Interpreting CKT Diagrams and Electrical Plans

Interpret Circuit Diagrams, Electrical
Plans and Symbols
Description:
This learning element deals with commonly used electrical
symbols; reading and interpreting electrical plans and circuit diagrams.
Information Sheet 01
Reading Construction Plans
1. The illustration below shows a simple dwelling house. The walls, floors, ceilings doors,
windows and the roof of the house are built by masons and carpenters. The sanitary
installations, such as the water pipes. The sanitary fixtures and the sewage pipes are installed
by a plumber and the electrical installation providing illumination and electrical power is
installed by a building electrician.
2. The shape and the construction of the

house are usually designed by an
architect. He prepares the construction
plans which provide the technical
information required to build the house.
Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 1

3. For practical reasons, the layout plan is drawn as seen from above, giving us two of the
dimensions required for the construction work. The LENGH and the WIDTH.
(1) Bedrooms
(2) Bathroom
(3) Kitchen
(4) Dining and Living Room
4. The layout plan also shows the place of
(5) Entrance
each of the room in the house.
(6) Toilet
(7) Storeroom
(8) Corridor
5. To prepare and draw the construction

layout, the architects use SYMBOLS to
show the various parts of the
construction.
- walls
- pillars and columns

- beam
- chimneys
- window
- window with double glazing
- door

- door with a sill or stepping stone
6. Since it would be impossible for the architect to draw plans which are of the same size as the
house to be built, he draws these plans to a SCALE. He may choose various scales for various
purposes. The following scales are commonly used:
1:200 1 mm on the drawing is 200 mm in reality

1:20 1 mm on the drawing is. 20 mm in reality
7. The detailed measurements of the building and its rooms, walls, doors and windows are
provided in the MEASUREMENT PLAN. Using the Metric systems the measurements should
be in centimeters (cm). If the imperial system is used, the measurements should be in inches'(l
inch = 2.54 cm).
8. The measurements in a measurement plan

may be shown in different ways. The
most commonly used lays are shown
here.

9. The measurements of doors and windows

are shown in this way, the figure above
the line shows the width of the door or
the window and the figure below the line
shows the height.
10. The illustration shows a simple workshop building.
11. The layout plan is prepared in the same way as that of the dwelling house.

12. This is the layout plan of the workshop building. It is drawn to the scale 1:100.
13. This is the measurement plan of the building.

Self Check 01
Reading Construction Plans
Direction: Identify each of the items listed below and write the corresponding numbers in the empty
circle on the drawing.
(1) Window (2) Wall

(3) Chimney (4) Window with double glazing
(5) Door with sill (6) Measurement plan
(7) Pillar (8) Door
(9) Beam (10) Layout Plan

Identifying Electrical Symbols
Appendix A-Electrical Symbols

No. DESCRIPTION SYMBOL
1.1 Lightning Arrester
1.2 Surge Arrester
1.3 Ground (Earth)
1.4 Ground (Frame)
1.5 Service Entrance (Power)

2-w or 3-w
1.6 Service Entrance (Telephone)
1.7 Kilowatt-Hour Meter

or
1.8 Safety Switch

or
1.9 Disconnect Switch
1.10 Transfer Switch
1.11 Circuit Breaker
1.12 Fuse
1.13 Fuse Cutout
1.14 Main Distribution Panelboard
1.15 Power Panelboard


1.16 Lighting Panelboard
1.76 Motor Controller, 3-Pole Across-The-Line

Combination Type Motor, Controller;
1.18
ATL Starter Plus Fuse Disconnect Switch
Combination Type Motor, Controller;
1.19
ATL Starter Plus Circuit Breaker
1.20 OUTLETS Ceiling Wall
1. Incandescent Lamp
2. Vapor Discharge Lamp
3. Drop Cord Lamp
4. Exit lamp
5. Fluorescent Lamp
6. Lamp Outlet with Pull Switch

PS PS
7. Outlet with Blank Cover
8. Fan
9. Clock
10. Single Convenience
11. Duplex Convenience

2
12. Weatherproof Convenience
WP
13. Cooking Range

R
14. Convenience with Switch

SW
15. Special Purpose
(ACU, WH, D, R etc)
16. Floor (P,T,I)
17. Antenna
18. Microphone

