ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS

INTRODUCTION
Electrical diagrams are drawings in which lines, symbols, letter and
number combinations are used to represent electrical circuits.
 In some plants, electrical diagrams may also be called prints, or blue
prints

Electrical drawings are valuable tools for

 Making new electrical installations
 Locating electrical problems
 Modifying existing circuits
Symbols
Symbols are used to standardize the reading of electrical diagrams.
Electrical diagrams use a variety of symbols to represent
component in electrical circuit

Two tables that are helpful in understanding electrical diagrams are:

American standard device function number

 Identifies the general function of electrical devices in terms of
number designation
Standard diagram abbreviation table
 Lists abbreviations that are used to identify components
 Drafting Practices Using Graphical Symbols

(a) The orientation of a symbol on a drawing does not alter the meaning of the
symbol.
This is true even if the symbol is drawn backwards. A symbol is made up of all
its various parts.

(b) The weight (or width) of a line does not affect the meaning of the symbol. In
some cases a heavier line may be used for emphasis.

(c) Symbols are not drawn to scale. They can be drawn to any size compatible with
the scale of the drawing.

(d) Arrowheads can be drawn closed or open, except when showing a "protective
gap" (a gap placed between line parts and the ground which limits the maximum
over-voltage that may occur.)
(e) The standard symbol for a terminal (o) can be added to any one of the graphic
symbols where connecting lines are attached. This added terminal symbol is not
a part of the graphic symbol itself.

(f) In order to make a drawing simpler, graphic symbols for devices such as relays
or contactors may be drawn in parts. However, if this is done the drawing must
show how the parts are related.

(g) Most often, it does not matter at which angle a connecting line is drawn to meet
a graphic symbol.

(h) Broken lines with short dashes: - - - - - - , may be used to show paths or
equipment that will be added to the circuit later, or those which are connected to
the circuit but are not part of it.

(i) If details such as type, impedance, and rating are to be given, they should be
drawn next to a symbol. If abbreviations are used, they should be in accordance
with the American Standard Abbreviations for Use on Drawings. Letters that are
joined together and use parts of graphic symbols are not abbreviations.
Information found on electrical diagrams
Title block
Title block is usually located in the bottom right hand corner of an
electrical diagram
 It contains information that identifies the diagram

Notes
The notes on an electrical diagram usually give detailed information about
certain parts of the diagram and/or list other reference that may be needed
Legend
Legend identify symbols and designations that are used on electrical
diagrams
 Some times, the legend is a part of the diagram sheet but, in many
cases ,it is separate sheet

Suffix Letters
Suffix letters are used with device function number for various purpose. In
order to prevent possible conflict, any suffix letter used singly, or any
combination of letters, denotes only one word or meaning in individual
equipment
For purpose of clarification, these suffix letter have been classified in
several groupings
Types of Diagrams
One-Line Diagram
A one-line diagram, which is also called a single-line diagram, is the most
commonly used diagram in an industrial power system.

Purpose
 Interpreting the scope of a proposed installation of a power system.
 Serving as a basis to produce project drawings.
 Analyzing power system problems.
 Determining which circuit interrupters must be opened to safely isolate
electrical apparatus.
Characteristics

 A one line diagram uses

 Single lines
 Standard graphical symbols
 Standard nomenclature

 A one line diagram shows the power path of an electrical circuit or a system of
circuit

 A one line diagram also shows the component devices or a parts of a power
system
 The multiple conductors of power circuits and control circuits are shown
as single lines
 SUB – 91, SUB – 82 – Substation 91, Substation – 82 respectively.
 UNIT SUB – XY (TYPICAL) – A typical Unit Substation.
 DG BUILDING (TYPICAL) – A typical Emergency Diesel Generator Building.
 A0, A1, B0, B1.C0 – 230 kV SF6 Circuit Breakers
 A2, A3, B2, B3, C2 – 34.5 kV Circuit Breakers.
 GILBS 1, GILBS 2 – SF6 Gas Insulated Load Break Switch
Assembly.
 A4, A5, B4, B5 – 34.5 kV SF6 Load Break Switches
 A6, B6, C6 – 4.16 kV Vacuum Circuit Breakers.
 A6.1, B6.1 – 4.16kV Vacuum Circuit Breakers / Vacuum
 Contactors
 A7, A7.1, A7.2, B7, B7.1, C.7 – 480V Air Circuit Breakers.
 A8 – 480V Emergency Automatic Transfer
Switch (EATS)
 A9 ─ 480 V MCCB
 T11, T12 – 34.5kV / 4.16 kV Distribution Transformers.
 T21, T22 − 34.5kV / 480V Distribution Transformers.
Three-Line diagram
Purpose
Three line diagram provides detailed information pertaining to
three-phase circuitry that is not shown on a one-line diagram

 Three-line diagrams help plant maintenance and operations

personnel to understand power system operations
 They are also used to develop metering and protective relay wiring
drawing
characteristics
A three-line diagram represents power system components
using the same standardized symbols as a one line diagram
plus an additional set of standardized symbols that are also
used in schematic and wiring diagrams

 Unlike one-line diagram, a three-line diagram shows

every conductor of a power circuit as an individual line
Schematic Diagrams
Purpose
Schematic diagrams shows circuit elements and internal connections in an
arrangement that allows a technician to interpret the function and operational
logic of an electrical control circuit
Characteristics
 Schematic diagrams are composed using the same standardized symbols
as one-line, three-line, and wiring diagrams.
 Schematic diagrams show all terminals and connections of functional
devices.
 Figure shows a typical schematic diagram of a motor circuit and its
associated one-line diagram.
Types of Schematic diagrams
Internal Schematic Diagrams - show only the internal
circuits of a single physical device. Figure (a) is an example of an internal
schematic diagram. It represents the internal circuits of a protective relay.
External Schematic Diagrams - show the internal circuits
of physical devices but additionally show the external circuits that conduct
input and output signals into and out of the devices. Figure (b) shows the
elements of the same relay that is shown in Figure (a) but also shows the
external circuit that connect this relay to other physical devices.
Elementary Diagrams -- show all of the operational elements and
all of the circuits of a complete electrical control system. An elementary
diagram is often used to represent the complete control circuit of an electrical
substation.

