COIMBATORE INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Vellimalaipattinam, coimbatore-641 109

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING PRACTICES MANUAL 2009-2010

COIMB ATORE INSTI TUTE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORM ATION TECHNOLOGY N AR ASI PUR AM, CO IMB ATORE 641 109.

LIST OF EXPRIMENT Engineering practice

Ex. No.

Description

Page No.

Staircase wiring

Fluorescent lamp wiring

3 4

House holding wiring installation Calculation of Energy using single phase Energy Meter Calculation of power, Voltage, Current and Power factor using RLC circuits Measurement of resistance to earth of electrical equipment.

Study of Electrical Wiring

Study of house hold appliances

Prepared by:.. Date :..

Reviewed by:. Date :..

STAIRCASE WIRING AIM: To design a staircase wiring. Materials required: 1. Two way switches 2. Bulbs 3. Wires

-- 2nos -- 1no -- as required

Working: With the switch closed, the circuit gets closed, the current flows through the ballets end starter. The glow switch suddenly breaks these by breaking the circuit. Due to the high inductive property of the ballast. A transient high voltage is available across the filaments. Hence electrons are emitted and travel through the tube, such a continuous flow of electrons produces the sensation of light to human eyes. Procedure: The switch box lamp, mounting holder is fixed on the wiring board. The connections are given as per circuit diagram. The wires which are inserted in the in the PVC pipes are checked whether they are drawn inside the pipes properly and supported rigidly by clamps. Next L bends & T bends are provided in the circuit wherever necessary the two switches are connected as per the circuit diagram and the connections are given to the holder connections are verified, supply is given by closing the DPST switch and glowing condition of the lamp is tested according to the circuit. Result: Thus the required staircase wiring is prepared

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

LAY OUT DIAGRAME

Tabulation:

SWITCH ONE (S1)

SWITCH TWO (S2)

LAMP CONDITION

FLUORECSENT LAMP
Aim: To check and assemble the accessories of a fluorescent lamp. Materials supplied: 1. Fluorescent lamp. 2. Connector (2 way) 3. PVC copper cable 4. Test lamp Tool required: 1. Wiremans tool kit Principle: When the electrons strike again the fluorescent material that is phosphor coating that will emit light. Construction: The fluorescent lamp has a glass tube of length generally 1.22m. Its sides are coated with fluorescent materials it has two tungsten coils each one at its ends. The coils are coaters with electron emissive materials. Such as copper, the tube was filled with low-pressure argon glass and few drops of mercury. The entire assembly was electrically connected in series with choke and across a starter. The starter has 2 bimetallic strips that are supported by a very thin air gap. It is placed a glass contains that is filled with low-pressure inert gas .the choke is an inductor in choke, copper winding are wound on a shall type core. The lamp holder is used to hold the lamp. Operation When the supply is given across the lamp, a very high voltage is supplied across the bimetallic strip of the starter. Due to very thin air gap between them an are is produced. By the high voltage. The arc produces heat on the strip. As their nature, due to the heat bimetallic strips bents towards them so they make a contact end provide a closed path for the current flow. The some operation takes place respectively the starter. A very high voltage is generated across the 2 filaments of the tube. Due to that voltage, the filaments are heater and an electron flow and a continuous flow of current takes place and the oxygen is ionised and produce move electron that are striking against fluorescent coating on the walls end emit high light, by this way electrical energy is converted into light depends on the type of the florescent coating. Procedure: The circuit connections are given as per the circuit diagram. Fix the switch box lamp mounting holder and round diagram. Then wires which are inserted, into the supported. Rigidly by lamps bends like T-bends and L-bends are provided in the circuit wherever necessary. Result: Thus the fluorescent lamp with a 3-pin socket wiring is done and tested.

--1 No -- as required -- 1 no

-- 1no

HOUSE HOLD WIRING INSTALLATION Aim: To test a domestic wiring installation. Materials required: 1. Wires 2. Test lamp 3. Fan

-- as required -- 2 no -- 1 no

Tools required: 1. Wire mans tool kit

-- 1 set

Procedure: 1. Switch off the main supply. Remove the fuse and neutral link of the main switch. Also remove all the fuses from the distribution board. 2. Connect all the lamps and fans to the respective positions. 3. Short all the socket outlets by connecting phase and neutral. 4. Keep all switch and fan in off position 5. The neutrals of the entire individual circuits and separate them from the common neutral.