19. Telephone
20. Intercom
SWITCHES
1. Single Pole S
2. Duplex (2 single pole switch on one switch plate) S2
3. Triplex (3 single pole switch on one switch plate) S3
4. Double Pole S2p
5. Three Pole S3p
6. Three-way S3w
7. Four-way S4w
8. Automatic Door SAD
9. Key-Operated SK
10. Master Selector SM
11. Remote Control SRC
1.22 Junction Box
1.23 Pull Box
1.24 Riser Up
1.25 Riser Down
1.26 Circuit Homerun (Number Indicates Circuit No.)
1.27 Pushbutton
1.28 Buzzer (Indicate Voltage)
1.29 Bell (Indicate Voltage)
1.30 Horn
1.31 Amplifier

1.32 Annunciator
1.33 Loudspeaker
1.34 Telephone Exchange

1.35 Telephone Terminal Cabinet
1.36 Fire Alarm System
1. Manual
2. Control Panel
3. Heat Detector
4. Flame Detector
5. Smoke Detector
6. Ionization Detector
1.37 Wiring Symbols (cross-lines indicate number of wires)

1. Conduit
2. Open Wiring –––––––
3. Underground —— – —— – ——
4. Emergency ——E ——E ——
5. Fire Alarm ——FA ——FA ——
6. Telephone ——T ——T ——
7. Intercom ——IC ——IC ——
8. Bell System ——B ——B ——
9. TV Antenna ——TV ——TV ——
10. Closed Circuit Television – CCTV – CCTV –
11. Music ——M——M——
12. Clock ——C——C——
1.38 Battery
1.39 Resistor
1.40 Inductor
1.41 Capacitor

Self Check 02
Identifying Electrical Symbols
IDENTIFICATION:
Direction: Identify the following symbols. Write the description of the symbols on the space
provided
1. ––––––– 2.
3. 4. 2
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 10.
2-w or 3-w
11. —— – —— – —— 12. S4w
13. 14.
or
15. WP
16. PS
17. S3 18. SW
19. 20.
21. 22. R
23. 24. S3w
25. 26.
27. SK 28.
29. 30.
31. 32.
33. 34.
35. 36.
or
37. 38.
39. 40.

Identifying Parts of Electrical Plan
ARTICLE 1.3 - ELECTRICAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

(Note: This part is lifted from Part 1 of the Philippine Electrical Code 2000)
1.3.1 General
1.3.1.1 Sheet Size. Electrical plans and drawings shall be drawn on sheets of the following standard
sizes:
760mm x 1000mm
600 mm x 900 mm
500 mm x 760 mm
1.3.1.2 Drawing Scale. Appropriate metric drawing scales shall be used.
1.3.2 Plans and Specifications
1.31.1 Plan Requirements.
(a) Location and Site Plans. Location and site plans, with proposed structure(s) and site drawn to
appropriate metric scale shall show:
(1) Bordering areas showing public or well-known streets, landmarks and/or structures which
need not be drawn to scale unless they extend into the area concerned;
(2) Location of service drop, service equipment and nearest pole of the utility company
furnishing electrical energy; location of the meter as well as sizes of service entrance wires, conduits
and service equipment
(3) Clearance of the path or run of service drops and entrance wires in adjacent existing and/or
proposed structures.
(b) Legend or Symbols. Refer to Appendix A - Electrical Symbols
(c) General Notes and/or Specifications. General Notes and/or Specifications, written on the plans
or submitted on separate standard size sheets shall show:
(1) Nature of electrical service, including number of phases, number of wires and voltage and
frequency;
(2) Type of wiring:
a. Service entrance.
b. Feeders. sub-feeders and branch circuit wires for lighting and/or power load,
c. Fire alarm system if required by law,
d. Signaling and communication.

