UNIT-III ELECTRICAL DRAWING & SYMBOLS

An electrical drawing, is a type of technical drawing that shows information about power,
lighting, and communication for an engineering or architectural project. Any electrical
working drawing consists of "lines, symbols, dimensions, and notations to accurately convey
engineering’s design to the workers, who install the electrical system on the job.

Electrical Blueprint Reading

The most commonly used electrical blueprint symbols including plug outlets, switches, lights
and other special symbols such as door bells and smoke detectors are shown in the figure
below.
Note: Explanations for common household electrical items such as three-way switches and
switched duplex plug outlets are below the figure.
Notes:
Duplex Plug Outlet: A standard plug outlet with two sockets for plugs.
Split Duplex Plug Outlet: Typically used in kitchens or anywhere the loads on a given outlet
will be high. The two sockets of the duplex outlet are on separate circuit breakers at the
electrical panel. This decreases the likelihood of having two appliances which are plugged
into the same outlet trip the circuit breaker.
Switched Duplex Plug Outlet: This outlet can be turned on and off with a switch. Often
used for lamps.
Toggle Switch: A common light switch.
3-Way Switch: A bit confusing but this means there are two switches in the home to control
the same item (typically a light or group of lights). For instance you may have two entrances
to your living room and a switch at both entrances to turn the living room lights on. You'll
need to use 3-way switches at both living room entrances for this electrical circuit to work.
The term 3-way actually describes the inner workings of the physical switch which is
different from a standard toggle switch.
4-Way Switch: As above with the three-way switch but here three switches will control
typically a light or group of lights. If you had three entrances to a room, you may want a light
switch at each entrance. For this circuit you will need to buy one four-way switch and two
three-way switches.
Double Pole Switch: Typically used to switch outlets and appliances on 240 volt circuits.
Reading Schematics
Reading schematics is just a matter of recognizing the symbols and see how they connect.
Schematics are our map to designing, building, and troubleshooting circuits. Understanding
how to read and follow schematics is an important skill for any electronics engineer. A
symbol usually represents a part. Except for the ground and VCC symbols which just means
connection to supply power. The lines between the symbols represent wires that connect the
components.
A schematic in electronics is a drawing representing a circuit. It uses symbols to represent
real-world objects. The most basic symbol is a simple conductor, shown simply as a line. If
wires connect in a diagram, they are shown with a dot at the intersection:

Conductors that do not connect are shown without a dot, or with a bridge formed by one wire
over the other:

Among the connections are power and ground, the high and low system voltages respectfully.
The 5 volt system power in the schematic is shown simply as 5V. There is also a +12V
supply and a -12V supply. Ground, or 0 volts, has its own symbol:

A switch is a device that is capable of allowing the user to break the circuit as if the wire had
been broken. Its symbol reflects this characteristic:

The three switches in the diagram are grouped in a Dual In-line Package (DIP).

A resistor is a device that resists the flow of charge. Its symbol reflects this characteristic by
making the line jagged:

Capacitors are devices which have metal plates separated by an insulator. They are used to
temporarily store an electrical charge. Their symbol reflects their construction:

Schematic Symbols (Part 1)

Here are some of the standardized, basic schematic symbols for various components.
Resistors
The most fundamental of circuit components and symbols! Resistors on a schematic are
usually represented by a few zig-zag lines, with two terminals extending outward.
Schematics using international symbols may instead use a featureless rectangle, instead of the
squiggles.
Potentiometers and Variable Resistors
Variable resistors and potentiometers each augment the standard resistor symbol with an
arrow. The variable resistor remains a two-terminal device, so the arrow is just laid
diagonally across the middle. A potentiometer is a three-terminal device, so the arrow
becomes the third terminal (the wiper).

Capacitors
There are two commonly used capacitor symbols. One symbol represents a polarized (usually
electrolytic or tantalum) capacitor, and the other is for non-polarized caps. In each case there
are two terminals, running perpendicularly into plates.

The symbol with one curved plate indicates that the capacitor is polarized. The curved plate
represents the cathode of the capacitor, which should be at a lower voltage than the positive,
anode pin. A plus sign might also be added to the positive pin of the polarized capacitor
symbol.

