Symbols in electrical circuits: decoding of graphics and alphanumeric characters. Symbols in various electrical circuits Symbol of a photo relay on the diagram


Sooner or later, when carrying out electrical installation or electrical repair work, you have to deal with electrical circuits that contain many alphanumeric and conventional graphic symbols. The latter will be discussed in this article. There are a large number of types of electrical circuit elements that have a variety of functions, therefore, there is no single document that determines the correct graphic designation of all elements that can be found on the circuits. Below, the tables show some examples of conventional graphic images of electrical equipment and wiring, elements of electrical circuits on diagrams taken from various currently valid documents. You can download the entire required GOST for free by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page.






Download free GOST

  • GOST 21.614 Conventional graphic images of electrical equipment and wiring in the original
  • GOST 2.722-68 Conditional graphic designations in schemes. Electrical machines
  • GOST 2.723-68 Conditional graphic designations in schemes. Inductors, reactors, chokes, transformers, autotransformers and magnetic amplifiers
  • GOST 2.729-68 Conditional graphic designations in schemes. Electrical measuring instruments
  • GOST 2.755-87 Conditional graphic designations in schemes. Switching and contact devices

Alphanumeric designations in electrical circuits (GOST 2.710 - 81)

The letter codes of the elements are given in the table. Positional designations are assigned to elements (devices) within the product. Serial numbers to elements (devices) should be assigned, starting from one, within a group of elements that have the same letter code in accordance with the sequence of arrangement of elements or devices on the diagram from top to bottom in the direction from left to right.

Positional designations are placed on the diagram next to the conventional graphic designation of elements or devices on the right side or above them. The numbers and letters included in the positional designation are of the same size.

One-book-
foreign code
Groups of element types Examples of element types Two-book-
foreign code
A Devices (general designation) - -
B Converters of non-electrical quantities into electrical ones
(except generators and power supplies) or vice versa
Selsin - receiver BE
Selsyn - sensor B.C.
Thermal sensor B.K.
Photocell B.L.
Pressure meter B.P.
Tachogenerator BR
Speed ​​sensor B.V.
C Capacitors - -
D Integrated circuits,
microassemblies
Integrated circuit, analog D.A.
Integrated circuit, digital,
logic element
DD
Delay device D.T.
Storage device D.S.
E Elements are different A heating element E.K.
Lighting lamp EL
F Dischargers, fuses,
protective devices
Discrete protection element according to
instantaneous current
F.A.
Discrete protection element according to
inertial current
FP
Discrete protection element according to
voltage
F.V.
Fuse F.U.
G Generators, power supplies Battery G.B.
H Indicator and signal elements Sound alarm device H.A.
Symbolic indicator HG
Light signaling device H.L.
K Relays, contactors, starters Indicator relay KH
Current relay K.A.
Electrothermal relay KK
Contactor, magnetic starter K.M.
Relay polarized KP
Time relay KT
Voltage relay KV
L Inductors, chokes Fluorescent lighting throttle LL
M Engines - -
P Instruments, measuring equipment Ammeter PA
Pulse counter PC
Frequency meter PF
Reactive energy meter PK
Active energy meter P.I.
Ohmmeter PR
Recording device PS
Time meter, clock P.T.
Voltmeter PV
Wattmeter PW
Q Switches and disconnectors in power circuits Automatic switch QF
Disconnector QS
R Resistors Thermistor RK
Potentiometer R.P.
Measuring shunt R.S.
Varistor RU
S Switching devices in control, signaling and measuring circuits

Note. The designation is used for devices that do not have power circuit contacts

Switch or switch S.A.
Push-button switch S.B.
Automatic switch SF
Switches triggered by various influences:
-from level
SL
- from pressure SP
-from position S.Q.
- from rotational speed S.R.
- on temperature S.K.
T Transformers, autotransformers Current transformer T.A.
Voltage transformer TV
Stabilizer T.S.
U Converters of electrical quantities into electrical quantities Frequency converter,
inverter, rectifier
UZ
V Electrovacuum and semiconductor devices Diode, zener diode VD
Electrovacuum devices VL
Transistor VT
Thyristor VS
X Contact connections Current collector XA
Pin XP
Nest XS
Demountable connections XT
Y Mechanical devices with electromagnetic drive Electromagnet YA
Electromagnetic brake
drive
YB
Electromagnetic plate YH

CONDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGNATIONS IN SCHEMES. ELECTRICAL MACHINES (GOST 2.722-68)

1. Three methods are established for constructing conventional graphic symbols of electrical machines:

  1. simplified single-line;
  2. simplified multilinear (Form I);
  3. expanded (form II).

