Definition of Symbols in Electronic Circuit Diagrams

Question	Answer
Ground	It's a connection to the earth.
Unjoined Wires	They are drawn with hump symbols to make it clear they aren't conected
Joined Wires	They are connected to each other and are indicated by a dark circle and are called joined wires.
Cell	It supplies electrical current.
Battery	It has two or more cells. The large terminal is positive.
AC Power Supply	It provides alternative current. Alternative current constantly changes direction at a specific frequency.
DC Power Supply	It provides direct current. Direct current always flows in one direction.
Amplifier	It isn’t actually an electronic component but instead is a complex circuit. The block diagram symbol shows where an amplifier circuit would be connected. Amplifier circuits are used to magnify power, current, or voltage.
Transitor	It amplifies current.
Fuse	It's a safety device that blows (melts) if the current flowing through it exceeds a specified value.
Motor	It converts electricity into kinetic energy (motion).
Inductor	It resembles a coil. It consists of a conductor, such as wire, usually wound into a coil. When a current flows through it, energy is stored temporarily in a magnetic field in the coil. When the current flowing through an Inductor changes, the time-varying magnetic field induces a voltage in the conductor which opposes the change in current that created it. They are used by transformers and relays (to trigger a switch).
Resistor	It restricts the flow of a electric current.
Preset Variable Resistor	A device that operates with a small screwdriver or similar tool; it’s designed to be set when the circuit is made and then left without further adjustment.
Rheostat	A type of variable resistor with two contacts, usually used to control current.
Capacitor	It stores electric charge and releases it at particular intervals. They’re used with resistors in timing circuits because it takes time for a capacitor to fill with charge.
Polarized Capacitor	It must be connected the correct way in a circuit.
Variable Capacitor	They are used most often in radio tuning circuits.
Diode	It allows electricity to flow in only one direction. Diodes are the electrical version of a valve.
Relay	It's an electrically operated switch that may operate multiple switches at one time. It uses an Inductor (coil).
Light-Emitting Diode (LED)	It emits light when an electric current passes through them.
Lighting Lamp	It converts electrical energy to light, such as in a light bulb or automobile headlight.
Indicator Light	It converts electricity into a warning light.
Antenna	It's a device designed to receive and/or transmit radio signals
Push Switch	It allows current to flow only when the button is pressed, such as a doorbell.
On/Off Switch	It allows current to flow only when it's in the closed (on) position.
Push to Break Switch	It's supposed to be used when the circuit is CLOSED or it's flowing electricity. It opens they circuit or stop the current.
Two Way Switch	It directs the flow of current to one of two routes, according to its position.
Dual On/Off Switch	It's often used to switch main electricity because it can isolate both the live and neutral connections.
Potentiometer	A type of variable resistor with three contacts that’s used to control voltage.
Heater	It converts electricity into heat

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Definition of Symbols in Electronic Circuit Diagrams

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	Created by Tomas Lopez about 7 years ago

	Copied by Tomas Lopez about 7 years ago