(3) Special equipment to be installed, indicating ratings and classification of service or duty
cycle of;
a. Rectifiers,
b. Heaters,
c. X-ray apparatus,
d. Electric welding equipment,
e. Others.
(4) System or method of grounding:
(5) Type and rating of main disconnecting means, overcurrent protection (OCP) and branch
circuit wiring;
(6) Clearances of service drop, burial depth for service lateral, mounting height and clearance
for service equipment, mounting height and clearance for kWh meter.
(d) Electrical layout. Floor plan showing location of equipment and devices, and their
interconnection wiring.
(1) Plan for Power. Layout and wiring plans for power on the floor plans drawn to scale, shall
show:
a. Sizes and location of service entrance conductors, raceways, metering equipment, main
switchboard, layout of feeders and distribution panels or switches and their sizes, types
and ratings;
b. Complete circuits of motors and other electrical equipment, their controlling devices,
their locations and ratings;
c. (complete wiring of emergency power system, if any;
d. Nature of processes/activities carried out in each room or area
FPN: In residences, apartment houses and small commercial establishments, layout of

equipment and motors of one horsepower or less may be incorporated in the layout for General
Lighting and Receptacle Outlets. In general, layout of motors and power outlets not exceeding
a total of ten may be included in the lighting layout provided such inclusion will not make
reading, interpretation and/or checking of said plan difficult.
(2) Plan for Lighting and Receptacle Outlets. Layout and wiring plans for general lighting and
convenience outlets on floor plans drawn to scale shall show:
a. Location, type and rating of lighting fixtures, indicating illumination in lux in each room
or area. In residences, hotels, apartment houses, and churches, the illumination level in
each room or area need not be shown nor computed:
b. Location of switches for each fixtures or group of fixtures:
c. Location of receptacle outlets and appliances to be served and their ratings:
d. Complete circuits of the lighting and convenience outlets;
e. Complete wiring of emergency lighting system, if any:
f. A separate drawing showing layout of receptacle outlets may he made at the discretion of
the design engineer.
(3) Plan for Fire Detection and Alarm Circuits. Layout and wiring plans of fire alarm manual
stations, fire alarm bells, fire alarm control panels, and other fire alarm devices shall show:

a. Location of outlets, equipment and/or apparatus and controls;
b. Complete circuit showing no. and size of raceway and wire.
(e) Schedule of Loads. Schedule of load in tabulated form shall indicate:
(1) Motor Loads;
a. Motors as numbered or identified in power layout,

b. Type of motor.
c. Horsepower/kilowatt/kilovolt ampere rating,
d. Voltage rating,
e. Full-load current rating,
f. Frequency rating other than 60 hertz.
g. Number of phases.
h. Type and size of wiring,
i. Protective device rating.
(2) Lighting and Convenience Receptacle Loads;
a. Panel as numbered in the feeder diagram.

b. Circuit designation number,
c. Number of lighting outlets in each circuit,
d. Number of switches in each circuit.
e. Number of' receptacles (convenience outlets).
f. Voltage of circuit,
g. Type and size of wiring,
h. Protective device rating.
(3) Other Loads;
a. Designation number on plan,

b. Description of load.
c. Classification of service duty if required,
d. Rating of kilovolt-ampere or kilowatt,
e. Phase loading indicating full load line current,
f. Voltage rating,
g. Type and size of wiring,
h. Protective device rating.
(f) Design Analysis. Design analysis shall be included on the drawings or shall he submitted on
separate sheets of standard size, and shall show:
(1) Branch circuits, sub-feeders, feeders, busways, and service, entrance:

(2) Types, ratings, and trip settings of overload protective devices;
(3) Calculation of short circuit current for determining the interrupting capacity of overurrent
protection device;
(4) Calculation of voltage drops.
(g) One Line Diagram. One line diagram shall indicate:
(1) Lighting and Receptacle Outlet Loads;

a. Single line or schematics diagram of lighting and receptacles panelboards showing mains
and branch circuit rating:
b. Size of conductors for feeders.
(2) Motor Loads;
a. Rating in kilowatts/horsepower/kilovolt ampere,

b. full load current,
c. Locked rotor current,
d. Phase connection for 1 -phase motor on a 3-phase system,
e. Rated voltage,
f. Type and size of wiring, indicating load in amperes,
g. Electric motors shall be numbered consecutively to correspond to their numbers in the
layout.
(3) Feeders and Subfeeders;
a. Identification and/or labeling of feeders and subfeeders,

b. Size and type of wires and raceway,
c. Protective devices and controls,
d. The allowable ampacity of the conductor over the designed load current in amperes
expressed as a ratio and indicated along side the conductor.
(4) Load Center.
a. Identification and/or labeling of load center showing type and rating of transformer,
switches, circuit breaker and other related devices,
b. Incoming and outgoing feeders, type, size and voltage,
c. Equipment grounding.
1.3.2.2 Title Block. Title block or nameplate of plans and drawing shall be a standard strip of 40 mm
high at the bottom of the sheet. It shall contain the following:
(a) Name and location of installation or project;