2. In simplified single-line symbols of electrical machines, the stator and rotor windings are depicted as circles. The terminals of the stator and rotor windings are shown in one line indicating the number of terminals on it in accordance with the requirements of GOST 2.751-73.

3. In simplified multi-line symbols, the stator and rotor windings are depicted similarly to simplified single-line symbols, showing the terminals of the stator and rotor windings (Fig. 1).

4. In expanded notations, the stator windings are depicted as chains of semicircles, and the rotor windings as a circle (and vice versa).

The relative position of the windings is shown:

  1. a) in alternating current and universal machines - taking into account (Fig. 2) or without taking into account (Fig. 3) phase shift;
  2. b) in DC machines - taking into account (Fig. 4) or without taking into account (Fig. 5) the direction of the magnetic field created by the winding.


5. In examples of conventional graphic symbols of alternating current machines and universal machines, symbols are given, as a rule, reflecting the phase shift in the winding; in examples of direct current machines, as a rule, without taking into account the direction of the magnetic field.

6. The terminals of the stator and rotor windings in the designations of machines of all types can be depicted from any side.

7. Designations of elements of electrical machines are given in table. 1.

SYMBOLS IN ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS ACCORDING TO GOST 7624-55

In the Soviet Union, in 1955, GOST 7624-55 was adopted for a number of symbols in radio circuits, which was canceled in 1964. Considering that diagrams with the old designations are still preserved, below are the main symbols from GOST 7624-55. Symbols of wires, individual elements of machines and devices (GOST 7624-55)



LEGEND. ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS (GOST 2.729-68)

The table shows some of the conventional graphic symbols of electrical measuring instruments.

Reading electrical drawings requires certain knowledge, which can be gleaned from regulatory documents. A unique “language” for reading is the symbols in electrical circuits a system of signs and symbols, mainly graphic and alphabetic. In addition to them, denominations are sometimes indicated in numbers.

Agree, understanding standard designations is simply necessary for any home master. This knowledge will help you read an electrical diagram and independently draw up a wiring plan in an apartment or private house. We offer you to understand all the intricacies of writing project documentation.

The article describes the main types of electrical circuits, and also provides a detailed explanation of the basic images, symbols, icons and alphanumeric markers used in drawing up drawings for the electrical network.

Let's consider the design information from the point of view of an amateur electrician who wants to change the wiring in the house with his own hands or draw up a drawing for connecting the dacha to electrical communications.

First you need to understand what knowledge will be useful and what will not be needed. First step this is an introduction to the species.

Shield diagram using real images of switching and protective devices - electrical connections are depicted with colored wires. In fact, it has nothing to do with the professional documentation that accompanies home energy supply projects

All information about the types of circuits is presented in the new edition of GOST 2.702-2011, which is called “ESKD. Rules for the execution of electrical circuits."

This is a duplicate of an earlier document GOST 2.701-2008, which talks in detail about the classification of circuits. There are 10 types in total, but in practice only one may be needed electric.

In addition to the type classification, there is also a standard one, which divides all drawing documents into structural, general, etc., with a total of 8 points.

The home craftsman will be interested in 3 types of diagrams: functional, schematic, installation.

Type #1 – functional diagram

The functional diagram does not contain details; it indicates the main blocks and assemblies. It gives a general idea of ​​how the system works. For the electrical supply of a private home, it does not always make sense to draw up such drawings, since they are usually standard.

But when describing a complex electronic device or for equipping a workshop, studio or control room with electrical equipment, they can be useful.

To understand what exactly is shown on a diagram or drawing, you need to know the decoding of the icons that are on it. This recognition is also called blueprint reading. And to make this task easier, almost all elements have their own symbols. Almost, because the standards have not been updated for a long time and some elements are drawn by everyone as best they can. But, for the most part, symbols in electrical diagrams are in regulatory documents.

