Electrical, Electronic & Schematic Symbols: Master the Language of Circuits

Electrical symbols play a critical role in electrical engineering and design by providing a standardized language for representing various components, devices, and connections in circuit diagrams and schematics. Electrical symbols and electronic circuit symbols are used to illustrate schematic diagrams. These symbolic representations effectively depict various electrical and electronic components, making it easier for engineers, technicians, and electricians to understand, analyze, and communicate complex electrical systems.

Symbol	Component name	Meaning
→ Inductor / coil symbols ←
	Inductor schematic symbol (general)	Coil / solenoid that generates magnetic field.
	Iron core inductor symbol	The iron core inductor is made by surrounding an iron core with a coil of insulated copper wire, which serves as the conductive material.
	Variable inductor symbol	This particular kind of inductor possesses adjustable inductance, which can be altered while the circuit is in operation, as commonly observed in radio systems.
→ Electric contacts symbols ←
	Form A contacts	MAKE or SPST-NO (Form A contacts, normally open).
	Form B contacts	BREAK or SPST-NC (Form B contacts, normally closed).
	Form C contacts	BREAK, MAKE (TRANSFER).
→ Adjustability and variability ←
	Adjustability, general symbol	Adjustability” pertains to a quantity associated with a device represented by the symbol, the value of which may be set or controlled by external means.
	Adjustability, non-linear
	Linear variability, general symbol.	“Variability” pertains to a quantity associated with a device represented by the symbol, the value of which is dependent on factors internal to the device.
→ Physical State Symbols ←
	Material, unspecified
	Material, liquid	Physical State of Matter.
	Material, solid	Physical State of Matter.
→ Polarity Symbols ←
	Plus; positive polarity	In the realm of electrical apparatus that either operates on or produces unidirectional electrical flow, the objective is to discern the terminal(s) endowed with positive polarity.
	Minus; negative polarity	In the context of machinery designed for employing or producing direct current, the task at hand is to pinpoint the terminal(s) associated with negative polarity.
→ AC and DC Symbols ←
	Direct current	To indicate on the rating plate that the equipment is suitable for direct current only; to identify relevant terminals.
	Alternating current	To indicate on the rating plate that the equipment is suitable for alternating current only; to identify relevant terminals.
→ Wire Symbols ←
	Electric line / cable / Wire	Connection, general symbol.
	T-connection	Shown with junction symbol.
	Group of connections symbol	Three connections shown.

Table of electrical symbols