

Different Kind of Switches

NO = Normally Open
NC = Normally Closed

Push Button
NO Contact

Push Button
NC Contact

Push Button
Double Contact
NO Contact

Push Button
Mushroom Head
NO Contact

Push Button
Mushroom Head
NC and NO
Contacts

Toggle Switch

Limit Switch
NO Contact

Limit Switch
NC Contact

Float Switch
NO Contact
 Float Switch
NC Contact

Proximity Switch
NO Contact

Proximity Switch
NC Contact

Foot Switch
NO Contact

Foot Switch
NC Contact

Flow Switch
(Water, Air, ETC)
NO Contact

Flow Switch
(Water, Air, ETC)
NC Contact

Temperature
Switch
NO Contact

Temperature
Switch
NC Contact

Vacuum and
Pressure Switch
NO Contact

Vacuum and
Pressure Switch
NC Contact

Electrical Safety Device

Circuit Breaker - is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from
damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current
flow after a fault is detected.
 Circuit Breaker
3 Pole

Circuit Breaker
1 Pole

Disconnect Switch- a disconnector, disconnect switch or isolator switch is used to ensure that an
electrical circuit is completely de-energized for service or maintenance. Such switches are often found in
electrical distribution and industrial applications, where machinery must have its source of driving power
removed for adjustment or repair. High-voltage isolation switches are used in electrical substations to allow
isolation of apparatus such as circuit breakers, transformers, and transmission lines, for maintenance. The
disconnector is usually not intended for normal control of the circuit, but only for safety isolation.
Disconnectors can be manual or motor operated.

Disconnect Switch
3 Pole

Disconnect Switch
1 Pole Disconnect Switch Disconnect Switch
3 Pole 1 Pole

Thermal overload relays - are installed in the main circuit when electromechanical protection is adequate.
This protects the motor in case of phase failure or overload. The thermal overload relay does not directly shut
down the load. Instead, it triggers one or several auxiliary contacts which then disconnect the motor. Most
thermal overload relays can be mounted directly to the contactor. Thermal overload relays have three pins.
They contain a thermal release - hence the name - usually a bimetal element. Direct or indirect heating caused
by overload bends the bimetal release and the relay trips.

Overload Heater
Elements
3 Poles

Overload Heater
Elements
1 Poles

Different Components and devices

Horn or Buzzer

Pilot Light

AC Motor
3 Phase
 AC Motor
1 Phase

AC motor AC Motor
DC Motor 3 Phase 1 Phase

Electromagnetic
Solenoid

Control Contacts

Relay
1. Relays are switching devices used in any control
circuit for checking a condition or multiplying the
number of contacts available.
2. Relatively smaller in size
3. Control Relays are usually rated to only 250V
4. Used in circuits with lower ampacity. (Max 20A)
5. Mainly used in control and automation circuits,
protection circuits and for switching small
electronic circuits.
6. Consists of at least two NO/NC contacts
7. Relays do not have an arc suppression system
built-in.
Contactor
1. Contactors are switching devices used to control
power flow to any load.
2. Larger when compared to Relays
3. Contactors are commonly rated for up to 1000V
4. Used in circuits with low and higher ampacity up
to 12500A
5. Used in the switching of motors, capacitors, lights
etc.
6. Consists of a minimum one set of three-phase
power contacts and in some cases additional
auxiliary contacts are also provided.
7. Normally, contactors have in- built arc chutes for
suppression.

Relay or
Contactor Coil

Relay, Contactor
or Starter Contact
NO Contact

Relay, Contactor
or Starter Contact Contactor Relay
NC Contact

On-delay Relay/Timers
Normally open, on-delay timers start timing when the input voltage (power) is applied. The output is
energized at the end of the delay. Input voltage has to be removed to de-energize the output and reset the
time delay relay.
Also referred to as delay-on-operate timers, they are often used for blower motors to delay the operation
for a specific time period after a gas, electric, or oil heater has been turned on. On-delay timers are also used
to stagger starting times for multiple compressors or motors that are activated by the main switch. This avoids
excessive surge current in the power line. Other applications include burglar and intrusion alarms, open-door
warnings, power supply sequencing, oven ignitor controls, and fan controls.

On Delay Relay /
Timer
NO Contact
On Delay Relay /
Timer
NC Contact