Symbols in electrical circuits: lamps, transformers, measuring instruments, basic components

Normative base

There are about a dozen varieties of electrical circuits, the number of different elements that can be found there is in the tens, if not hundreds. To make it easier to recognize these elements, uniform symbols have been introduced in electrical circuits. All rules are prescribed in GOSTs. There are many of these standards, but the main information is in the following standards:

Studying GOSTs is useful, but it requires time, which not everyone has enough of. Therefore, in the article we will present symbols in electrical circuits - the basic element base for creating drawings and wiring diagrams, circuit diagrams of devices.

Some experts, after carefully looking at the diagram, can say what it is and how it works. Some can even immediately indicate possible problems that may arise during operation. It’s simple - they know the circuit design and element base well, and are also well versed in the symbols of circuit elements. This skill takes years to develop, but for dummies, it’s important to remember the most common ones first.

Electrical panels, cabinets, boxes

On the electrical supply diagrams of a house or apartment there will definitely be a symbol or cabinet. In apartments, the terminal device is mainly installed there, since the wiring does not go further. In houses, they can design the installation of a branching electrical cabinet - if there is a route from it to illuminate other buildings located at some distance from the house - a bathhouse, a guest house. These other symbols are in the next picture.

If we talk about images of the “filling” of electrical panels, it is also standardized. There are symbols for RCDs, circuit breakers, buttons, current and voltage transformers and some other elements. They are shown in the following table (the table has two pages, scroll by clicking on the word “Next”)

NumberNameImage on the diagram
1 Circuit breaker (automatic)
2 Switch (load switch)
3 Thermal relay (overheat protection)
4 RCD (residual current device)
5 Differential automatic (difavtomat)
6 Fuse
7 Switch (switch) with fuse
8 Circuit breaker with built-in thermal relay (for motor protection)
9 Current transformer
10 Voltage transformer
11 Electricity meter
12 A frequency converter
13 Button with automatic opening of contacts after pressing
14 Button with contact opening when pressed again
15 A button with a special switch to turn off (stop, for example)

Element base for electrical wiring diagrams

When drawing up or reading a diagram, the designations of wires, terminals, grounding, zero, etc. are also useful. This is what a novice electrician simply needs, or in order to understand what is shown in the drawing and in what sequence its elements are connected.

NumberNameDesignation of electrical elements on diagrams
1 Phase conductor
2 Neutral (zero working) N
3 Protective conductor (ground) PE
4 Combined protective and neutral conductors PEN
5 Electrical communication line, buses
6 Bus (if it needs to be allocated)
7 Busbar taps (made by soldering)

An example of the use of the above graphic images is in the following diagram. Thanks to the letter designations, everything is clear even without graphics, but duplication of information in diagrams has never been superfluous.

Picture of sockets

The wiring diagram should indicate the installation locations of sockets and switches. There are many types of sockets - 220 V, 380 V, hidden and open installation types, with a different number of “seats”, waterproof, etc. To give a designation for each is too long and unnecessary. It is important to remember how the main groups are depicted, and the number of contact groups is determined by the strokes.

Designation of sockets in the drawings

Sockets for a single-phase 220 V network are indicated on the diagrams in the form of a semicircle with one or more segments sticking up. The number of segments is the number of sockets on one body (illustration in the photo below). If only one plug can be plugged into the socket, one segment is drawn upward, if two, two, etc.

If you look at the images closely, notice that the symbolic image that is on the right does not have a horizontal line that separates the two parts of the icon. This line indicates that the socket is concealed, that is, it is necessary to make a hole in the wall for it, install a socket box, etc. The option on the right is for open mounting. A non-conductive substrate is attached to the wall, and the socket itself is on it.

Also note that the bottom of the left diagram has a vertical line through it. This indicates the presence of a protective contact to which grounding is connected. Installation of sockets with grounding is mandatory when turning on complex household appliances such as a washing machine, oven, etc.

The symbol of a three-phase outlet (380 V) cannot be confused with anything. The number of segments sticking up is equal to the number of conductors that are connected to this device - three phases, zero and ground. Total five.

It happens that the lower part of the image is painted black (dark). This means that the outlet is waterproof. These are placed outdoors, in rooms with high humidity (baths, swimming pools, etc.).