Inductors
Inductors are usually represented by either a series of curved bumps, or loopy coils.
International symbols may just define an inductor as a filled-in rectangle.
Switches
Switches exist in many different forms. The most basic switch, a single-pole/single-throw
(SPST), is two terminals with a half-connected line representing the actuator (the part that
connects the terminals together).

Switches with more than one throw, like the SPDT and SP3T below, add more landing spots
for the the actuator.

Switches with multiple poles, usually have multiple, alike switches with a dotted line
intersecting the middle actuator.
Power Sources
Just as there are many options out there for powering your project, there are a wide variety of
power source circuit symbols to help specify the power source.
DC or AC Voltage Sources
Most of the time when working with electronics, you’ll be using constant voltage sources.
We can use either of these two symbols to define whether the source is supplying direct
current (DC) or alternating current (AC):

Batteries
Batteries, whether they’re those cylindrical, alkaline AA’s or rechargeable lithium-polymers,
usually look like a pair of disproportionate, parallel lines:

More pairs of lines usually indicates more series cells in the battery. Also, the longer line is
usually used to represent the positive terminal, while the shorter line connects to the negative
terminal.
Voltage Nodes
Sometimes – on really busy schematics especially – you can assign special symbols to node
voltages. You can connect devices to these one-terminal symbols, and it’ll be tied directly to
5V, 3.3V, VCC, or GND (ground). Positive voltage nodes are usually indicated by an arrow
pointing up, while ground nodes usually involve one to three flat lines (or sometimes a down-
pointing arrow or triangle).
Schematic Symbols (Part 2)

Diodes
Basic diodes are usually represented with a triangle pressed up against a line. Diodes are also
polarized, so each of the two terminals require distinguishing identifiers. The positive, anode
is the terminal running into the flat edge of the triangle. The negative, cathode extends out of
the line in the symbol (think of it as a - sign).

There are a all sorts of different types of diodes, each of which has a special riff on the
standard diode symbol. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) augment the diode symbol with a
couple lines pointing away. Photodiodes, which generate energy from light (basically, tiny
solar cells), flip the arrows around and point them toward the diode.

Other special types of diodes, like Schottky’s or zeners, have their own symbols, with slight
variations on the bar part of the symbol.
Transistors
Transistors, whether they’re BJTs or MOSFETs, can exist in two configurations: positively
doped, or negatively doped. So for each of these types of transistor, there are at least two
ways to draw it.
Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)
BJTs are three-terminal devices; they have a collector (C), emitter (E), and a base (B). There
are two types of BJTs – NPNs and PNPs – and each has its own unique symbol.

The collector (C) and emitter (E) pins are both in-line with each other, but the emitter should
always have an arrow on it. If the arrow is pointing inward, it’s a PNP, and, if the arrow is
pointing outward, it’s an NPN. A mnemonic for remembering which is which is “NPN: not
pointing in.”
Metal Oxide Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs)
Like BJTs, MOSFETs have three terminals, but this time they’re named source (S), drain (D),
and gate (G). And again, there are two different versions of the symbol, depending on
whether you’ve got an n-channel or p-channel MOSFET. There are a number of commonly
used symbols for each of the MOSFET types:

The arrow in the middle of the symbol (called the bulk) defines whether the MOSFET is n-
channel or p-channel. If the arrow is pointing in means it’s a n-channel MOSFET, and if it’s
pointing out it’s a p-channel. Remember: “n is in” (kind of the opposite of the NPN
mnemonic).

Digital Logic Gates

Our standard logic functions – AND, OR, NOT, and XOR – all have unique schematic
symbols:

Adding a bubble to the output negates the function, creating NANDs, NORs, and XNORs:

They may have more than two inputs, but the shapes should remain the same (well, maybe a
bit bigger), and there should still only be one output.

Integrated Circuits
Integrated circuits accomplish such unique tasks, and are so numerous, that they don’t really
get a unique circuit symbol. Usually, an integrated circuit is represented by a rectangle, with
pins extending out of the sides. Each pin should be labeled with both a number, and a
function.
Schematic symbols for an ATmega328 microcontroller (commonly found on Arduinos), an
ATSHA204 encryption IC, and an ATtiny45 MCU. As you can see, these components greatly
vary in size and pin-counts.
Because ICs have such a generic circuit symbol, the names, values and labels become very
important. Each IC should have a value precisely identifying the name of the chip.
Unique ICs: Op Amps, Voltage Regulators
Some of the more common integrated circuits do get a unique circuit symbol. You’ll usually
see operation amplifiers laid out like below, with 5 total terminals: a non-inverting input (+),
inverting input (-), output, and two power inputs.