(b) Name, signature and address of owner/manager/operator;
(c) Title of sheet;
(d) Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical Engineer together with Professional
Regulation Commission professional license number and validity, Professional Tax Receipt Number,
and Tax Identification Number:
(e) Scale used, date drawn; and
(f) Sheet number.
1.3.2.3 Other Details.
(a) Exposed conductors shall show:
(1) Means of support and types of insulators; and

(2) Spacings and clearances.
(b) Auxiliary gutters, wireways, busways, cabinets, boxes, metallic raceways, underground
installations, other than specified in the Code shall show:

(1) Installation details;
(2) Conductor supports, separators, and attachments where required by this Code and
(3) Dimensions and description or specifications.
(c) Private pole installations shall show:
(1) Construction and installation details and dimensions;

(2) Pole top wiring details including line hardware: and
(3) Guying details.
(d) Low energy power and low voltage power installation shall show:
(1) Details of battery installation and/or other source of low voltage or low energy power;
(2) Equipment, wiring, actuating mechanism and protective devices;
(3) Ventilation details whenever necessary.
1.3.3 Substation Plans and Specifications
1.3.3.1 Indoor Substation. Indoor substation plans shall show:
(a) Location and dimensions of;
(1) Substation in building plan drawn to scale,

(2) Building with respect to entire compound or property,
(3) Incoming and outgoing lines, and
(4) Windows, doors, and other openings.
(b) Substation structural requirements;
(1) Materials and construction of walls, floors, roof, windows, enclosures, doors, and their
dimensions, and
(2) Ventilation and drainage systems and other safeguards.
(c) Substation electrical requirements such as;
(1) Plan view showing location and sizes of equipment installed,

(2) Clearances and spacing between exposed current-carrying and noncurrent-carrying portions
and grounding equipment, and
(3) Grounding system.
(d) Cross sectional views showing;
(1) Horizontal and vertical clearances between exposed parts and adjacent surfaces,
(2) Horizontal and vertical clearances of exposed parts from floor/ceiling.
(3) Finished floor level and ground level.
(1) Specification of equipment,
(2) Wiring of lighting and remote control systems.
(3) One-Iine diagram(s) of entire installation with voltage indicated.
(e) Miscellaneous;
(1) Computations on size of wires, busbar, transformer, fuses, switches and breaker, and

(2) Class of insulation or insulators.
1.3.3.2 Outdoor Substation. Outdoor substation plans shall show same items as indoor substation
except that in lieu of walls and roof, details of fence and supporting steel structure shall be shown in
accordance with the latest edition of the Philippine Electrical Code, Part 2.

Self Check 03
Identifying Parts of Electrical Plan
FILL IN THE BLANKS:

Direction: Complete the sentences below by supplying the appropriate words. Write your answer on
the space provided.
1. Bordering areas showing public places or well known streets can be found in____________.
2. Nature of electrical service including number of phases, voltage and frequency are specified in
____________.
3. Branch circuit, sub feeders, feeders and busways, types and rating of overload protective
devices etc are shown in ____________.
4. A tabulated form which shows circuit designation number, number of lighting or power outlet
in a circuit, description of load is indicated in the _____________.
5. A plan showing location of equipment and their interconnection wiring are drawn in
_________________.
6. Type and rating of main disconnecting means, overcurrent protection (OCP) and branch circuit
wiring shall be shown in __________.
7. Location of receptacle outlets and appliances to be served and their ratings are indicated in
__________________.
8. Calculation of short circuit current for determining the interrupting capacity of overcurrent
protection device and calculation of voltage drops can be found in ___________________.
9. Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical Engineer together with Professional
Regulation Commission professional license number and validity, Professional Tax Receipt
Number, and Tax Identification Number shall be shown in ________________.
10. Single line or schematics diagram of lighting and receptacles panelboards showing mains and
branch circuit rating and size of conductors for feeders shall be found in ________________.
ENUMERATION:
Direction: Enumerate the following.
Standard sizes or electrical plans
1.
2.
3.
Parts of electrical plans
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Interpreting Electrical Plan
1. This is a floor plan layout, it show the location of the furniture, equipment and other electrical
appliances. This plan is used by electrical designers as basis for the location of the convenience
outlets, switch outlets, lighting outlets and other special purpose outlet.