Switch Display

The schematic designation of switches looks like a small circle with one or more L- or T-shaped branches. Taps in the shape of the letter “G” indicate an open-mounted circuit breaker, while those in the shape of the letter “T” indicate a flush-mounted switch. The number of taps displays the number of keys on this device.

In addition to the usual ones, they can stand - to be able to turn on/off one light source from several points. Two letters “G” are added to the same small circle on opposite sides. This is how a single-key pass-through switch is designated.

Unlike conventional switches, when using two-key models, another bar is added parallel to the top one.

Lamps and fixtures

Lamps have their own designations. Moreover, there is a difference between fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps. The diagrams even show the shape and dimensions of the lamps. In this case, you just need to remember what each type of lamp looks like on the diagram.

Radioelements

When reading circuit diagrams of devices, you need to know the symbols of diodes, resistors, and other similar elements.

Knowledge of conventional graphic elements will help you read almost any diagram - any device or electrical wiring. The values ​​of the required parts are sometimes indicated next to the image, but in large multi-element circuits they are written in a separate table. It contains letter designations of circuit elements and denominations.

Letter designations

In addition to the fact that the elements on the diagrams have conventional graphic names, they have letter designations, which are also standardized (GOST 7624-55).

Electrical circuit element nameLetter designation
1 Switch, controller, switchIN
2 Electric generatorG
3 DiodeD
4 RectifierVP
5 Sound alarm (bell, siren)Sv
6 ButtonKn
7 Incandescent lampL
8 Electrical engineM
9 FuseEtc
10 Contactor, magnetic starterTO
11 RelayR
12 Transformer (autotransformer)Tr
13 Plug connectorSh
14 ElectromagnetEm
15 ResistorR
16 CapacitorWITH
17 InductorL
18 Control buttonKu
19 Terminal switchKv
20 Throttledr
21 TelephoneT
22 MicrophoneMk
23 SpeakerGr
24 Battery (voltaic cell)B
25 Main engineDg
26 Cooling pump motorBefore

Please note that in most cases Russian letters are used, but the resistor, capacitor and inductor are designated by Latin letters.

There is one subtlety in the designation of the relay. They come in different types and are marked accordingly:

  • current relay - RT;
  • power - RM;
  • voltage - RN;
  • time - RV;
  • resistance - RS;
  • index - RU;
  • intermediate - RP;
  • gas - RG;
  • with time delay - RTV.

Basically, these are only the most conventional symbols in electrical circuits. But you can now understand most of the drawings and plans. If you need to know images of rarer elements, study GOST standards.

Reading diagrams is impossible without knowledge of the conventional graphic and letter designations of the elements. Most of them are standardized and described in regulatory documents. Most of them were published in the last century, and only one new standard was adopted, in 2011 (GOST 2-702-2011 ESKD. Rules for the execution of electrical circuits), so sometimes a new element base is designated according to the principle “as who came up with it.” And this is the difficulty of reading circuit diagrams of new devices. But, basically, the symbols in electrical circuits are described and are well known to many.

Two types of symbols are often used on diagrams: graphic and alphabetic, and denominations are also often indicated. From this data, many can immediately tell how the scheme works. This skill is developed over years of practice, and first you need to understand and remember the symbols in electrical circuits. Then, knowing the operation of each element, you can imagine the final result of the device.

Drawing and reading different diagrams usually require different elements. There are many types of circuits, but in electrical engineering the following are usually used:


There are many other types of electrical circuits, but they are not used in home practice. The exception is the route of cables passing through the site and the supply of electricity to the house. This type of document will definitely be needed and useful, but it is more of a plan than an outline.

Basic images and functional features

Switching devices (switches, contactors, etc.) are built on contacts of various mechanics. There are make, break and switch contacts. The normally open contact is open; when it is switched to operating state, the circuit is closed. The break contact is normally closed, but under certain conditions it operates, breaking the circuit.

The switching contact can be two or three position. In the first case, first one circuit works, then another. The second one has a neutral position.

In addition, contacts can perform different functions: contactor, disconnector, switch, etc. All of them also have a symbol and are applied to the corresponding contacts. There are functions that are performed only by moving contacts. They are shown in the photo below.

Basic functions can only be performed by fixed contacts.