Often, there will be two op amps built into one IC package requiring only one pin for power
and one for ground, which is why the one on the right only has three pins.
Simple voltage regulators are usually three-terminal components with input, output and
ground (or adjust) pins. These usually take the shape of a rectangle with pins on the left
(input), right (output) and bottom (ground/adjust).

Miscellany
Crystals and Resonators
Crystals or resonators are usually a critical part of microcontroller circuits. They help provide
a clock signal. Crystal symbols usually have two terminals, while resonators, which add two
capacitors to the crystal, usually have three terminals.
Headers and Connectors
Whether it’s for providing power, or sending out information, connectors are a requirement
on most circuits. These symbols vary depending on what the connector looks like, here’s a
sampling:

Motors, Transformers, Speakers, and Relays

We’ll lump these together, since they (mostly) all make use of coils in some way.
Transformers (not the more-than-meets-the-eye kind) usually involve two coils, butted up
against each other, with a couple lines separating them:

Relays usually pair a coil with a switch:

Speakers and buzzers usually take a form similar to their real-life counterparts:
And motors generally involve an encircled “M”, sometimes with a bit more embellishment
around the terminals:

Fuses and PTCs

Fuses and PTCs – devices which are generally used to limit large inrushes of current – each
have their own unique symbol:

The PTC symbol is actually the generic symbol for a thermistor, a temperature-dependent
resistor (notice the international resistor symbol in there?).

No doubt, there are many circuit symbols left off this list, but those above should have you
90% literate in schematic reading. In general, symbols should share a fair amount in common
with the real-life components they model. In addition to the symbol, each component on a
schematic should have a unique name and value, which further helps to identify it.

Name Designators and Values

One of the biggest keys to being schematic-literate is being able to recognize which
components are which. The component symbols tell half the story, but each symbol should be
paired with both a name and value to complete it.

Names and Values

Values help define exactly what a component is. For schematic components like resistors,
capacitors, and inductors the value tells us how many ohms, farads, or henries they have. For
other components, like integrated circuits, the value may just be the name of the chip.
Crystals might list their oscillating frequency as their value. Basically, the value of a
schematic component calls out its most important characteristic.
Component names are usually a combination of one or two letters and a number. The letter
part of the name identifies the type of component – R’s for resistors, C’s for capacitors, U’s
for integrated circuits, etc. Each component name on a schematic should be unique; if you
have multiple resistors in a circuit, for example, they should be named R 1, R2, R3, etc.
Component names help us reference specific points in schematics.
The prefixes of names are pretty well standardized. For some components, like resistors, the
prefix is just the first letter of the component. Other name prefixes are not so literal;
inductors, for example, are L’s (because current has already taken I [but it starts with a
C…electronics is a silly place]). Here’s a quick table of common components and their name
prefixes:
Name Identifier Component
R Resistors
C Capacitors
L Inductors
S Switches
D Diodes
Q Transistors
U Integrated Circuits
Y Crystals and Oscillators

Although these are the “standardized” names for component symbols, they’re not universally
followed. You might see integrated circuits prefixed with IC instead of U, for example, or
crystals labeled as XTAL’s instead of Y’s. Use your best judgment in diagnosing which part is
which. The symbol should usually convey enough information.

Reading Schematics
Understanding which components are which on a schematic is more than half the battle
towards comprehending it. Now all that remains is identifying how all of the symbols are
connected together.

Nets, Nodes and Labels

Schematic nets tell you how components are wired together in a circuit. Nets are represented
as lines between component terminals. Sometimes (but not always) they’re a unique color,
like the green lines in this schematic:
Junctions and Nodes
Wires can connect two terminals together, or they can connect dozens. When a wire splits
into two directions, it creates a junction. We represent junctions on schematics with nodes,
little dots placed at the intersection of the wires.

