Electrical Circuit Diagram Tutorial

By | April 11, 2015



Understanding Electric Circuit Diagrams: A Comprehensive Tutorial



Circuit diagrams play an integral role in the construction and operation of electrical systems. Whether you are a novice or an experienced technician, understanding these diagrams is essential. This comprehensive tutorial covers all the basics that you need to know about electric circuit diagrams to ensure a successful project.



From the basics of diagram symbols and components, to reading, drawing and troubleshooting, you'll quickly be able to decipher and interpret the diagrams surrounding you. We'll also cover the principle of using these diagrams along with the essential safety considerations.



Basic Electrical Symbols



Every electric component has its own unique symbol, which helps differentiate it from the others. It's important to be able to recognize them easily, as each component will have a different purpose and influence the flow of electricity.



The most common basic electric symbols and their functions include:




  • Switch – Controls and/or interrupts the flow of electricity.

  • Resistor – Limits the flow of electricity.

  • Capacitor – Stores electricity.

  • Inductor – Generates energy from changing magnetic fields.

  • Transformer – Increases or decreases the voltage of electricity.

  • Diode – (Rectifier) Allows for the flow of electricity in one direction only.



Comprehending Circuit Diagrams



Reading a circuit diagram requires extensive practice, but is quite manageable. The aim is to understand what each component does and where it is connected to. This can be done by looking at the symbols used to represent the components and connecting them accordingly.



Therefore, it's essential to become familiar with the straight line, the curved line and other symbols used to draw the connections between components. On most complex diagrams, the straight line is used to connect two different components, whereas the curved line is used when the same component needs to be connected to another one.



Draw Your Own Circuit Diagrams



Now that you understand the basics of circuit diagrams and their symbols, you can start drawing your own! Before you get started, keep in mind that the symbols and diagrams may be slightly different for each type of circuit, so make sure you’re referring to the right one for your project.



Start off by grabbing the required components and jotting down the schematic on a piece of paper. This enables you to plan out the entire diagram and avoid any confusion during the wiring process. When you’re ready to begin, draw the diagram on a separate sheet of paper and connect the components according to the schematic.



Electric Circuit Troubleshooting



If troubleshooting is necessary, having a detailed knowledge of the circuit diagram is essential. First, ensure the power is off before attempting any repairs. When you’re ready to begin, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the circuit and analyze the readings. Any problems with the flow of the electric current should be noted and rectified accordingly.



After this step, re-check the circuit's continuity and repair any faulty components or wiring where necessary. It's important to use caution at all times and take extra care when working with 110V or 220V circuits.



Conclusion



Electric circuit diagrams are used to explain how electric components are connected and how they interact with each other. This tutorial has provided an overview of electric circuit diagrams and how to read, draw and troubleshoot them. Once you are familiar with the basics, you can easily apply this knowledge to other complex electrical systems.


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