Symbols for single line diagrams

As has already been said, single-line diagrams indicate only the power part: RCDs, automatic devices, automatic circuit breakers, sockets, circuit breakers, switches, etc. and connections between them. The designations of these conventional elements can be used in electrical panel diagrams.

The main feature of graphic symbols in electrical circuits is that devices similar in principle of operation differ in some small detail. For example, a machine (circuit breaker) and a switch differ only in two small details - the presence/absence of a rectangle on the contact and the shape of the icon on the fixed contact, which display the functions of these contacts. The only difference between a contactor and a switch designation is the shape of the icon on the fixed contact. It's a very small difference, but the device and its functions are different. You need to look closely at all these little things and remember them.

There is also a small difference between the symbols of the RCD and the differential circuit breaker. It also only functions as moving and fixed contacts.

The situation is approximately the same with relay and contactor coils. They look like a rectangle with small graphic additions.

In this case, it’s easier to remember, since there are quite serious differences in the appearance of the additional icons. With a photo relay it’s so simple - the rays of the sun are associated with the arrows. A pulse relay is also quite easy to distinguish by the characteristic shape of the sign.

A little easier with lamps and connections. They have different “pictures”. A detachable connection (such as a socket/plug or socket/plug) looks like two brackets, and a detachable connection (such as a terminal block) looks like circles. Moreover, the number of pairs of checkmarks or circles indicates the number of wires.

Picture of buses and wires

In any circuit there are connections and for the most part they are made by wires. Some connections are buses - more powerful conductor elements from which taps can extend. Wires are indicated by a thin line, and branches/connections are indicated by dots. If there are no points, it is not a connection, but an intersection (without an electrical connection).

There are separate images for buses, but they are used if they need to be graphically separated from communication lines, wires and cables.

On wiring diagrams it is often necessary to indicate not only how the cable or wire runs, but also its characteristics or installation method. All this is also displayed graphically. This is also necessary information for reading drawings.

How switches, switches, sockets are depicted

There are no standards-approved images for some types of this equipment. So, dimmers (light regulators) and push-button switches remained without designation.

But all other types of switches have their own symbols in electrical diagrams. They come in open and hidden installations, respectively, there are also two groups of icons. The difference is the position of the line on the key image. In order to understand in the diagram what type of switch we are talking about, this must be remembered.

There are separate designations for two-key and three-key switches. In the documentation they are called “twin” and “twin”, respectively. There are differences for cases with different degrees of protection. In rooms with normal operating conditions, switches with IP20, maybe up to IP23, are installed. In wet rooms (bathroom, swimming pool) or outdoors, the degree of protection should be at least IP44. Their images differ in that the circles are filled in. So it's easy to distinguish them.

There are separate images for the switches. These are switches that allow you to control turning the light on/off from two points (there are also three, but without standard images).

The same trend is observed in the designations of sockets and socket groups: there are single, double sockets, and there are groups of several pieces. Products for rooms with normal operating conditions (IP from 20 to 23) have an unpainted middle; for wet rooms with a housing of increased protection (IP44 and higher), the middle is tinted dark.

Symbols in electrical diagrams: sockets of different types of installation (open, hidden)

Having understood the logic of the designation and remembering some initial data (what is the difference between the symbolic image of an open and hidden installation socket, for example), after a while you will be able to confidently navigate the drawings and diagrams.

Lamps on diagrams

This section describes the symbols in the electrical circuits of various lamps and fixtures. Here the situation with the designations of the new element base is better: there are even signs for LED lamps and fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps (housekeepers). It’s also good that the images of lamps of different types differ significantly - it’s difficult to confuse them. For example, lamps with incandescent lamps are depicted in the form of a circle, with long linear fluorescent lamps - a long narrow rectangle. The difference in the image of a linear fluorescent lamp and an LED lamp is not very big - only dashes at the ends - but even here you can remember.

The standard even includes symbols in electrical diagrams for ceiling and pendant lamps (socket). They also have a rather unusual shape - circles of small diameter with dashes. In general, this section is easier to navigate than others.

Elements of electrical circuit diagrams

Schematic diagrams of devices contain a different element base. Communication lines, terminals, connectors, light bulbs are also depicted, but in addition, there is a large number of radio elements: resistors, capacitors, fuses, diodes, thyristors, LEDs. Most of the symbols in the electrical circuits of this element base are shown in the figures below.