Nodes give us a way to say that “wires crossing this junction are connected”. The absences of
a node at a junction means two separate wires are just passing by, not forming any sort of
connection. (When designing schematics, it’s usually good practice to avoid these non-
connected overlaps wherever possible, but sometimes it’s unavoidable).
Net Names
Sometimes, to make schematics more legible, we’ll give a net a name and label it, rather than
routing a wire all over the schematic. Nets with the same name are assumed to be connected,
even though there isn’t a visible wire connecting them. Names can either be written directly
on top of the net, or they can be “tags”, hanging off the wire.

Each net with the same name is connected, as in this schematic for an FT231X Breakout
Board. Names and labels help keep schematics from getting too chaotic (imagine if all those
nets were actually connected with wires).
Nets are usually given a name that specifically states the purpose of signals on that wire. For
example, power nets might be labeled “VCC” or “5V”, while serial communication nets
might be labeled “RX” or “TX”.

Schematic Reading Tips

Identify Blocks
Truly expansive schematics should be split into functional blocks. There might be a section
for power input and voltage regulation, or a microcontroller section, or a section devoted to
connectors. Try recognizing which sections are which, and following the flow of circuit from
input to output. Really good schematic designers might even lay the circuit out like a book,
inputs on the left side, outputs on the right.

If the drawer of a schematic is really nice (like the engineer who designed this schematic for
the RedBoard), they may separate sections of a schematic into logical, labeled blocks.
Recognize Voltage Nodes
Voltage nodes are single-terminal schematic components, which we can connect component
terminals to in order to assign them to a specific voltage level. These are a special application
of net names, meaning all terminals connected to a like-named voltage node are connected
together.
Like-named voltage nodes – like GND, 5V, and 3.3V – are all connected to their
counterparts, even if there aren’t wires between them.
The ground voltage node is especially useful, because so many components need a
connection to ground.

Ladder Diagrams
Ladder diagrams are specialized schematics commonly used to document industrial control
logic systems. They are called “ladder” diagrams because they resemble a ladder, with two
vertical rails (supply power) and as many “rungs” (horizontal lines) as there are control
circuits to represent.
Electrical ladder drawings are still one of the common and reliable tools used to troubleshoot
equipment when it fails. As with any good troubleshooting tool, one must be familiar with its
basic features to make the most of the diagram in the field. In other words, possessing a basic
understanding of how the drawing is laid out — as well as the meaning of numbers and
symbols found on the schematic — will make you that much more seasoned as a maintenance
professional.
There are typically two distinct parts of a ladder drawing: the power component and the
control component. The power portion consists of items such as the motor, motor starter
contacts and overloads, disconnect(s), and protective devices (fuses and circuit breakers). The
control part encompasses items that make the power components do their work. For this
discussion, we'll focus on the control portion of the drawing. Let's take a look at the most
common components.
Fig. 1. A sampling of common symbols you’ll find on the majority of ladder drawings.
The normally open and normally closed symbols are added here to merely serve as an
instructional aid.
Symbols. The symbols that go into making a ladder drawing are the ABCs of print reading
(Fig. 1). For instance, in an air compressor system there will be a symbol for a pressure
switch. If the person doing the troubleshooting and repair does not recognize that symbol, it
will be difficult to locate the switch to determine whether or not it is working properly.
Many times, the input devices are said to be either normally open (NO) or normally closed
(NC). The normally open or closed status refers to the shelf state of the device. If a device is
normally open, a resistance check of the device with a digital multimeter will give a reading
of O.L. If the device is normally closed, a resistance check will give a reading of 0.0.
The normally open and normally closed state of the devices is not labeled on the ladder
drawing. Rather, you must recognize the symbol. A helpful hint in trying to determine
whether the contacts are open or closed is to think of them in terms of gravity. If gravity is
acting on the device, its normal state is as shown in the drawing. An exception to this concept
is found in devices that contain springs. For instance, in the drawing of a normally open
pushbutton, it appears that the pushbutton should be falling down and closing. However,
there is a spring in the pushbutton that holds the contacts in the open (up) position.
Control voltage and safety. The control voltage (AC or DC) for the system may come from
a control transformer that is fed from the power portion of the drawing or a different source.
For safety reasons, it's important to determine the source of the control voltage prior to
working on the system because the power disconnect switch may not turn off the control
voltage. Therefore, an electrically safe condition would not be established. The ladder
drawing should clearly show the source of the control voltage, but always check for the
absence/presence of voltage before making any off-line resistance checks.
Rails. The drawing is called a ladder drawing because it resembles a ladder in the way it is
constructed and presented on the paper. The two vertical lines (wires) that serve as a
boundary for the control system and deliver the control voltage to the devices are called the
rails. The rails may have overcurrent devices in them (fuses and/or circuit breakers) and may
have contacts from control devices. These control lines may be thicker than the others to help
better identify them. Like a real ladder, the rails are the supports for the rungs.
If the ladder drawing runs across several pages, the control voltage is carried from one page
to the next along the rails. There are a number of ways that this may be represented on the
drawing. One way this is done is with the use of continuation arrows at the bottom of the first
page, which indicates that the rails continue on to another page. The page number on which
the rails continue should be noted. On the page where the rails continue, there are also
continuation arrows with the page number notation from which the control voltage lines
originated.