Result: Thus the domestic wiring installation is completed.

CALCULATION OF SINGLE PHASE ENERGY USING ENRRGY METER Aim: To measure the energy using single-phase energy meter at UPF load condition. Apparatus Required: S.NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 NAME OF THE APPARATUS Volmeter Ammeter Energy Meter Resistive Load Stop Watch Wires RANGE (0-300V) (0-5A) 1200R/KWhr 300V/5A (0-10Minutes) TYPE MI MI Induction Wire wound Analog QTY 1 1 1 1 1 Req

Precaution: 1. There should be no load at the time of starting. 2. The connection should be made proper for UPF Procedure: 1. The connections are made as per the circuit diagram. 2. The Supply DPST switch is closed and the No-load reading are noted. 3. After that no load to full load varies the resistive load. 4. The corresponding meters readings and time taken for 5 revolution of the aluminium disc in the energy meter reading are tabulated. 5. The Energy and error of the meter is calculated Formula Used: Energy meter specification 1200 rev 1 rev = 1200rev/kwhr. =1 kwhr (1 Unit) = 1 kwhr/1200 Watts sec

= 1000 X 3600/1200 watts sec = 3000 Watts sec 1 rev = 3000 Watts sec

Tabulation:

S.NO

VOLT METER READING IN VOLTS

AMMETER READING IN AMPS

TIME REVOLUTION IN SEC (n)

ACTUAL ENERGY

TRUE ENERGY

% ERROR

FORMULA: % Error = (R.E - A.E)*100/A.E, WHERE, R.E is the recorded energy = n/N (n=5 & N=energy meter const.) A.E is the actual energy A.E= (wattmeter reading*time)/(3600*1000) Wattmeter reading = V*I COS

Result:

Thus the given single phase energy meter was measured and the error curve was obtained.

Measurement of electrical quantities voltage, current, power & power factor in RLC circuit.

AIM: To measure real power,reactive power,power factor and impedence of RL,RC,RLC circuit using voltmeter and ammter. APPARATUS REQUIRED: S.NO 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. DESCRIPTION RANGE QUANTITY Function Generator 1 Ammeter (0-50)mA,MI 1 Voltmeter (0-10)V,MI 1 Resistor DRB 1 Inductor DIB 1 Capacitor DCB 1 Connecting Wires As Needed

PROCEDURE: Connections are given as per the circuit diagram. A sinusoidal input at a constant frequency and at particular voltage is initially set with the function generator. For the given inputs voltmeter and ammeter readings are noted down. The input voltage is varied in steps keeping frequency as constant. Voltmeter and Ammeter readings are noted down for all the above steps. Real power, reactive power, power factor and impedence are calculated for the above set of readings using the formula. FORMULA: Real power (P) =VI COS (Watts) Reactive power (Q) =VI SIN (Watts) Power factor =R/Z Impedence (Z) =V/I (Ohms)

RESULT: Thus the measurement of electrical quantities voltage, current, power & power factor in RLC circuit using voltmeter, ammeters are obtained.

RLC CIRCUIT:

S.NO

VOLTAGE (V)

CURRENT (A)

POWER FACTOR (COS )

FRQUENCY IN HZ

IMPETANCE (Z) (Ohms)

REAL POWER

REACTIVE POWER

RL CIRCUIT:
S.NO VOLTAGE (V) CURRENT (A) POWER FACTOR (COS ) FRQUENCY IN HZ IMPETANCE (Z) (Ohms) REAL POWER REACTIVE POWER

RC CIRCUIT:
S.NO VOLTAGE (V) CURRENT (A) POWER FACTOR (COS ) FRQUENCY IN HZ IMPETANCE (Z) (Ohms) REAL POWER REACTIVE POWER

RL CIRCUIT

RC CIRCUIT

RLC CIRCUIT

MEASUREMENT OF RESISTANCE TO EARTH OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