2. This is a lighting circuit layout. The lighting circuit in this plan is divided into two circuit,
circuit 1 and circuit 2 as represented by the symbol circuit home run.
3. You will notice that the circuit home run symbol is pointing towards the power panel,
to represent that these circuits are connected to this power panel and each circuit is individually
protected by a circuit protection.
4. Circuit 1 is composed of two fluorescent lamps and four incandescent lamps. This means that
circuit 1 interconnects these lamps up to the power panel board.
5. Circuit 2 is also composed of two fluorescent lamps and four incandescent lamps. This means
that circuit 1 interconnects these lamps up to the power panel board.

6. These two incandescent lamps and 1 fluorescent lamp are controlled by 3-ganged switch. This
means each lamp is controlled by a single pole switches in one switch plate.

7. The fluorescent lamp in the kitchen is controlled by two three-way switches in two different
locations.
8. These two lamps are controlled by two-ganged switch. This means that each lamp is controlled
individually by a single pole switches in one switch plate.
9. These lighting outlets are individually controlled by one-ganged switch. You will notice that
the switches are located near the door for convenient access.

10. This is the power layout of the same electrical plan. There are six (7) circuits in this power
layout, three (3) circuits for small appliance load or sometimes called convenience outlets and
four (4) special purpose outlets.
11. Every small appliance load circuit in this plan is composed of four (4) duplex convenience
outlets interconnected with each other and guarded by a pair of circuit protection.
12. Special purpose outlet is an outlet that is specially designed to supply special
equipment/appliance like ACU in the master’s bedroom (circuit no.7), washing machine/drier
in the lavatory (circuit no 9), refrigerator and electric range in the kitchen circuit no 8 and 10
respectively).

13. The power panel, kWhr meter and service entrance are also included in the electrical plan to
show their actual locations.
14. This is a one-line diagram of this plan. It indicates single line diagram of lighting and
receptacles panelboards showing mains and branch circuit rating; size of conductors for
feeders, rated voltage and current of each circuit.
15. This is the schedule of load of this plan. It shows the description of each circuit, current,
voltage, size and type of wire, circuit breaker and conduit.

SCHEDULE OF LOAD
CKT NO OF SIZE OF
DESCRIPTION OUTLETS
A V VA CB RATING SIZE OF WIRE
NO. CONDUIT
2
1 LIGHTING OUTLET 6 2.61 230 600 15 AT 2P 2-2.0mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
2
2 LIGHTING OUTLET 6 2.61 230 600 15AT 2P 2-2.0mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
2
3 CONVENIENCE OUTLET 4 6.52 230 1,500 20 AT 2P 2-3.5mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
2
2
2
6 AIR CONDITIONING UNIT 1 10.00 230 2,300 20 AT 2P 2-3.5mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
2
7 REFRIGERATOR 1 4.35 230 1,000 20 AT 2P 2-3.5mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
2
8 LAUNDRY CIRCUIT 1 6.52 230 1,500 20 AT 2P 2-3.5mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
2
9 ELECTRIC RANGE 1 8.70 230 2,000 20 AT 2P 2-3.5mm THHN 20 mm uPVC
10 SPARE
11 SPARE
12 SPARE
TOTAL 54.35 12,500
COMPUTATION:
LIGHTING RECEPTACLE
12 LO @100VA EACH 1,200 VA
SMALL APPLIANCE LOAD

