Electric Circuit Electrical Symbols
Electric circuit electrical symbols are standardized graphical representations used in circuit diagrams to illustrate the components and connections within an electrical system. These symbols simplify the process of designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting circuits by providing a universal language for elements such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, batteries, diodes, transistors, and more. Understanding these symbols is essential for students, engineers, electricians, and electronics enthusiasts working with schematics or creating new electronic designs. Whether you're studying electronics or working on a DIY project, mastering these symbols is a crucial step in navigating and building effective electrical circuits.
1.0Definition of Electric Circuit
- An electric circuit is a closed path that allows electric current to flow, typically including a power source, wires, and components like resistors, switches, and loads. When closed, current flows through the circuit to power devices. Circuits can range from simple setups to complex systems with series or parallel connections.
2.0Electric Symbol
- An electric symbol is a standardized graphical icon used in circuit diagrams to represent electrical components like resistors, batteries, switches, and wires. These symbols provide a universal visual language that simplifies the design, analysis, and understanding of electrical and electronic circuits for engineers, electricians, and technicians.
S.No | Electrical Device | Electric Symbol |
1. | Battery – Source of electric energy from one or more electrochemical cells. | |
2. | Cell-A device that produces electrical energy from chemical energy. | |
3. | AC Voltage Source – Alternating current source where polarity changes periodically. | |
4. | Voltage Source / Current Source – Provides constant voltage or current regardless of load. | |
5. | Controlled Voltage/Current Source – Output depends on another circuit variable (voltage or current). | |
6. | Electrical Wire – Conductive path for electric current, usually made of copper. | |
7. | Connected Wire – Joined wires enabling current flow between circuit points. | |
8. | Disconnected Wire – Crossing wires not electrically connected (shown with a hump). | |
9. | Earth Ground – Reference point connected to Earth for safety and stability. | |
10. | Chassis Ground – Ground connected to the metal casing of a device. | |
11. | Digital/Common Ground – Common reference point for digital signal voltages. | |
12. | Resistor – Limits or resists electric current; converts it to heat. | |
13. | Variable Resistor / Rheostat – Adjustable resisto r used to control current flow. | |
14. | Potentiometer – Variable resistor with three terminals; used to vary voltage. | |
15. | Thermistor – Resistance changes based on temperature. | |
16. | Photoresistor (LDR) – Resistance varies with light exposure. | |
17. | Capacitor – Stores energy in an electric field. | |
18. | Polarized Capacitor – Capacitor with polarity; must be connected correctly. | |
19. | Variable Capacitor – Capacitance can be adjusted mechanically or electronically. | |
20. | Lamp/Light Bulb – Converts electrical energy into light; acts as a load. | |
21. | Fuse – Safety device that breaks the circuit during current overloads. | |
22. | Electric Motor – Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. | |
23. | Voltmeter – Measures voltage between two points in a circuit. | |
24. | Ammeter – Measures the amount of electric current flowing through a circuit. | |
25. | Diode – Allows current to flow in one direction only. | |
26. | Zener Diode – Allows reverse current once a specific voltage is reached. | |
27. | Schottky Diode – Fast-switching diode with low forward voltage drop. | |
28. | Varicap Diode – Diode whose capacitance varies with reverse voltage. | |
29. | Photodiode – Converts light into electrical current. | |
30. | NPN Bipolar Transistor – Transistor with p-type base between two n-types; amplifies current. | |
31. | PNP Bipolar Transistor – Transistor with n-type base between two p-types. | |
32. | AND Gate-Outputs 1 only if all inputs are 1. | |
33. | NAND Gate-Outputs 0 only if all inputs are 1 (opposite of AND). | |
34. | OR Gate-Outputs 1 if any input is 1. | |
35. | NOR Gate-Outputs 0 if any input is 1 (opposite of OR). | |
36. | XOR Gate-Outputs 1 if inputs are different (one 1 and one 0). | |
37. | NOT Gate-Inverts the input: outputs 0 if input is 1, and 1 if input is 0 | |
38. | Switch-A switch opens or closes a circuit to stop or allow the flow of electric current. | |
39. | Bulb-A bulb is an electrical device that produces light when electric current passes through it. | |
40. | Buzzer-A buzzer is an electronic device that produces sound when electric current flows through it. | |
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