AIM: To test the measurement of resistance to earth of electrical equipment. MATERIAL REQUIRED: 1. Megger set 2. Connecting wires THEORY: The megger is a portable instrument used to measure insulation resistance.The megger consists of a hand driven DC generator and direct reading ohm meter. A simplified circuit diagram of the instrument is shown in figure. The moving element of the ohm meter consists of two coils,A and B, which are rigidly mounted to a pivoted central shaft and free to rotate over a C shaped core. These coils are connected by means of flexible leads. The moving element may point in any meter position when the generator is not in operation. As current provided by the hand driven generator flows through coil B, the coil will tend to set itself at right angles to the field of the permanent magnet. With the test terminals open, giving an infinite resistance, no current flows in coil A, Thereby, coil B will govern the motion of the rotating element, causing it to move to the extreme counterclockwise position, which is marked as infinite resistance. Coil A is wound in a manner to produce a clockwise torque on the moving element, with the terminals marked line and earth shorted, giving a zero resistance, the current flow through the coil A is sufficient to produce enough torque of coil B. The pointer then moves to the extreme clockwise position,which is marked as zero resistance(R) will protect coil A from excessive current flow in this condition. When an unknown resistance is connected across the terminals, line and earth, the opposing torques of coils A and B balance each other so that the instruments pointer comes to rest at some point on the scale. The scale is calibrated such that the pointer directly indicates the value of resistance being measured. RESULT: Thus the measurement of resistance to earth of electrical equipment is done and tested.

+ -

STUDY OF HOUSE HOLD APPLIANCES

AIM: To test the house hold appliances of fan,emergence lamp,grinder, and mix. THEORY: FAN: The motor used in a household ceiling fan is a 1f squirrel cage type induction Motor with the properties and specifications of a normal 1f motor. Constructional Features: A 1f induction motor employs two windings for its operation as it is not a selfstarting version of an induction motor (polyphase motor). The two windings are main/running winding and starting/auxiliary winding. The windings are placed on a stationary member called stator, that has stampings and slots to hold the windings.The rotor is the rotating member, of a squirrel cage type, on which the fan blades are mounted. Principle of Operation: A ceiling fan motor is based on Faradays Law of Electromagnetic Induction according to which whenever a conductor is placed in a rotating magnetic field, an electromagnetic force (emf) is induced. The frequency of the induced emf is the same as the supply frequency and its magnitude is proportional to the relative motion between the flux and the conductor. The direction of the induced emf is given by Flemings Right Hand Rule.Working In order to make a ceiling fan self-starting, a starting or auxiliary winding is used, placed electrically 90 apart from the main winding, with a running capacitor in series with the starting winding. Both the windings are connected in parallel to each other. Winding supply across the terminal as shownin the figure. Starting of Fan: When the supply is given a rotating flux is set up in the stator which is revolving with synchronous speed NS. Ns = (120*f) / p Where, f = supply frequency p = number of poles This flux induces a voltage in the rotor due to electromagnetic induction. As this rotor is initially stationary, torque is developed which rotates the rotor and rotor speed starts to build up. The direction of rotation is the same as that of the rotating flux. The torque developed is given by T S V2 S = slip speed Now, this torque is proportional to square of voltage. Speed Torque V2 Hence, by controlling the voltage supply across the fan its speed can be varied Types of Fan Regulators: Currently Fan Regulators are of these four types: Resistive regulator Phase angle controlled regulator Inductive regulator Capacitive regulator (latest)

