COMMON ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

Electrical Symbols are small drawings or pictograms used to represent various electrical devices
in a diagram or plan of an electrical circuit. These symbols are used in sketching schematic
diagrams and electrical plans for numerous types of electrical works. Practically any electrical
fixture found in a house has a symbol that coincides to said fixture on an electrical wiring
diagram. These are very useful guide for an electrician or electrical contractor, thus, making the
wiring easier to install as well.
 ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM

 The flow of current in a conductor or wire can be represented by diagram. There are two
types of diagram: pictorial diagram and schematic diagram.

A. Pictorial diagram is a sketch of electrical circuit that shows the external appearance of each
component. It is much like a photograph of the circuit and uses simple images of parts.

B. Schematic diagram is a sketch showing the components of the circuit using standard electrical
symbols. It shows the actual number of components and how the wiring is routed but not the
actual location.

C. Types of Circuit 1. Series Circuit is a circuit in which lamps are arranged in a chain, so that the
current has only one path to take. The current is the same through each load. Example of this is
the Christmas lights. It consists of a number of bulbs that are connected side by side to meet the
voltage requirement which is 220 volts for alternating current.
2. Parallel Circuit is a circuit in which lamps are connected across the wires. The voltage across
each load on parallel circuit is the same. The advantage of using parallel circuit is that even if one
of the lamps fails, still the remaining lamps will function.
 ELECTRICAL SIGNS

 Your power tool with its manual may contain "WARNING ICONS" (a picture symbol intended to
alert you to, and/or to instruct you how to avoid a potentially hazardous condition). Knowing and
understanding these symbols will help you operate your tool better and more safely.

Electrical signs and stickers alert students, workers, and visitors to electrical hazards in the area.
Alerting workers to high voltage areas, electrical hazards, power lines and other electrical
equipment in the area, can help prevent fires and injuries. Proper electrical signs can inform
workers of the dangers in the area.
SERIES CIRCUIT

 A series circuit is a circuit where there is only one path from the source through all of the loads
and back to the source. This means that all of the current in the circuit must flow through all of the
loads.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

 A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract,

graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
A schematic usually omits all details that are not relevant to the information the schematic is
intended to convey, and may add unrealistic elements that aid comprehension.
PARALLEL CIRCUIT
- A parallel circuit has two or more paths for current to flow through.
- Voltage is the same across each branch/component of the parallel circuit.
- The charge divides into multiple pathways, passing through only one of the branches. Any charge that
passes through Bulb 1, will not pass through Bulb 2 or Bulb 3.