Schematic diagrams use standard symbols.

As Figure 4 shows, each element used in a piece of electrical equipment is represented by a symbol that reflects the
elements construction or function. For example, the symbol
in the schematic diagram that represents an open switch
resembles the knife switch shown in the corresponding photograph. Any circuit can be drawn by using a combination of
these and other, more complex schematic-diagram symbols.

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Topic: Electric Circuits
Code: HK80471

What are used to draw schematic diagrams?

Figure 4 Schematic-Diagram Symbols

Component

Symbol used in this book

Wire or conductor

Wires that connect elements are conductors.

Resistor

Resistors are shown as wires with multiple bends.

These bends indicate resistance to a straight path.

Light bulb

The winding of the lament indirectly indicates

that the light bulb is a resistor, something that
impedes the movement of electrons or the ow
of charge.

Battery or other direct current

source

Switch

602

Explanation

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The difference in line height indicates a voltage between positive and negative terminals of
the battery. The taller line represents the positive
terminal of the battery.

The small circles indicate the two places where

the switch makes contact with the wires. Most
switches work by breaking only one of the contacts, not both.

Open

Open

Closed

Closed

C hE al ep ct et r i cT i t lye