Symbols Name Meaning

Ground or Earth A ground symbol (IEC symbol

5017) identifies a ground
terminal. It can be used for a
zero potential reference point
from where current is
measured. It is also for
electrical shock protection.
There are a few different ground
symbols. The one we're
showing here is "Earth", but
there's also a Chassis and
Digital/Common ground with
slight variations to this symbol.
Resistor A resistor reduces current flow.
In a schematic, this is
represented with a few zig zag
squiggles. We're showing the
US/Japan version of this symbol
(IEEE). The UK uses a simple
box over a straight line (IEC).
There are also symbols for
variable and adjustable
resistors as well as thermal and
preset resistors.
Switch Disconnects the current when
open. We're showing a simple
SPST (single-pole single-throw)
toggle switch, but there are
variations for SPDT,
pushbutton, dip, relay, and
more. For a complete list of
switch symbols, check out
SmartDraw's electrical symbol
library.
Capacitor A capacitor symbol shows two
terminals running into plates.
The curved plate indicates that
the capacitor is polarized. The
curved side has lower voltage.
A small plus sign can be added
to the straight side indicated the
positive pin.
Fuse A fuse protects electrical circuits
by stopping the flow of current
when the intensity of current
exceed a set value. It does this
by melting a special wire.
 Antenna Marks a device, rod, or wire
designed to capture radio and
electromagnetic waves into
electrical signals and vice
versa.

Inductor An inductor is also called a coil

or reactor. The coils store
energy in a magnetic field or
flux. An inductor symbol looks
like a series of looped coils.

Transformer A transformer is two or more

coils coupled by magnetic
induction. It helps keep the
frequency and reduce tension in
an AC circuit.

Motor A motor is a device that can

transform electric energy into
mechanical energy.

Source Represents the power source for

your electronics. This symbol
represents a direct current (DC).
To represent AC current, you'd
replace the plus and minus sign
with a wave.
Battery Batteries are represented on a
schematic with a pair of
disproportionate, parallel lines.
The number of lines indicates the
number of series cells in the
battery.
Diode A diode only allows current to flow
in one direction. It's always
polarized with an anode (A,
positive) and cathode side (C,
negative).
Diode LED A diode LED is a standard diode
symbol with two small arrows
showing the emission of light.
Electrical Tech
Grade 11 Ricketts
Tevin Samuels