EMERGENCE LAMP: The circuit of automatic emergency light presented here has the following features: 1. When the mains supply (230V AC) is available, it charges a 12V battery up to 13.5V and then the battery is disconnected from the charging section. 2. When the battery discharges up to 10.2V, it is disconnected from the load and the charging process is resumed. 3. If the mains voltage is available and there is darkness in the room, load (bulb or tube) is turned on by taking power from the mains; otherwise the battery is connected to the load. 4. When the battery discharges up to 10.2V and if the mains is not yet available, the battery is completely disconnected from the circuit to avoid its further discharge. Principle of Operation: The mains supply of 230V AC is stepped down to 18V AC using a 230V AC primary to 0-18V AC,secondary transformer. Now, since DC is passing through the triac, it remains continuously on even if the gate current is reduced to zero .Once the battery is fully charged, charging section is cut-off from the battery due to energisation of relay RL2. This relay remains on even if the power fails because of connection to the battery via diode D10. S4, a normally closed switch, is included to manually restart the charging process if required. Battery disconnect and charging restart section comprises an timer wired in monostable mode. in low voltage state. Thus, relay RL3 is on and relay RL4 is off. But as soon as the battery voltage falls to about 10.2V (as set by preset VR1), zener diode D16 comes out of conduction, making pin 2 low and pin 3 high to turn on relay RL4 and orange LED D13. This also switches off relay RL3 and LED D15. Now, if the mains is available, charging restarts due to de-energisation of relay RL2 because when relay RL4 is on, it breaks the circuit of relay RL2 and triac TR1. But if the mains supply is not present, both relays RL3 and RL1 de-energise, disconnecting the battery from the remaining circuit. As a consequence, output pin 3 goes high during the monostable pulse period, forward biasing transistor T3 which goes into saturation, energising relay RL5. With auto/bypass switch S2 off (in auto mode), the load gets connected to supply via switch S3. If desired, the load may be switched during the day-time by flipping switch S2 to on position (manual). When the mains is present, diode D8 couples the input voltage to regulator IC1 whereas diode D10 feeds the input voltage to it (from battery) in absense of mains supply. Diode D5 connects the load to the power supply section via resistor R5 when mains is available (diode D18 does not conduct). However, when mains power fails, the situation reverses and diode D18 conducts while diode D5 does not conduct. . The load can be any bulb of 12 volts with a maximum current rating of 2 amperes (24 watts). Resistor R5 is supposed to drop approximately 12 volts when the load current flows through it during mains availability . Hence power dissipated in it would almost be equal to the load power. GRINDER: Principle of operation and comparison to synchronous motors: An induction motor (or asynchronous motor) is a type of alternating current motor where power is supplied to the rotor by means of electromagnetic induction.An electric motor converts electrical power to mechanical power in its rotor (rotating part). There are several ways to supply power to the rotor. In a DC motor this power is supplied to the armature directly from a DC source, while in an induction motor this power is induced in the rotating device. An induction motor is sometimes called a rotating transformer because the stator (stationary part) is essentially the primary side of the transformer and the rotor (rotating part) is the secondary side. The primary side's currents evokes a magnetic field which interacts with the secondary sides mmf to produce a resultant torque, henceforth serving the purpose of producing mechanical energy.

A 3-phase power supply provides a rotating magnetic field in an induction motor.The basic difference between an induction motor and a synchronous AC motor is that in the latter a current is supplied onto the rotor. This then creates a magnetic field which, through magnetic interaction, links to the rotating magnetic field in the stator which in turn causes the rotor to turn. It is called synchronous because at steady state the speed of the rotor is the same as the speed of the rotating magnetic field in the stator. By way of contrast, the induction motor does not have any direct supply onto the rotor; instead, a secondary current is induced in the rotor. To achieve this, stator windings are arranged around the rotor so that when energised with a polyphase supply they create a rotating magnetic field pattern which sweeps past the rotor. This changing magnetic field pattern induces current in the rotor conductors. These currents interact with the rotating magnetic field created by the stator and in effect causes a rotational motion on the rotor.

However, for these currents to be induced, the speed of the physical rotor must be less than the speed of the rotating magnetic field in the stator, or else the magnetic field will not be moving relative to the rotor conductors and no currents will be induced. If by some chance this happens, the rotor typically slows slightly until a current is re-induced and then the rotor continues as before. This difference between the speed of the rotor and speed of the rotating magnetic field in the stator is called slip. It is unitless and is the ratio between the relative speed of the magnetic field as seen by the rotor (the slip speed) to the speed of the rotating stator field. Due to this an induction motor is sometimes referred to as an asynchronous machine.
Formula:

The relationship between the supply frequency, f, the number of poles, p, and the synchronous speed (speed of rotating field), ns is given by:

where n = Revolutions per minute (rpm) f = AC power frequency (hertz) p = Number of poles (an even number) The rotor speed is:

where s is the slip.

