Chapter 4

Electrical Symbols and Diagrams

Language of Control • Pictorial Drawings

• Electrical Symbols and Abbreviations •
Wiring Diagrams • Schematic Diagrams •
Electrical Circuits • Manual Control
Circuits • Automatic Control Circuits •
Magnetic Control Circuits • Printreading
 Chapter 4
Electrical Symbols and Diagrams

Language of Control • Pictorial Drawings

• Electrical Symbols and Abbreviations •
Wiring Diagrams • Schematic Diagrams •
Electrical Circuits • Manual Control
Circuits • Automatic Control Circuits •
Magnetic Control Circuits • Printreading
A pictorial drawing shows the physical details of
components as seen by the eye.
Symbols are used to conveniently represent electrical
components in diagrams of most electrical and electronic
circuits.
In a wiring diagram, the location of components is generally
shown as close to the actual circuit configuration as possible.
In a schematic diagram, components are laid out so the circuit is
easily read rather than to show the actual position of the
components.
A line (ladder) diagram consists of a series of symbols
interconnected by lines that are laid out like rungs on a ladder to
indicate the flow of current through the various components of a
circuit.
A one-line diagram is a diagram that uses single lines and
graphic symbols to indicate the path and components of an
electrical circuit.
Care should be taken when using electrical symbols to design or
communicate electrical circuit operations because electrical circuit
operations may be changed.
All electrical circuits include the source, load, control device, and
conductors. Most circuits also include fuses or circuit breakers to
provide protection to the circuit.
A line diagram may be used to illustrate a manual control circuit of
a pushbutton controlling a pilot light.
A line diagram may be used to illustrate the control and protection
of a 1 motor using a manual starter with overload protection.
An electric motor on a sump pump can be turned ON and OFF by
using an automatic control device such as a float switch.
The NC contacts of a float switch may be used for a pump operation to
maintain
a certain level of water in a livestock water tank.
A solenoid is an electric output device that converts electrical
energy into a linear mechanical force.
A solenoid may be used to control a door lock that is opened only
when a pushbutton is pressed.
A contactor is a control device that uses a small control current to
energize or de-energize the load connected to it.
The electrical operation of a contactor can be shown using a line
diagram, a pictorial drawing, and/or a wiring diagram.
Auxiliary contacts may be added to a contactor to form an
electrical holding circuit.
A magnetic motor starter is an electrically operated switch
(contactor) that includes motor overload protection.
The electrical operation of a motor starter can be shown using a
line diagram, a pictorial drawing, and/or a wiring diagram.
Printreading requires understanding the relationship between a
component symbol and the physical shape and location of the
component.
Troubleshooting requires reading a print to determine the location
and use of individual components and understanding how to use
test equipment.