Electrical and Electronics Symbols and Meanings
1. What are Electrical and Electronics Symbols?
If you are a beginner in electronics and electrical plan, then the first thing you have to learn is schematic or circuit diagrams and the symbols used in them. These symbols represent components in schematic diagrams. In this article, we have provided tables of electrical and electronic symbols, organized by family, for easy reference.
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2. Common Electrical and Electronics Symbols
2.1 Electrical Symbols
An electrical symbol is a graphical representation used to represent electrical components or devices in schematic diagrams or circuit diagrams. These symbols are standardized and universally recognized, making it easier for engineers, technicians, and electricians to understand and interpret electrical plans.
Wires Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Electrical Wire | It is the symbol that is used to represent a wire. |
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Connected Wires | This Symbol represents the wire connected crossing. |
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Not Connect Wires | This Symbol shows that wires are not connected on crossing. |
Switches Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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SPST Toggle Switch | It is the symbol of a switch that disconnects current when open. |
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SPDT Toggle Switch | This Symbol of switch selects between two connections. |
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Push Button (N.O) | It is a symbol that denotes Momentary switch - normally open. |
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Push Button Switch (N.C) | This denotes the symbol of a Momentary switch - normally closed. |
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DIP Switch | It is the symbol of the DIP switch which is used for onboard configuration. |
Relays
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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SPST Relay | This shows the symbol of relay that close connection by an electromagnet. |
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SPDT Relay | This shows the symbol of relay that open connection by an electromagnet. |
Earthing
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Earth Ground | This Symbol is used for zero potential reference and electrical shock protection. |
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Chassis Ground | This symbol shows the wire Connected to the chassis of the circuit. |
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Digital Ground | It refers to the reference voltage of digital-analog if. |
Inductors
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Indicator | Symbol of a Coil / solenoid that generates a magnetic field. |
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Iron Core Inductor | It is the symbol of the iron core Inductor Which Includes iron. |
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Variable Inductor | It is the coil or solenoid that has a Variable magnetic field. |
Motor and Transformer
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Motor | Symbol of motor, which changes electric energy to kinetic energy. |
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AC Transformer | Transformer changes AC voltage from high to low or low to high. |
Watch this video to learn more about electrical plan symbols. If the video doesn't play, please visit it at YouTube.
2.2 Electronics Symbols
An electronic symbol is a graphical representation used to represent electronic components or devices specifically in electronic circuits. Electronic symbols are similar to electrical symbols but are more specific to electronic components such as transistors, diodes, integrated circuits, and other electronic devices.
Resistance
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Variable Resistance | It is the symbol of an adjustable resistor which has 2 terminals. |
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Potentiometer | It is the symbol of an adjustable resistor that has 3 terminals. |
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Trimmer Resistor | It is the symbol of a trimmer which is also known as a Preset resistor. |
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Thermistor | It is the symbol of a Thermal resistor that changes the resistance when temperature changes. |
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Photoresistor | It is the symbol of Photo-resistor - change resistance with light intensity change. |
Diode
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Diode | Diode allows current flow in one direction only - left (anode) to the right (cathode). |
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Zener Diode | It allows current flow in one direction, but also can flow in the reverse direction when above breakdown volt. |
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Schottky Diode | Schottky diode is a diode with a low voltage drop. |
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Varicap Diode | This represents the varicap diode. Variable capacitance diode. |
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Light Emitting Diode | LED emits light when current flows through it. |
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Photodiode | This is the symbol of Photodiode that allows current flow when exposed to light. |
Capacitor
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Capacitor | Capacitor is used to store electric charge. It acts as a short circuit with AC and an open circuit with DC. |
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Variable Capacitor | The Symbol represent the adjustable capacitance. |
Sources
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Voltage Source | It is the symbol of a voltage Source which generates constant voltage. |
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Current Source | It is the symbol of a current Source which generates constant current. |
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AC Voltage Source | This symbol shows the AC Voltage Source. |
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Battery Cell | It is the symbol of single cell use to generate constant volt. |
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Battery | It is the symbol of a battery which is the combination of two or more cells. |
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Controlled Voltage Source | It is the symbol of a constant voltage Source that gives controllable voltage at the output. |
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Controlled Current Source | It represents the controlled Current source which gives controllable current at the output. |
Meter Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Voltmeter | It is the symbol that shows Voltmeter which is used to measure the voltage. |
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Ammeter | It represents the ammeter whose work is to measure the current in the circuit. |
