Activity No.

2
MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM SYMBOLS

I. OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the activity, the students should be able to:

1. Develop skills in identifying the commonly used components or parts and be able to describe
and interpret correctly the standard symbols for each component used in motor control
systems.
2. Develop skills in circuit tracing using the schematic symbols or diagrams.
3. Become familiar with the different components commonly used in motor control systems.
4. Draw the different control symbols.

II. TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

In every trade or profession, there is a certain language, which must be understood in order
to transfer information and ideas rapidly and efficiently. This language may include words and phrases
as well as symbols.
Industrial electrical symbols and line (ladder) diagrams provide the information necessary to
understand the operation of any electrical control system. Industrial electrical symbols identify
electrical devices within a circuit.
The operation of a circuit is determined by the location of electrical devices. The line diagram
indicates the location of electrical devices within a circuit. Circuit arrangement and modifications to
existing circuits is possible using line diagrams. To read and troubleshoot an electrical control system,
the engineer or electrician must have a working knowledge of line diagrams.

III. MATERIALS NEEDED:

Drawing Materials

IV. PROCEDURE:
Draw the appropriate symbol for each electrical control component in the space provided.

ANSI Symbol & Code IEC 617 Symbol & Code

CONTROL COMPONENT (American National Standard (International Electrotechnical
DESCRIPTION Institute) Commission)

Knife Switch
(Disconnecting Switch)

Push Button Switch

(Normally Open)

1
 Push Button Switch
(Normally Close)

Emergency Stop Push

Button
(Mushroom Head)

Proximity Switch

Flow Switch

Limit Switch

Liquid Level Switch

Temperature Actuated
Switch

Pressure and Vacuum

Switch

ANSI Symbol & Code IEC 617 Symbol & Code

CONTROL COMPONENT (American National Standard (International Electrotechnical
DESCRIPTION Institute) Commission)

Selector Switch
Two & Three Positions

Foot Switch

Toggle Switch

Control Relay Coil

2
 Contactor Coil

Motor Starter Coil

Timer Coil

Solenoid Coil

Indicating Light

Plug and socket

CONTROL COMPONENT ANSI Symbol & Code IEC 617 Symbol & Code
DESCRIPTION (American National Standard (International Electrotechnical
Institute) Commission)

Electromechanical
Counter

3 ø Circuit Breaker

Fuse

Terminals (reference)
Fused terminals
(reference)

Bell / Barrel

Buzzer

3
 Horn

Full Wave Rectifier

Battery

Contactor contact open

(NO)

Contactor contact closed

(NC)
CONTROL COMPONENT ANSI Symbol & Code IEC 617 Symbol & Code
DESCRIPTION (American National Standard (International Electrotechnical
Institute) Commission)

Relay contacts open

Relay contacts closed

Time contact (DOE)

N.O. & N.C.

Time contact (DODE)

N.O. & N.C.

Three Phase Motor

Control Transformer

Ground

4
 Overload Relay (Thermal)

Resistor (Fixed &

Rheostat)

Wiring
(Connected,
Not Connected,
Power, Control)

V. CONCLUSION (Discuss the importance of electrical symbols in motor control systems):

Electrical symbol is a visual symbol that serves as the representation of a particular type of electrical
components such as switches, relays, motors and other. It is important in a motor control system because it
simplifies the components needed to understand it easily. The electrical symbol also serves as foundation in
order to gain the ability to interpret the whole schematic diagram of the motor control system. Someone may
say that it’s just a symbol or drawing, but for those working in electrical field or other fields that uses symbol
and schematic diagram it is a life saver, for it shows detail like whether the wires are connected or not, where
to put the switches, where to connect the grounds and many more, this thing will ensure the safety of
everyone.

VI. EVALUATION:

1. How are motor control symbols represented?

To be able to understand the motor control circuits and its operation we must practice first its
foundation which is the electrical symbol, words and schematic diagrams. Through schematic diagram we can
see how symbols are combined and organized to produce a motor control diagram. Schematic
diagrams describe the main and auxiliary circuits for control, signaling, monitoring and protection systems.
They are drawn in sufficient detail to explain to the user the circuitry and its mode of operation. They allow
circuits to be ‘followed through’ when tracing faults. Circuit arrangements are usually shown on schematic
diagrams according to their functional aspects. They seldom follow the actual physical layouts of the different
component parts.

2. What are the main difference between ANSI and IEC 617 symbols and codes?

The ANSI or American National Standards Institute is the prevailing standard in North America and
some select regions, while IEC is most popular in the rest of the world. ANSI is a design-based standard, while
IEC tends to be a performance-based standard. It differs from their respective philosophies. The IEC standards
are based on functional approach, it means that the devices are defined by their performances and this allows
for different technological solutions. The ANSI standards were based on the description of technological
solutions, these solutions are used by the legal system as “minimum safety and functional requirements”.