4.3 Symbols and Abbreviations Used in Electrical Drawings - 4.3 Symbols and Abbreviations Used in Electrical Drawings Explained

Key Concepts

Understanding symbols and abbreviations used in electrical drawings is crucial for construction electricians. These elements help in interpreting and implementing electrical designs accurately. Key concepts include:

• Electrical Symbols: Graphic representations of electrical components.
• Abbreviations: Shortened forms of words or phrases used to save space and time.
• Wiring Diagrams: Visual representations of how electrical components are connected.
• Schematics: Simplified diagrams showing the electrical connections and components.

Electrical Symbols

Electrical symbols are standardized graphics used to represent various components in electrical drawings. These symbols ensure consistency and clarity in interpreting the drawings. Common symbols include:

• Resistor: A zigzag line (⚅).
• Capacitor: Two parallel lines (||).
• Inductor: A coil of wire (∴).
• Switch: A line with a perpendicular line crossing it (▣).
• Ground: A triangle with a horizontal line (△).

An analogy for electrical symbols is a map legend. Just as a map legend helps you understand the symbols on a map, electrical symbols help you understand the components in a circuit.

Abbreviations

Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used in electrical drawings to save space and time. These abbreviations are often standardized to ensure clarity. Common abbreviations include:

• V: Voltage.
• A: Amperes (current).
• Ω: Ohms (resistance).
• W: Watts (power).
• AC: Alternating Current.
• DC: Direct Current.

An analogy for abbreviations is texting shorthand. Just as "LOL" means "Laugh Out Loud" in texting, "V" means "Voltage" in electrical drawings.

Wiring Diagrams

Wiring diagrams are visual representations of how electrical components are connected. These diagrams show the physical layout of the components and their connections. They are essential for understanding how to physically wire a system.

Example: A wiring diagram for a simple light switch might show the switch, the light bulb, and the power source, with lines indicating the connections between them.

An analogy for wiring diagrams is a blueprint for a house. Just as a blueprint shows how rooms and utilities are connected, a wiring diagram shows how electrical components are connected.

Schematics

Schematics are simplified diagrams that show the electrical connections and components in a circuit. They abstract away the physical layout and focus on the logical connections between components. Schematics are essential for understanding the function of a circuit.

Example: A schematic for a simple light switch might show the switch, the light bulb, and the power source, with lines indicating the electrical connections between them, without showing the physical layout.

An analogy for schematics is a flowchart. Just as a flowchart shows the steps in a process, a schematic shows the flow of electricity through a circuit.

Conclusion

Understanding symbols and abbreviations used in electrical drawings is essential for construction electricians. By mastering these key concepts, electricians can accurately interpret and implement electrical designs, ensuring safe and efficient electrical systems.