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Ohmmeter | It is the symbol of the ohmmeter which is needed to measure the value of a resistor. |
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Wattmeter | This represents the power meter which shows the power consumption. |
Converter and Amplifier Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Operational Amplifier | This operational gives Amplify input signal. |
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Analog to Digital Converter | This is the symbol of ATD converts analog signal to digital numbers. |
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Digital to Analog Converter | This is the symbol of DTA converts digital numbers to analog signals. |
Transistors Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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NPN Bipolar Transistor | It allows current flow when the high potential is at the base (middle). |
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PNP Bipolar Transistor | It allows current flow when the low potential is at the base (middle) of the symbol. |
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Darlington Transistor | It is made from 2 bipolar transistors. Has total gain of the product of each gain. |
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JFET-N Transistor | Symbol of JFET N-channel field effect transistor. |
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JFET-P Transistor | This is the symbol of JFET P which is a P-channel effect transistor. |
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NMOS Transistor | This is a symbol of Mosfet N-channel MOSFET transistor. |
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PMOS Transistor | This is a symbol of Mosfet P-channel MOSFET transistor. |
Utility Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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BUZZER | Produce a buzzing sound when current flows through it. |
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Electric Bell | This is the symbol of Bell which Rings when activated. |
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Fuse | The fuse disconnects when the current is above the threshold---used to protect a circuit from high currents. |
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Bus | The bus symbol contains several wires. Usually for data/address. |
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Loudspeaker | Convert electrical signals to sound waves. |
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Microphone | Microphone Converts sound waves to the electrical signal. |
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Lamp/Light Bulb | This is the symbol of a lamp that glows when current flows through it. |
Logic Gates and Multiplexer Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Description |
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Not Gate | This is the symbol of NOT Gate. Output 1 when input is 0. |
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AND Gate | This is the symbol of AND Gate. Output 1 when both inputs are 1. |
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NAND Gate | This shows NAND Gate, which Outputs 0 when both inputs are 1. (NOT + AND). |
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OR Gate | This symbol shows or Gate, which Outputs 1 when any input is 1. |
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XOR Gate | Symbol of XOR Gate, which Outputs 1 when inputs are different. (Exclusive OR). |
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Multiplexer | Symbol of the multiplexer. Connect the output to the selected input line. |
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DE multiplexer | This shows DE multiplexer.Connect selected output to the input line. |
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Optocoupler | This shows Optocoupler. Optocoupler isolates connection to other board. |
2.3. Electrical Symbols Chart and PDF
We have created a printable Electrical Symbols Chart PDF file that you can download and print if you wish to have a quick reference. You can download the file by clicking on the Image below.
Click the image to download Electrical Symbols Chart PDF
3. Expert Tips for Using Electrical Schematic Symbols
So in the upward table shows you all the electrical schematic symbols and electronic symbols which are needed to create a circuit diagram with their name and description. Now you can draw any circuit diagram easily with the help of this symbol.
Here are some tips for using these symbols.
3.1 Use a Professional Diagramming Tool
If you want to maximize your efficiency and come up with visually appealing diagrams, then consider using EdrawMax Online. Open EdrawMax Online and go to the Library first, then click on the Electrical. There you get all components' names, select which you need to take.
3.2 Customize or Import Symbols
If you don't find any desired symbol in EdrawMax's symbols library, you can also use the line and other drawing tools to design symbols or just simply upload your symbol to the libraries.
Here is a video for you to learn how to customize symbols and libraries in EdrawMax
4. FAQs About Electrical Symbols
1. What are Some Basic Electrical Symbols?
There are five commonly used symbols in Electrical – Switch, Wire, Contactor, Motor, Transformer. These symbols can be used in any electrical drawings. Switches are used for ON/OFF any control circuit. Contactors are used to ON/OFF any electrical equipment through electrical signals. The wire is used to connect one electrical component to another. The motor is the main symbol in Electrical Engineering which is used to rotate any equipment. The transformer is the equipment that is used to convert voltage UP/DOWN.
2. Why Do We Need Electrical Diagram?
If we need to make a Starter to operate any Motor, we need a single line diagram of a starter. In the starter draw, there are all components symbols are mentioned. Using drawing, an electrician can easily understand its wiring for installation of any Starter. During troubleshooting, the electrical diagram role is very important because it is very hard to find out the problem without drawing.
3. What Is an Electrical Single Line Diagram?
Definition of electrical single line diagram is an electrical diagram or drawing of an electrical system that represents the component of an electrical installation system. In Electrical Engineering, sometimes it’s called a one-line diagram. It is a blueprint of any electrical equipment wiring. It is not shown an exact electrical circuit connection.
5. Conclusion
After reading this guide, you would be able to know more about electrical symbols and meanings. If you are looking for a smart and user-friendly electrical diagrams maker, then EdrawMax Online would be an ideal pick. It is an intuitive diagramming tool that offers a wide range of libraries and templates to create 280+ different diagram types in one place. You can get all types of electronic and electrical symbols easily and create all kinds of electrical diagrams and wiring. Get a quick start with electrical diagrams examples right now.
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