3 CO CIRCUITS @1500VA EACH 3,000 VA
LAUNDRY CIRCUIT
1 CIRCUIT @1500VA EACH 1,500 VA
TOTAL 5,700 VA
APPLICATION OF DEMAND FACTOR
FIRST 3,000 VA @ 100% DEMAND FACTOR 3,000 VA
REMAINDER @ 35% DF (2,700 VA X 35%) 945 VA
3,945 VA
OTHER LOAD
1000 VA REF @ 100% DF 1,000 VA
1.5 HP ACU @ 100% DF (10 A X 230 V) 2,300 VA
RANGE @ 2,000 VA @ 100% DF 2,000 VA
TOTAL NET COMPUTED LOAD 9,245 VA
SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTOR

TOTAL FULL LOAD CURRENT
[9,245 VA + 25% (2300)] ÷ 230 V] = 42.7 A
USE 2-8.0MM 2 AND 1-5.5MM 2 THW FOR SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
SERVICE EQUIPMENT
[9,245 VA + 250% (2300)] ÷ 230 V] = 65.2 A
USE 70 AT, 2-POLE, MOLDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER

16. This is the general notes and specification of this plan. These indicate nature of electrical
service, voltage, type of wiring to be used, mounting height of receptacle and kWhr meters,
etc. this will guide the electrician on the specification of electrical installation.
NOTES AND SPECIFICATION

1. All works herein shall be done in accordance with the latest
provision of the Philippine Electrical Code and Local Building
Code.
2. The nature of electrical service shall be 1Φ-3-wire, 240V, 60
Hz alternating current.
3. The service entrance conductor shall be stranded building
wire 8.0 mm2, THW; and 5.5mm2 as grounding conductor.
4. The mounting height of electric service kWhr meter shall be
1.700 mm above finished floor level.
5. The conductors to be installed shall be stranded building wire,
THHN made by Phelps Dodge and the sizes are as follows;
 Lighting circuit………………………….………….2.0 mm2

 Convenience receptacle circuit………………….3.5 mm2
 Air conditioning unit……………………………....3.5 mm2
6. Grounding conductor shall be provided in ACU, convenience

receptacles and laundry circuit.
7. The mounting height of receptacles and panel board above
finished floor shall be;
 Panel board………………………………………1,600 mm
 Switch outlets……………..………………….…..1,400 mm
 Convenience receptacle.…………………..….….300 mm
 Convenience receptacle-counter top……….....1,000 mm
8. The conduit to be used shall be uPVC, Neltex or its

equivalent, thick wall, 20 mm diameter, in some
circumstances where uPVC is impractical to install, flexible
non-metallic conduit of approved type may be used.
9. All wiring installation shall be installed with approved type
connectors and fitting in accordance with the existing
electrical code standards.
10. All works herein shall be done under direct supervision of duly
licensed electrical engineer or registered master electrician.

17. This is the location and site plan; it is included in the plan to show the location of site of the
proposed project. It shows public or well-known streets, landmarks or structures.
18. The parts described can be found in a single sheet of standard size electrical plan, but
sometimes these can be drawn in several sheets due to the size and scale used.
19. Mostly, electrical plans particularly the lighting and power layout are drawn in scale of 1:100
meters. This means that 1 unit of measure in the plan equals 100 units in the actual situation.
Example; if a convenience outlet in the plan is measured 1 mm away from the wall; it is
measured 100 mm away from the wall in actual situation.

Self Check 04
Interpreting Electrical Plan
Test I: Electrical Plan Interpretation

Direction: Interpret the electrical plans below by answering the following questions concisely.
1. How many fluorescent lamps are there in OFFICE 3?

2. Describe how the lamps are controlled in OFFICE 4.
3. How many fluorescent lamps are there in CIRCUIT 2?
4. Describe how the lamps are controlled in CIRCUIT 4.
5. How many fluorescent lamps are there in the pathway? Describe how these lamps are
controlled.
6. Which of the circuits in the lighting lay out has incandescent lamps?
7. How many circuits are there in this lighting lay out?
8. How many incandescent lamps are there in the plan?
9. Describe how the lamps are controlled in OFFICE 1.

Self Check 04
10. How many circuits are there in this power circuit lay out?
11. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in CIRCUIT 9?

12. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in OFFICE 1?
13. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in the pathway?
14. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in OFFICE 2?
15. How many duplex convenience outlets are there in CIRCUIT 5?