Slip is calculated using:

A synchronous motor always runs at synchronous speed with 0% slip. Note on the use of p: Some texts refer to number of pole pairs instead of number of poles. For example a 6 pole motor would have 3 pole pairs. The equation of synchronous speed then becomes: where p is the number of pole pairs. RESULT:

INDUCTION MOTOR:

EMERGENCE LAMP:

STUDY OF ELECTRICAL WIRNG INTRODUCTION: Electrical wiring process of connecting electrical apparatus, appliances and fitting to the source of power through conductors. The wiring system should be properly designed and installed to provide constant voltage to the connected load. SAFETY IN WIRING: The following points should be taken care of while wiring is done 1. Wiring should be protected from heat and sunlight. 2. Do not give sharp angle bends to wires 3. Care should be taken that the insulation is not damaged 4. While passing through the walls heavy gauge conduit should be provided with wooden bushing on each side 5. While passing through floor and crossing through wall heavy gauge conduit should be used. 6. Proper earthling should be provided where ever necessary Types of standard Wires: Wires are made one or many stands of metallic wire put together and insulated properly with Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vulcanised India Rubber (VIR). PVC is the most preferred Insulator now days. The conductors are made of copper aluminium single core and multi core wires. A multi core has more than one core; each insulated from other and enclosed in common sheeting. The size of the wires is specified by the diameter of the wires by the standard wire gauge (SWG). System numbers indicating the numbers of stands and thickness of each stands, for example, a wire designated as 3/18 means that it consists of 3 stands of 18 gauge each. SIZE OF STANDARD WIRES Current Rating 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 2.5 amps 3.45 amps 4.5 amps 6.9 amps 10.35 amps 12.10 amps 13.8 amps Number of stands and dia in mm 15/0.2 24/0.2 32/0.2 23/0.3 28/0.3 50/0.25 44/0.3

BIS REGULATIONS, PERTAINING WIRING INSTALLATION 1. Residential building wiring The following types of wiring are used in residential building. Tough rubber sheathed (TRS) or PVC sheathed or battens wiring. Metal sheathed wiring system. Contact wiring system a) Rigid steel conduit wiring b) Rigid non metallic steel conduit wiring c) PVC casing and capping.

2. Sub circuits The types of sub circuits are Light and fan sub circuit Power sub circuit a) Light and fan sub -circuit Lights and fans may be wired on a common circuit. The load on each sub circuit shall be restricted to 800 watts. Each sub circuit shall not have more than a total of points of lights, fans and 6A Sockets-outlets b) Power sub circuits The load on each power sub circuit should normally be restricted to 3000 watts There should not be more than two outlets on each sub circuit. 3) Points to be considered while lighting in houses Lighting in houses is an important aspect of interior decoration. A switch shall be provided adjacent to the normal entrance to any area for controlling the general lighting in that area. The switches should be fixed on a usable wall space and should not be obstructed by a door or window in its fully open position. A two way switching is recommended for halls and staircases. In bedrooms, it is recommended that some lighting be controlled from the bed location. For bathrooms, it is recommended to use ceiling lighting with the switch located outside the bathroom. Waterproof lighting fitting should be used for outdoor lighting.

4) Points to be considered while providing sockets outlets All plugs and socket outlets shall be of 3-pin type, the appropriate pin of the socket being connected permanently to the earthling system. An adequate number of socket-outlets shall be placed suitably in all rooms in order to avoid the use of lengthy flexible cords. Only 3-pin, 6A socket outlets shall be used in all lights and fan sub circuits. In situations, where a socket outlet is accessible to children, it is recommended to use shuttered or interlocked socket outlets. It is recommended that 3-pin, 6A socket outlets may be provided near the shelves, book cases, clock position, probable bed position etc.

A recommended schedule of socket outlets for a residential building is given Below. Location 6A outlets 16A outlets

5. Points to be considered while providing fans. Ceiling fans shall be wired to ceiling roses or to special connector boxes. All ceiling fans shall be provided with switch besides its regulator. Fans should be suspended from hooks or shackles Basic House Hold wiring Wiring: Every conductor, switches and other accessories should be of proper sizes to be capable of carrying the maximum current, which will flow through them. The following table shows the rating for different accessories. All conductors should be of copper or aluminium. In power circuit, wiring should be designed for the load, which it is supposed to carry. Power sub circuits should be kept separate from lighting and sub circuits. Wiring should be done on the distribution system with main and branch distribution boards at convenient physical and electrical load centres. Wiring should look neat and have good appearance. Wires should pass through a pipe or box and it should not twist or cross. The conductors are carried in a rigid steel conduit conforming to standards or in a porcelain tube. Fittings and accessories: Ceiling rose It has one flexible attached to it. Specially designed ceiling roses are used for multiple pedants. Socket outlet A switch controls it, which is located near to it. The switch should be on the live side of the live. In earthed system of supply, a socket outlet with three pin plug type with third terminal being connected to the earth. Lamps It should be hung at a height of not less than 2.5m above floor level. Outdoor lamps External and road lamps should have weatherproof fittings. In verandas and similar exposed situation, lamp should be of fixed rod type. Ceiling fan Ceiling fans should be wired to ceiling roses to special connector boxes. Fan should be suitably clamped to the ceiling by suspending from hooks and suspension rods.