Fig. 2.b In this circuit arrangement, the sequence of events could be described as such.
When the pushbutton (PB) is pressed down, the circuit is completed and current will
flow to energize the coil (CR1).
Rungs. The rungs of the ladder are made up of wires and input devices that either allow
current flow or interrupt current flow to the output devices. These lines may be thin lines
when compared to the lines of the rails. From the placement of the input and output devices,
you can determine the sequence of events that either energize or de-energize the outputs. The
key to good troubleshooting is determining this sequence of events. Input devices are
typically placed on the left side of the rungs, while the output devices are placed on the right
(Fig. 2).
Placement of input devices. The input devices are placed on the rungs in a way that
indicates the current flow through the rung when there is a complete path to the outputs.
There are several ways in which these input devices can be placed on the rungs, although as
stated earlier, they are typically placed on the left side.
The STOP input devices are typically normally closed and are placed in series on the rung.
This means that they are placed end to end in the drawing. In order for the current to flow
through them, they must be in the closed position. Typical STOP input devices include
components such as normally closed pushbuttons and mushroom head buttons, limit
switches, and contacts for light curtains, photocells, and proximity switches.
The START input devices are typically normally open and are usually placed in series with
and after the STOP devices. If there is more than one START device, it is usually placed in
parallel with the others.
When the STOP and START devices are placed in order on the rung, the flow of current to
the output devices can be seen. Understanding this flow is a great aide in troubleshooting. A
key question to always ask yourself is: “What does it take to energize the output?”
 <b>Fig. 3.</b> This circuit arrangement uses all three types of logic functions: AND,
OR, and AND/OR.
Fig. 3. This circuit arrangement uses all three types of logic functions: AND, OR, and
AND/OR.
Here's a simple example to analyze. In Fig. 3, what does it take to energize the output CR1?
When either start pushbutton is depressed, the path is complete, and the coil of CR1 is
energized. In following the path for the current, you can see the logic of the placement of the
input devices. This logic determines the decision making process of the input devices and the
path for current as it travels to energize the outputs.
Logic statements. There are several logic statements that can be used in placing the input
devices in the rungs. The most common of these are the AND, the OR, and the combination
AND/OR function. In Fig. 3, all three are present.
• The end-to-end placement of the stop and start pushbuttons makes an AND logic statement.
In other words, both the stop AND the start buttons must be used to energize the coil.
• The parallel placements of the start buttons makes an OR logic statement. Either start
pushbutton will complete the path and energize the coil.
• Placing the stop pushbutton in series with the parallel start pushbuttons supports the
AND/OR logic statement.
Placement of the output devices. As noted earlier, the output devices are placed on the right
side of the ladder drawing. Unlike input devices, it's important that the output devices only be
placed in parallel. If they are placed in series, electrical theory says that the voltage will drop
across the resistance of each output. If this happens, they will not operate properly.
Outputs include items such as lights, coils, solenoids, and heating elements. In addition to the
commonly accepted symbols shown in Fig. 1, letters and numbers also help to identify the
output devices.

Fig. 4.b As noted by the numbers on the right rail, this circuit arrangement indicates
there is a normally open contact in Rung 2 and a normally closed contact in Rung 3.