Interpreting Circuit Diagrams
1. There are different kinds of diagram used to represent electrical installation.
2. This is an INSTALLATION LAYOUT DIAGRAM. It is used to present information on the

actual locations of each components and exact measurement of the installation.
(1) MS-Main switch (Safety Switch)
(2) COB-Cutout Box
(3) Incandescent lamp
(4) Junction box
(5) Single pole switch
(6) Raceway
3. In this diagram, you will see lamp (3) and a single pole switch (5). Depressing the switch (S)
will light the lamp.

4. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM clearly shows

the path of current or actual connection of
the circuit. Emphasis on the location of
electrical component is not necessary in
this diagram. This type of diagram is
used when tracing and analyzing
electrical circuit. Converting the
installation diagram in number 2 into a
schematic diagram will look like this.
5. Depressing the single pole switch (S) will

make the circuit complete (close)
allowing the current to flow from source
L1 to the lamp and then from lamp to
switch, from switch back to the source L2
which make the lamp light.
6. The WIRING DIAGRAM shown in the

figure is just like a combination of
installation layout and schematic
diagrams. The connection of the circuit is
the same as in schematic diagram, but the
conductors are assumed to be traveling
inside the raceway and the electrical
components are situated where they
should be as sketched in the installation
layout. (See again the installation layout
in number 2 and try to figure out where
the components are located).Moreover,
this type of diagram will help the
electrician determine how many wires are
to be inserted in a particular conduit run.

Self Check 05
Interpreting Circuit Diagram
Test I: IDENTIFICATION
Direction: Identify the following diagram. Write the corresponding number of the type of
diagram;
(1) Installation Layout Diagram
(2) Schematic Diagram
(3) Wiring Diagram
Test II: ESSAY

Explain the difference among installation layout diagram, schematic diagram and wiring
diagram.

Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-Lighting Circuit With

One Way Switch
1. To illuminate this little room, only one

lamp is needed, which in this case is
mounted to the ceiling of the room.
2. As this room has only one door, the lamp

Schematic Electrical Symbol
is operated by one switch. The switch
which is used in this lighting circuit is a
S
ONE-WAY (SINGLE POLE) SWITCH.
3. The lamp, the switch and the electrical

supply are inter-connected in a junction
box.
4. This is the architectural diagram of the

above lighting circuit.

5. This is the wiring diagram of the

architectural diagram shown on the
previous page. To illustrate the function
of this circuit, it is shown once with the
switch in its OFF position and once with
the switch in operated (ON) position.
6. This is the schematic diagram of the

above wiring diagram. It is also shown
with the switch in ON and OFF position.

7. Additional lamps can be connected to

this lighting circuit, as shown by this
circuit diagram. The lamps are connected
in parallel. They are switched on and off
at the same time by the same switch.
8. Each lamp can also be connected directly

to the terminals in the junction box, as
shown by this wiring diagram.
9. The lamps may be connected the other

way as shown, depending on the
situation. In this situation additional
junction boxes are provided.

Self Check 06
Interpreting Circuit Diagram- Lighting Circuit With One

Way Switch
DIAGRAMMING:
Direction: Draw the schematic diagram and wiring diagram of the given installation layout
diagram below.
1.
2.

Self Check 06
3.
4.

Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-Lighting Circuit With

Three-Way Switch
1. This room as two points of entry. To illuminate it sufficiently, one lamp is mounted at the center
of its ceiling
2. This is the architectural diagram of the

above lighting circuit.
3. To be able to switch this lamp ON and OFF Schematic Symbol Electrical Symbol
from each point of entry to the room, two
three-way switches are used in this room.
S3w

4. This is the wiring diagram of the above

architectural diagram. To show the
functions of this circuit, it is shown here
with its switches in their different operating
positions. In this position, the lamp is OFF.
5. Toggling the three-way switch on the left

will lit the lamp.
6. Turning OFF the switch on the right will

turn the lamp OFF.

7. This is the schematic diagram of the above

wiring diagram. It is also shown with the
switches in their different operating
positions.
8. Additional lamps can be connected to this

circuit as shown in this diagram. The lamps
are connected parallel to each other. They
are switch ON and OFF at the same time by
the same switch.

9. The lamps can be connected inside the

junction boxes.
10. The lamps may be connected the other way

as shown, depending on the situation. In this
situation additional junction boxes are
provided.

