Would human lives be the same without electricity and electronics? We all know the answer to that. This is one of the most critical and recognized branches of modern engineering. The mesh functions of wires, switches, sources, and grounds all work together incredibly. That ensures a seamless and uninterrupted flow of electric currents. Do you already have a grasp of basic electronics? Then you already know the critical role of circuit symbols and names.
Circuit symbols and names are small images that represent an electrical or electronic device or function. Circuit symbols and names are used for creating diagrams. And these diagrams show how a circuit is connected. They are essential in designing circuits or making printed circuit boards for a project.
If you’re working on coding for such projects and need guidance, programming homework help can provide the support necessary to navigate complex circuit simulations and ensure your software matches your schematic designs.
Below, we will describe 100 critical electrical and electronic circuit symbols and names for your reference. They are crucial to creating appropriate circuit designs. Furthermore, they can showcase information on the wirings, locations of the equipment, layout, and details. Finally, it will be convenient for you to arrange these components in the future if done correctly.
1. Circuit Symbols and Names for Wires:
Wires are the components that allow current to pass quickly from one part of the circuit to another. They can be characterized as single and made with flexible materials. They will enable you to connect power supplies to the printed circuit board (PCB) and between the components. The wires are classified into various types that are discussed below.
Components | Circuit symbol | Function |
Wires | The very basic version of the wire, allowing the current to pass from one component to another. | |
Joined wires | The wires can be connected, and the connection can be defined as ‘joined wires.’ The joining points of the wires are called ‘blob.’ The blob might sometimes be omitted in some circuit designs. | |
Disjointed wires | In complex diagrams, it is often necessary to draw wires crossing even though they aren’t connected. In this case, bridging is commonly utilized – as pictured in the circuit symbol. | |
Input bus line | The input bus line represents a bus for input or incoming data. | |
Output bus line | The output bus line represents a bus for output or outgoing data. | |
Terminal | The terminal represents the start or endpoint. | |
Bus line | The bus line represents several conductors joined together to form a bus wire. |
2. Circuit Symbols and Names for Switches:
Simply, a switch is an electronic component that will allow you to connect the circuits according to your wish. If the switch is closed, then that will enable the circuits to be connected. However, if it is open, then it will break the connection, resulting in disconnected circuits. Below are the circuit symbols and names of different types of switches.
Components | Circuit symbol | Function |
Push switch | The push switch allows the current to flow only when the button is pushed. Thus, the function mimics the operation of a doorbell. | |
Push-to-break switch | Normally, the push-to-break switch is closed (on); it will open (off) when the button is pushed. | |
On-off switch (SPST) | SPST means Single Pole, Single Throw. The on-off switch will allow you to ensure that the current flows only when it is in the closed position. | |
2-way switch (SPDT) | SPDT means Single Pole, Double Throw. It is a 2-way changeover switch that allows conducting the flow of current to one of two routes. | |
Dual on-off switch (DPST) | DPST means Double Pole, Single Throw. It is a dual on-off switch, and it can isolate both the live and neutral connections. Mainly used for electrical lines. | |
Reversing switch (DPDT) | DPDT means Double Pole, Double Throw. It can be rewired up as a reversing switch, which is helpful in a motor. | |
Relay | Usually found hidden in devices, it is a simple electrically operated switch. They are made with an electromagnet and a set of contacts. |
3. Circuit Symbols and Names for Power Supplies:
A Power supply or (a power supply unit) functions to supply electrical energy to the load and a device by definition. Watts is the measuring unit for the flow of electrical current. It serves to transform the energy from one form to another according to our requirements. The power supplies are classified into various types. Have a look at the chart below for the circuit symbols and names for those types.
Components | Circuit symbol | Function |
Cell | The cell is defined to supply electrical energy. The positive (+) one is the more significant terminal on the left. | |
Battery | The battery is defined as the collection of more than one cell to supplying electrical energy. The positive (+) one is the bigger terminal on the left. | |
DC supply | DC means Direct Current, which denotes constantly flowing in one direction. It supplies electrical energy. | |
AC supply | AC means Alternating Current, which denotes current continually changing directions. It supplies electrical energy. | |
Constant Current Source | The symbol showcases an independent current source that delivers constant current. | |
Controlled Current Source | This symbol showcases a dependent current source. It usually depends on other sources (voltage or current). | |
Controlled Voltage Source | This symbol showcases a dependent voltage source. It usually depends on other sources (voltage or current). | |
Fuse | Fuse functions as a safety device that either blows or melts if the current flowing through it exceeds a specific value. | |
Transformer | The transformer is two coils of wire connected to an iron core. They can be used to increase or decrease AC voltage. While there is no connection between the coils, the magnetic field in between the coils allows the energy to be transferred between them. | |
Earth | The symbol denotes a connection to the earth. Also known as the ‘ground.’ For electrical circuits, this defines 0V (zero volts) of the power supply. | |
Signal ground | Signal ground defines a reference point from which the signal is measured. Due to the voltage drops in a circuit, there may be several signal grounds in a circuit | |
Chassis Ground | The chassis ground acts as a barrier between the user and the circuit. It also prevents electric shock. |
4. Circuit Symbols and Names for Resistors:
A resistor is a two-terminal element. Functionally, it radiates energy in the form of heat. And at the same time, it works to oppose the current flow in a circuit. An overflow of current through a resistor damages it. Ohms is the unit of the resistance value. There is a device for calculating the value of the resistors. The name resistor colour code calculator knows it. The resistors are classified into various types that are discussed below.
Components | Circuit symbol | Function |
Resistor | A resistor stops or obstructs the flow of current. | |
Rheostat | A rheostat is a type of variable resistor usually used to control current. Examples: lamp brightness adjuster, motor speed adjuster. | |
Potentiometer | A potentiometer is a type of variable resistor with three contacts. It is used to control voltage. | |
Preset | A preset is a type of variable resistor. It is operated with a tool similar to a small screwdriver and designed to be set at the time of the creation of the circuit. Presets are usually left without further adjustments and used to reduce project costs. That’s because Presets are cheaper than variable resistors. | |
Varistor | The varistor is short for a Voltage Dependent Resistor. Its characters align with non-linear current-voltage. They are generally used in circuit protection from voltage surges. | |
Magneto Resistor | Also known as Magnetic Dependent Resistors (MDR). Their resistance varies according to the external magnetic field strength. | |
Tapped resistor | The tapped resistor is a wire-wound type fixed resistor with one or more terminals along its length. They are generally used in voltage divider applications. | |
Attenuator | To lower the power of a signal, attenuators are heavily favoured. As they are made from simple voltage dividers, they are usually defined within the family of resistors. | |
Memristor | Memristor’s resistance changes according to the direction of flow of charge. |