Coils will typically have contacts associated with them. These contacts will change state
when the coil is energized. The changing contacts will either complete or open the path for
current.
As noted in Fig. 4, when the pushbutton is pressed down, the path is completed, and current
will flow to energize the coil. When the coil is energized, the contacts associated with the coil
will change state. The red light will go on, and the green light will go off.
Locating the contacts. In the ladder drawing, the contacts associated with the coil can be
located using a cross-reference system. The rungs are usually numbered on the left side of the
rail. A number on the right side of the rail references the contacts associated with the coil
(Fig. 4). These numbers are the rungs in which the contacts can be found. A number without
a line under it references an open contact. Drawing a line under the number on the right rail
references a closed contact.

Electrical Schematics
A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using
abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures. A schematic usually omits all
details that are not relevant to the information the schematic is intended to convey, and
may add unrealistic elements that aid comprehension.
A schematic shows connections in a circuit in a way that is clear and standardized. It is a
way of communicating to other engineers exactly what components are involved in a
circuit as well as how they are connected. A good schematic will show component names
and values, and provide labels for sections or components to help communicate the
intended purpose. Note how connections on wires (or "nets") are shown using dots and
non-connections are shown without a dot.
Block Diagram

A block diagram shows a higher level (or organizational layout) of functional units in a
circuit (or a device, machine, or collection of these). It is meant to show data flow or
organization between separate units of function. A block diagram gives you an overview of
the interconnected nature of circuit assemblies or components.

Wiring Diagram

A wiring diagram is sometimes helpful to illustrate how a schematic can be realized in a

prototype or production environment. A proper wiring diagram will be labeled and show
connections in a way that prevents confusion about how connections are made. Typically
they are designed for end-users or installers. They focus on connections rather than
components.

PCB Layout

A PCB Layout is the resulting design from taking a schematic with specific components
and determining how they will physically be laid out on a printed circuit board. To produce
a PCB Layout, you must know the connections of components, component sizes
(footprints), and a myriad of other properties (such as current, frequencies, emissions,
reflections, high voltage gaps, safety considerations, manufacturing tolerances, etc.).
Fritzing

Fritzing is a popular open-source software program designed to help you create electronics
prototypes. It uses a visual approach to allow you to connect components to Arduino using
a virtual breadboard, and even provides ways to design a PCB. Its strength is in the ease
with which new users can approach it. One of the principal working views is the virtual
breadboard:

However, as you can see, it can be time-consuming to tell exactly how components are
connected, even if you are very familiar with how breadboard connections work (as most
electronics engineers are). As a circuit gets more complex, the visualization becomes more
cluttered.
Fritzing provides a way to produce a schematic:
Be sure to use this to produce a schematic if you need to ask questions about your circuit. It
will help others to quickly understand the components and connections involved in your
design.

Prototype Photo

Sometimes a photo can help engineers troubleshoot your design. Especially if quality
issues are suspected, such as soldering reliability, improper connections, incorrect
polarities, and other problems which might be revealed in a photo. However, realize that
most photos are not immediately useful, and if your project is complicated, a picture will
do little more than show that you've spent a lot of time and effort on your project!

Power Circuit and Control Circuit

A power circuit is defined as any circuit used to carry electricity that operates a load. This
may seem like a simplistic definition but it is important to distinguish power circuits from
control circuits since they serve different purposes.

A circuit with an outlet for the source, two wires for the path, a switch for the control device
and a motor for a load is a good illustration of a power circuit. When the switch is closed, the
electrons flow through the path and the electrons go directly through the motor windings and
cause the motor to operate. The only circuit control in this circuit is the switch wired directly
in series with the motor. There is no separate control circuit associated with this power
circuit. Most lighting and receptacle outlet circuits in a house are power circuits since they
only provide power to devices when the devices operate, and the circuit control is part of the
power circuit.

A control circuit is a special type of circuit used to control the operation of a completely
separate power circuit. Consider a 1,000 horsepower, large industrial motor driving a water
pump. The motor is connected to a high voltage electrical supply of 2,400 volts.