SAFETY PRACTICES IN WIRING 1. When closing the electric switch, always grasp the switch by the insulated handle.

2. Do not run too many electrical items from one point.

3. Use fuses and circuit breakers of proper capacity, so as to interrupt the current before it becomes dangerous.

4. Disconnect the units to be repaired free from power supply and make sure that they might not be energized while the repair work continues

5. Do not pour water to put off fires in electric wires and electric equipment. You will subject to electric shock or you will be electrocuted. Use sand to put off fires in electric items

6. whenever there is power failure, put-off the power supply to all equipment, in order to prevent spontaneous.

7. Never remove a plug from an outlet by puling the cord. Always pull by the plug.

8. While testing, always keep one hand in the pocket. If both the hands are in contact with circuit, a current will flow across your body and is more dangerous

9. Electricity has no respect for ignorance. Do not apply voltage or turn on any device until it has been properly tested

10. Check the earth connection before switching on portable equipment like drill guns etc.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES 1. Safeties first, work next. 2. Know your job and follow instructions. 3. Avoid wearing clothing that might catch, moving or rotating parts. Long sleeves of shirts, long hair, necktie and jewellers are definite hazards in he shop. 4. Wear safety shoes. Do not wear canvas shoes; they give no resistance to hard objects dropped on the fest.

5. Keep the area around the machine or work clean. 6. Keep away from revolving work.

7. Be sure that all guards are in place. 8. One person only should operate the machine controls.

9.

Use tools correctly and do not use them if the are not in proper working condition

10. Wear safety goggles when working in areas, where sparks or chips of metal are flying.

11. Never a) b) c) d)

Operate a machine unless you are authorized to do so. Start a machine unless you know how to do so. Walk away and leave a machine running. District or interfere with any one, operating a machine.

12. Get to know is in-charge of first- aid and where boxes are placed and where the first aid can be found in case of emergency.

STUDY OF SYMBOLS

Wires and connections Component Wire Circuit Symbol Function of Component To pass current very easily from one part of a circuit to another. A 'blob' should be drawn where wires are connected (joined), but it is sometimes omitted. Wires connected at 'crossroads' should be staggered slightly to form two T-junctions, as shown on the right. In complex diagrams it is often necessary to draw wires crossing even though they are not connected. I prefer the 'bridge' symbol shown on the right because the simple crossing on the left may be misread as a join where you have forgotten to add a 'blob'!

Wires joined

Wires not joined

Power Supplies Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component Supplies electrical energy. The larger terminal (on the left) is positive (+). A single cell is often called a battery, but strictly a battery is two or more cells joined together. Supplies electrical energy. A battery is more than one cell. The larger terminal (on the left) is positive (+). Supplies electrical energy. DC = Direct Current, always flowing in one direction. Supplies electrical energy. AC = Alternating Current, continually changing direction. A safety device which will 'blow' (melt) if the current flowing through it exceeds a specified value. Two coils of wire linked by an iron core. Transformers are used to step up (increase) and step down (decrease) AC voltages. Energy is transferred between the coils by the magnetic field in the core. There is no electrical connection between the coils. A connection to earth. For many electronic circuits this is the 0V (zero volts) of the power supply, but for mains electricity and some radio

Cell

Battery

DC supply

AC supply

Fuse

Transformer

Earth (Ground)

circuits it really means the earth. It is also known as ground. Output Devices: Lamps, Heater, Motor, etc. Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component A transducer which converts electrical energy to light. This symbol is used for a lamp providing illumination, for example a car headlamp or torch bulb. A transducer which converts electrical energy to light. This symbol is used for a lamp which is an indicator, for example a warning light on a car dashboard. A transducer which converts electrical energy to heat. A transducer which converts electrical energy to kinetic energy (motion).

Lamp (lighting)

Lamp (indicator)

Heater

Motor

Bell

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Buzzer

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound. A coil of wire which creates a magnetic field when current passes through it. It may have an iron core inside the coil. It can be used as a transducer converting electrical energy to mechanical energy by pulling on something.