Rarer ones will have to be looked for separately. But most circuits contain these elements.

Letter symbols in electrical diagrams

In addition to graphic images, elements on the diagrams are labeled. It also helps to read the diagrams. Next to the letter designation of an element there is often its serial number. This is done so that later it is easy to find the type and parameters in the specification.

The table above shows international designations. There is also a domestic standard - GOST 7624-55. Excerpts from there with the table below.

Content:

In order to correctly read and understand what this or that diagram or drawing related to electricity means, you need to know how the icons and symbols depicted on them are deciphered. A large amount of information is contained in the letter designations of elements in electrical circuits, defined by various regulatory documents. All of them are displayed in Latin characters in the form of one or two letters.

One-letter symbolism of elements

Letter codes corresponding to individual types of elements most widely used in electrical circuits are combined into groups designated by one symbol. Letter designations correspond to GOST 2.710-81. For example, the letter “A” refers to the “Devices” group, consisting of lasers, amplifiers, remote control devices and others.

The group denoted by the symbol “B” is deciphered in the same way. It consists of devices that convert non-electrical quantities into electrical ones, which does not include generators and power supplies. This group is complemented by analogue or multi-digit converters, as well as sensors for indications or measurements. The components themselves included in the group are represented by microphones, loudspeakers, sound pickups, ionizing radiation detectors, thermoelectric sensitive elements, etc.

All letter designations corresponding to the most common elements are combined into a special table for ease of use:

The first letter character required to be reflected in the marking

Group of main types of elements and devices

Elements that make up the group (the most typical examples)

Devices

Lasers, masers, remote control devices, amplifiers.

Equipment for converting non-electrical quantities into electrical ones (without generators and power supplies), analogue and multi-charge converters, sensors for indications or measurements

Microphones, loudspeakers, sound pickups, ionizing radiation detectors, sensitive thermoelectric elements.

Capacitors

Microassemblies, integrated circuits

Digital and analog integrated circuits, memory and delay devices, logic elements.

Miscellaneous elements

Various types of lighting devices and heating elements.

Designation of the fuse on the diagram, arresters, protective devices

Fuses, arresters, discrete current and voltage protection elements.

Power supplies, generators, crystal oscillators

Rechargeable batteries, power supplies on an electrochemical and electrothermal basis.

Signal and indication devices

Indicators, light and sound signaling devices

Contactors, relays, starters

Voltage and current relays, time relays, electrothermal relays, magnetic starters, contactors.

Chokes, inductors

Chokes in fluorescent lighting.

Engines

DC and AC motors.

Measuring instruments and equipment

Counters, clocks, indicating, recording and measuring instruments.

Power circuit breakers, short circuiters, disconnectors.

Resistors

Pulse counters

Frequency meters

Active energy meters

Reactive energy meters

Recording devices

Action time meters, clocks

Voltmeters

Wattmeters

Switches and disconnectors in power circuits

Circuit breakers

Short circuits

Disconnectors

Resistors

Thermistors

Potentiometers

Measuring shunts

Varistors

Switching devices in measurement, control and signaling circuits

Switches and Switches

Push-button switches

Automatic switches

Switches triggered by various factors:

From level

From pressure

From position (travel)

From rotation speed

From temperature

Transformers, autotransformers

Current transformers

Electromagnetic stabilizers

Voltage transformers

Communication devices, converters of non-electrical quantities into electrical ones

Modulators

Demodulators

Discriminators

Frequency generators, inverters, frequency converters

Semiconductor and electrovacuum devices

Diodes, zener diodes

Electrovacuum devices

Transistors

Thyristors

Antennas, lines and microwave elements

Couplers

Short circuits

Transformers, phase shifters

Attenuators

Contact connections

Sliding contacts, current collectors

Separable connections

High Frequency Connectors

Mechanical devices with electromagnetic drive

Electromagnets

Brakes with electromagnetic drives

Clutches with electromagnetic drives

Electromagnetic cartridges or plates

Limiters, terminal devices, filters

Limiters

Quartz filters

In addition, GOST 2.710-81 defines special symbols to designate each element.

Conventional graphic symbols of electronic components in circuits

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