Self Check 07
Interpreting Circuit Diagram- Lighting Circuit With

Three-way Switch
DIAGRAMMING:
Direction: Complete the diagram below by connecting each component.
1.
2.

Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-Lighting Circuit

Controlled in Three Different Locations by Three-way
and Four-way Switches
1. This room as three points of entry. To illuminate it sufficiently, one lamp is mounted at the
center of its ceiling and controlled by switches in each entry point for convenience. The lamp
can be turn ON or OFF in either switches.
2. To be able to switch this lamp ON and

OFF from each point of entry to the room,
Schematic Symbol Electrical Symbol
two three-way and one four-way switches
are used in this room. The symbols for
four-way switch are shown on the figure.
(three-way switch were already discussed
in the previous information sheet) S4w

3. This is the wiring diagram of the above

architectural diagram. To show the
functions of this circuit, it is shown here
with its switches in their different
operating positions. In this position, the
lamp is OFF.
4. Toggling the three-way switch on the left

will lit the lamp.
5. Toggling the four-way switch will turn

OFF the lamp.

6. This is the schematic diagram of the above

wiring diagram. It is also shown with the
switches in their different operating
positions.
7. By connecting one or more four-way

switches in-line with three-way switches
at either end, the light can be controlled
from three or more locations. Toggling
any switch changes the state of the light
from OFF to ON, or ON to OFF: The
figure shows that the lamp is OFF.
8. Pressing the three way switch to the left

changes the state of lamp from OFF to ON
9. Then by pressing the four-way switch

turns OFF the lamp.

10. Pressing the three-way switch to the right

turns the lamp ON again.
11. Pressing again the left three-way switch

turns OFF the lamp.
12. Just add another four-way switch between

three-way switches to control the lamp in
four or more locations as shown in the
figure.

Self Check 08
Interpreting Circuit Diagrams-Lighting Circuit

Controlled in Three Different Locations by Three-way
and Four-way Switches
DIAGRAMMING:
1. Complete the diagram below by connecting each component.
2. Draw the schematic and installation layout diagram of number 1.

Interpreting CKT Diagrams and Electrical Plans

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Interpreting CKT Diagrams and Electrical Plans

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Interpret Circuit Diagrams, Electrical

Plans and Symbols

Reading Construction Plans

2. The shape and the construction of the

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 1

5. To prepare and draw the construction

- pillars and columns

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 2

- window with double glazing

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 3

- door with a sill or stepping stone

1:200 1 mm on the drawing is 200 mm in reality

8. The measurements in a measurement plan

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 4

9. The measurements of doors and windows

10. The illustration shows a simple workshop building.

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 5

13. This is the measurement plan of the building.

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 6

Reading Construction Plans

(1) Window (2) Wall

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 7

Identifying Electrical Symbols

Appendix A-Electrical Symbols

1.1 Lightning Arrester

1.2 Surge Arrester

1.3 Ground (Earth)

1.4 Ground (Frame)

1.5 Service Entrance (Power)

1.7 Kilowatt-Hour Meter

1.8 Safety Switch

1.9 Disconnect Switch

1.10 Transfer Switch

1.11 Circuit Breaker

1.13 Fuse Cutout

1.14 Main Distribution Panelboard

1.15 Power Panelboard

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 8

No. DESCRIPTION SYMBOL

1.76 Motor Controller, 3-Pole Across-The-Line

2. Vapor Discharge Lamp

3. Drop Cord Lamp

6. Lamp Outlet with Pull Switch

7. Outlet with Blank Cover

10. Single Convenience

11. Duplex Convenience

13. Cooking Range

14. Convenience with Switch

16. Floor (P,T,I)

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 9

No. DESCRIPTION SYMBOL

1.23 Pull Box

1.25 Riser Down

1.26 Circuit Homerun (Number Indicates Circuit No.)

1.28 Buzzer (Indicate Voltage)

1.29 Bell (Indicate Voltage)

No. DESCRIPTION SYMBOL

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 10

1.34 Telephone Exchange

1.37 Wiring Symbols (cross-lines indicate number of wires)

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 11

Identifying Electrical Symbols

Learning Element: Installing Electrical Wiring 12