How to Read Wiring Diagram Symbols

Wiring diagrams or schematics are drawings that represent a device or structure's electrical circuitry. To the uninitiated, the symbols on wiring diagram appear to be written in an undecipherable language. To troubleshoot an electrical problem, you must know what the wiring symbols mean. Electrical repair technicians use wiring diagrams to repair and modify everything from household circuits to computers. Use a few simple techniques to learn how to read wiring diagrams and take the mystery out of electric repairs.

Electronic symbols handbook

Instructions

- 1
  
  The primary power source will be isolated from the rest of the device or structure.
  
  Locate the power source. In an electronic device, the power source will be labeled. In a structure such as a house, the power source will be two lines running from the exterior of the house to the structure's electrical panel. Wires are represented by straight lines on the diagram.
- 2
  
  Conductors are wires that have current passing through them.
  
  Examine the conductors. Conductors are any wires that allow current to flow through the device or structure. Wiring is represented by straight lines on the diagram. If a conductor intersects another conductor, there will be a dot that represents the connection point. If the conductor is not connected, there will be a small bridge similar to a freeway overpass with one wire traveling over the other.
- 3
  
  A light switch stops the flow of current when in the off position.
  
  Locate the switches. Switches are common in electrical devices and residential wiring. A switch controls the flow of current through a device. A device's switch is represented by an angled break in the conductor's line. Residential switches are represented by a sideways "$" symbol and will have a ground wire attached to them. The ground wire is represented by a set of three short lines perpendicular to the conductor.
- 4
  
  Outlets are one of the most common components in a structure's wiring diagram.
  
  Identify the outlets. In residential wiring diagrams, outlets are spread throughout the drawing. An outlet is represented by a small circle with two parallel prongs protruding from the circle's sides. Outlets primarily appear on architectural draws.
- 5
  
  Resistors reduce the flow of current through a device.
  
  Locate resistors. Resistors are small components that reduce the current flowing through a conductor. Resistors are found on small electronic devices where lower levels of current are required. The resistor is represented by a jagged line similar to the teeth of a saw's blade.
- 6
  
  A capacitor symbol looks like a cross with a double line marking up the cross's arm.
  
  Identify the capacitors. A capacitor temporarily stores an electrical charge. It is represented by two lines with a small perpendicular line extended from the outside center of each line.
- 7
  Find diodes. Diodes force the current to travel in a single direction. A diode is represented by an arrow head, indicating the direction of flow, and a perpendicular line that indicates the end point of the unidirectional flow.
- 8
  Follow the wiring diagram from start to finish. Start with the power source. Follow the conductors along their paths. Use an electric symbols handbook to determine any symbols not covered in this article. When you reach a component such as a resistor, make a mental note of what it does in relation to the circuitry, then continue reading the diagram.

How Big Should Your Backsplash Be When Installing Cabinets?

How to Fix Up a Raised Ranch

Remodeling Plans