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How to Read Schematic Drawings & Symbols

Reading schematic drawings and symbols is essential for understanding the construction of a circuit. A schematic, according to Learn C, is a visual representation of a circuit. Circuits are connected by conductors -- metal wiring and other pieces that make device function. The trick to comprehending schematics is to memorize pictorial symbols and their associative meanings.

Things You'll Need

Schematics

Instructions

- 1
  Learn the "conductor" symbol. Identify the conductor symbol in the shape of an upside down, capital letter "T." Notice the dark dot at the connection point between the horizontal and vertical line. Conductor symbols are the most common drawing on a schematic.
- 2
  Identify "unconnected" conductors. Notice the cross shaped formation of the drawing with the uneven horizontal line.
- 3
  Identify "switch" drawings. Notice the upward bend of the broken horizontal line -- the shape of the switch symbol. Switches are used to break the connection of a circuit.
- 4
  Pick out "resistor" symbols. Notice the jagged, up-and-down horizontal wavy line pattern of the drawing. Resistors are objects that prevent the flow of circuit charges.
- 5
  Spot alphabetical abbreviations. Note a capital letter "V" -- standing for Voltage. "I" stands for Current and "R" means Resistance. The Coulomb, or measure of electric charge, is symbolized as "C" and current -- expressed in Amperes and Milliamps -- are symbolized as "amp" or "milliamp," respectively.

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