Inductor (Coil, Solenoid)

Switches Component Push Switch (push-tomake) Push-to-Break Switch On-Off Switch (SPST) Circuit Symbol Function of Component A push switch allows current to flow only when the button is pressed. This is the switch used to operate a doorbell. This type of push switch is normally closed (on), it is open (off) only when the button is pressed. SPST = Single Pole, Single Throw. An on-off switch allows current to flow only when it is in the closed (on) position. SPDT = Single Pole, Double Throw. A 2-way changeover switch directs the flow of current to one of two routes according to its position. Some SPDT switches have a

2-way Switch (SPDT)

central off position and are described as 'onoff-on'. Dual On-Off Switch (DPST) DPST = Double Pole, Single Throw. A dual on-off switch which is often used to switch mains electricity because it can isolate both the live and neutral connections.

Reversing Switch (DPDT)

DPDT = Double Pole, Double Throw. This switch can be wired up as a reversing switch for a motor. Some DPDT switches have a central off position.

Relay

An electrically operated switch, for example a 9V battery circuit connected to the coil can switch a 230V AC mains circuit. NO = Normally Open, COM = Common, NC = Normally Closed.

Resistors Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component A resistor restricts the flow of current, for example to limit the current passing through an LED. A resistor is used with a capacitor in a timing circuit. Some publications still use the old resistor symbol: This type of variable resistor with 2 contacts (a rheostat) is usually used to control current. Examples include: adjusting lamp brightness, adjusting motor speed, and adjusting the rate of flow of charge into a capacitor in a timing circuit. This type of variable resistor with 3 contacts (a potentiometer) is usually used to control voltage. It can be used like this as a transducer converting position (angle of the control spindle) to an electrical signal. This type of variable resistor (a preset) is operated with a small screwdriver or similar tool. It is designed to be set when the circuit is made and then left without further adjustment. Presets are cheaper than normal variable resistors so they are often used in projects to reduce the cost.

Resistor

Variable Resistor (Rheostat)

Variable Resistor (Potentiometer)

Variable Resistor (Preset)

Capacitors Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component

Capacitor

A capacitor stores electric charge. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals. A capacitor stores electric charge. This type must be connected the correct way round. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals. A variable capacitor is used in a radio tuner. This type of variable capacitor (a trimmer) is operated with a small screwdriver or similar tool. It is designed to be set when the circuit is made and then left without further adjustment.

Capacitor, polarised

Variable Capacitor

Trimmer Capacitor

Diodes Component Diode LED Light Emitting Diode Zener Diode Circuit Symbol Function of Component A device which only allows current to flow in one direction. A transducer which converts electrical energy to light. A special diode which is used to maintain a fixed voltage across its terminals. A light-sensitive diode.

Photodiode

Transistors Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component

Transistor NPN

A transistor amplifies current. It can be used with other components to make an amplifier or switching circuit.

Transistor PNP

A transistor amplifies current. It can be used with other components to make an amplifier or switching circuit.

Phototransistor

A light-sensitive transistor.

Audio and Radio Devices Component Microphone Circuit Symbol Function of Component A transducer which converts sound to electrical energy.

Earphone

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Loudspeaker

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Piezo Transducer

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Amplifier (general symbol)

An amplifier circuit with one input. Really it is a block diagram symbol because it represents a circuit rather than just one component.

Aerial (Antenna)

A device which is designed to receive or transmit radio signals. It is also known as an antenna.

Meters and Oscilloscope Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component A voltmeter is used to measure voltage. The proper name for voltage is 'potential difference', but most people prefer to say voltage! An ammeter is used to measure current. A galvanometer is a very sensitive meter which is used to measure tiny currents, usually 1mA or less.

Voltmeter

Ammeter

Galvanometer

Ohmmeter

An ohmmeter is used to measure resistance. Most multimeters have an ohmmeter setting. An oscilloscope is used to display the shape of electrical signals and it can be used to measure their voltage and time period.

Oscilloscope

Sensors (input devices) Component Circuit Symbol Function of Component A transducer which converts brightness (light) to resistance (an electrical property). LDR = Light Dependent Resistor A transducer which converts temperature (heat) to resistance (an electrical property).

LDR

Thermistor