When this motor is energized, it must draw enough current to get the water moving and it is
common for a motor to draw about six times its normal operating current for a short period of
time. When we were talking about controlling light bulbs, it was safe to operate a simple
switch on the wall. But now this large amount of current flowing when the motor starts can
be troublesome. The first concern is the operator's ability to safely close the switch. The
 second concern is that when the operator opens the switch to turn the motor off, the
electricity will continue to try to complete the path. This will tend to arc between the contacts
of the switch as it is opened. This arcing is not only dangerous but also damages the switch
by severely burning the contact points. A control circuit is used to ensure that the motor is
started and stopped in a safe manner for both the operator and the equipment.

A common control circuit example is the thermostat to the air conditioner in a house. The
thermostat is part of a low-voltage control circuit that controls a relay that actually energizes
and de-energizes the power circuit to the air conditioning compressor.

Contactors can handle high amounts of current and are also combined with overload relays
to create motor starters. A type of circuit that uses control devices to determine when loads
are energized or de-energized by controlling current flow. Control circuits usually carry
lower voltages than power circuits.

Reading of Circuit Schematics

Schematics are the maps that provide guidance on the functioning, assembly and service of
an electronic circuit. Without a schematic, only an undocumented mass of components and
wires would be presented to the user or service technician. A schematic allows the user or
service technician to understand the circuit function and become familiar with how the
desired effect of the electronic circuit is achieved. Use these tips to learn how to read
schematics

1. Read schematics in the pattern that you would read text. With rare exceptions, schematics
should be read left to right and top to bottom. The signal being generated or used by the
 circuit will flow in this direction. The user can follow the same path that the signal uses to
understand what the signal does or how it is being modified.

2. Understand the electronic language. There will be a variety of schematic symbols on the
schematic that represent real world devices and wires. A basic understanding of these
symbols is required to read a schematic. Lists of the symbols are readily available on the
Internet.
• Understand ground. Ground is represented by either a triangle pointing down or a set
of parallel lines that become shorter as they appear below each other, in effect
representing the inner area of the triangle pointing down. Ground is a common
reference point that schematics use to show the overall unity of the various functions
of the circuit. It does not refer to the actual ground of the earth.
• Learn that a line represents a wire. Wires are used to connect the devices together. All
points along the wire are identical and connected. Wires may cross each other on a
schematic, but that does not necessarily mean that they connect. If they do not
connect, one will be shown looping around the other in a semicircle. If they do
connect, they will cross and a dot will be seen at the point where the lines cross.
• Learn that a resistor is represented by a zigzag shape. Resistors act to impede the flow
of the circuit to an extent determined by the resistance value used. They are used to
scale and shape the signal.
• Understand Ohm's Law. The voltage drop across a resistor is equal to the current
flowing through it times the value of the resistor (V=IR). This allows the classic use
of resistor to divide down a voltage. If a voltage source is applied to two consecutive
resistors of the same value, the voltage created at the point between the two resistors
will be half of the original voltage applied.
• Learn that capacitors are represented by two parallel lines. Capacitors are used to
condition rapidly changing signals, as opposed to the static or slower changing signals
that are conditioned by resistors. The traditional use of capacitors in modern circuits is
to draw noise, which is inherently a rapidly changing signal, away from the signal of
interest and drain it away to ground.
• Understand the non standard symbols. The non standard symbols will be of a
geometric shape, usually a rectangle, with a device indicator number in or beside the
shape. The indicator number should be Uxx. Wherever a wire contacts the device,
there will be a number indicated at the connection point. This number is the pin
number of the device.

3. Find the correlation to all real parts. Refer to the bill of materials for the circuit to
find the values of capacitors and resistors, and the manufacturers and manufacturer's
part numbers of the active devices.

4. Determine the circuit tasks performed by the active devices. To determine the
circuit tasks, acquire and read the manufacturer's data sheet for each individual
device.
 5. Evaluate what the circuit does. Based on the schematic, decide what parts of the
circuit are performing what functions. This will help you determine the performance
function of the entire circuit.
Tracking the connection of elements and identify current flow and voltage drop

A voltage drop in a circuit is defined as the amount of voltage loss that occurs through all or
part of a circuit due to impedance. A digital multimeter is generally used to read and track the
voltage, current, resistance, continuity/connectivity, and capacitance etc. in the circuits and
different part of the electrical wiring. Oscilloscopes may also be used to read and display the
wave signal patterns going through the circuits, as well as the frequency.