# Printable Chart of Electrical Symbols with their Meanings

URL: https://sciencestruck.com/physics/printable-chart-of-electrical-symbols-with-their-meanings
Category: Physics
Published: 2014-03-27T08:25:00
Updated: 2014-03-27T08:25:00
Circuit diagrams provide the component layout in any circuit. In order to represent the various components used in the diagram, electrical symbols are used. Here’s a printable electrical symbols chart for your reference when preparing circuit diagrams.

### Did You Know?

Edraw Max, an electrical diagramming program, was the first software to demonstrate standard electrical symbols on computer screens.

Electrical symbols are used to represent electrical and electronic devices in schematic diagrams. There are different country-specific standards, IEC (British), ANSI, and AS (Australian Standard), that define the symbols used in circuit diagrams across the world. However, today most of the symbols are internationally standardized. We have provided a list of the most commonly used electrical symbols in electrical drawings.  
  

### Wire

Passes electric current

### DIP

Manual on-off switch used on PCBs

### Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) switch

An on-off switch which passes current in closed position

### Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) switch

A changeover switch that directs current to one of the two available routes.

### Pushbutton (NO)

Momentary switch that passes current when pressed

### Pushbutton (NC)

Momentary switch that passes current when released

### SPST Relay

On-off switch operated by electromagnet

### SPDT Relay

Double throw switch operated by electromagnet

### Jumper

Piece of wire that bypasses or closes onboard connections

### Solder Bridge

Connection completed by soldering

### Ground

Connects to zero potential (or earth)

### Chassis Ground

Connects the chassis of a device to zero (earth) potential

### Resistor IEEE

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standard symbol - Reduces flow of charge or current

### Resistor IEC

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) symbol

### Potentiometer IEEE

IEEE symbol - Adjustable resistance value

### Potentiometer IEC

IEC symbol

### Rheostat IEEE

IEEE symbol - Variable resistance value

### Rheostat IEC

IEC symbol

### Trimmer

Adjustable resistor with preset value

### Thermistor

Resistance value changes due to changes in temperature

### Capacitor

Stores electric current

### Polarized Capacitor

Capacitors having electrolyte liquid in one of the plates

### Variable Capacitor

Can change the value of capacitance

### Inductor

Coil that generates magnetic field

### Variable Inductor

Can adjust the value of inductance

### Iron Core Inductor

Coil core contains iron

### Generator

Generates electricity (voltage) by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy

### Motor

Converts electrical energy to mechanical energy

### Voltmeter

Measures voltage

### Ammeter

Measures current

### Ohmmeter

Measures resistance

### Wattmeter

Measures power

### Lamp

Light source illuminated by current flow

### Diode

Allows current flow in only one direction

### Zener Diode

Allows current flow in reverse direction only above breakdown voltage

### Schottky Diode

Diode with less voltage drop

### Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Emits light when current flows through

### Photodiode

Allows current to flow only when exposed to light

### NPN Bipolar Transistor

Current flows only when high potential applied to base

### PNP Bipolar Transistor

Current flows only when low voltage applied to base

### Transformer

Changes voltage from low to high value or vice-versa

### Fuse

Disconnects the circuit if current exceeds threshold value

### Electric bell

Produces sound (ringing) when activated

### Buzzer

Produces sound (buzzing) when current is applied

### Bus

Collection of wires

### Optocoupler

Isolates two circuits on a single PCB

### Loudspeaker

Converts electrical signal to sound waves

### Microphone

Converts sound waves to electrical signals

### Operational Amplifier

Amplifies input signals

### Schmitt Trigger

Removes noise from input signal

### Analog-to-digital Converter

Converts analog signal to digital signal (numbers)

### Digital-to-analog Converter

Converts digital signal to analog signal

### Crystal Oscillator

Generates frequency clock signal

### Antenna

Sends and receives radio waves

### Alternating Current (AC)

Supplies current with continuously changing direction

### Direct Current (DC)

Supplies current with constant direction

### Circuit Breaker

Disconnects the circuit when current crosses threshold value

### Earphone

Converts electrical energy to sound waves

### Current Transformer

Produces low current when input current is high

### Voltage Transformer

Reduces voltage to lower level when it increases beyond safety limits