Ladder Diagrams -- are commonly used for understanding and

designing system control logic. A ladder diagram is a top-down logical line
schematic: logical because it moves from power input at the top through
sequential operations. Figure shows a ladder diagram that represents a generator
control circuit.
Wiring Diagrams
 A wiring diagram uses standardized symbols to show the physical devices
of an electrical control panel and lines to show the wires that connect these
devices to each other.
Purpose
 Wiring diagrams are used by equipment manufacturers to install
wires in electrical equipment such as switchboard and panels.
 They are also used to show the necessary interconnection wiring
between electrical equipment.
 For example, one type of wiring diagram, called an interconnection
diagram, is used to show the wiring between two or more
switchboards.
Characteristics
 Wiring diagrams show functional devices in their correct relative physical
locations.
 Standardized and non-standard symbols are used to represent these functional
devices.
 Lines are used to represent single conductors.
 Multiple conductors that are bundled together or that are installed in the same
channel are shown as a single line with radial branches to show the locations
where single conductors or other bundles leave the path of the main-trunk
bundle.
 Each representation of a conductor is labeled with an identifying number
(conductor number).
Logic Diagrams
Logic diagrams show the logic for complex circuits, processes, or devices.
Logic diagrams utilize block-type and standardized logic-function symbols
to represent highly complex functions that are performed either by
integrated processing modules or by individual devices.
Purpose
Logic diagrams enable the equipment users to understand the related logic
functions of devices or processes without requiring specific knowledge of
their internal operations.
Characteristics

 Logic diagrams utilize rectangular shaped blocks and standardized logic-

function symbols to represent highly complex functions, processes, or devices.
 Each block contains a written description or a logic symbol that indicates the
function of the block.
 On a logic diagram, straight lines represent the paths of process-control signals.
 The points where these signal paths are illustrated as entering or leaving a
block represent the input and output signals of the block.
 Logic diagrams are also used to represent the functions of an integrated control
system that comprises several physically separated devices and electrical
circuits.
 Numbering System Format
Major Electrical Equipment
The following numbering system shall be used for major electrical equipment in the
primary power distribution system, power supplies to process equipment, essential
power distribution systems, instrument power supplies, and supervisory systems.
The format is “XX-XX-XXXXXX” and is composed of the following parts:
 Note 1: The equipment category code shall consist of two to five letters and is a
unique code for each piece of electrical equipment.

 Note 2: The WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) unit number shall be per the
requirements of specification.

 Note 3: The voltage number is a two-digit number that identifies the voltage
level as follows:
01 - 230 kV
10 - 34.5 kV
20 - 13.8 kV
30 - 4.16 kV and 2.4 kV
40 - 480 V and below
 Note 4: The serial number is a two-digit number that starts at 01.
Each piece of electrical equipment has a unique serial number for
its category and substation. Substations do not have serial number.

 Note 5: A single letter (usually starts at A) is used to identify two or

more identical pieces of equipment in the same service, such as a
shared serial number by two transformers connected to the same
double ended switchgear or a shared serial number by two battery
chargers connected to a set of battery.
CATEGORY CODES
EXAMPLES:

1. ESWG-83-2001A
ESWG -Essential Switchgear
83 -WBS unit number
20 -The voltage level of this equipment is 13.8 kV
01 -The first equipment in this series of this type of equipment
A -Connected to bus A

2. XFR-70-1001B
XFR -Power Transformer
70 -WBS unit number
10 -The voltage level of this equipment is 34.5 kV
01 -The first equipment in this series of this type of equipment
B -Connected to bus B
3. MCC-84-4003B1 or MCC-84-4003B2
MCC Motor Control Center
84 WBS unit number
40 The voltage level of this equipment is 480 volts
03 The third equipment in this series of this type of equipment
B Connected to bus B
1 or 2 The first or the second MCC connected to bus B

4. SUB-82
SUB Substation
82 WBS unit number

Note that substations do not have a voltage number or serial number.

Minor Electrical Equipment
The following numbering system shall be used for minor electrical
equipment such as lighting panelboards, terminal boxes and other
equipment not listed as major equipment:

The format is “XXX-XX-X” and is composed of the following parts:

Note 1: The equipment category code shall consist of two to four letters and is
a unique code for each type of minor electrical equipment.

Note 2: The WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) unit numbers refer to the
requirements of specification.

Note 3: Each type of minor electrical equipment has a unique letter

designation assigned to it. All distribution panels shall be considered one
type of minor electrical equipment and shall not share common letter
designation.
EXAMPLES:

1. ELP-82-A
ELP -Essential Lighting Panel
82 -WBS unit number
A -Unique letter designation

2. PP-82-B
PP -Power Panel
82- WBS unit number
B -Unique letter designation