A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order.

It is a generic tool that

can be adapted for a wide variety of purposes, and can be used to describe various processes, such
as a manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, or a project plan. It's a
common process analysis tool and one of the seven basic quality tools.

Elements that may be included in a flowchart are a sequence of actions, materials or services
entering or leaving the process (inputs and outputs), decisions that must be made, people who
become involved, time involved at each step, and/or process measurements.

WHEN TO USE A FLOWCHART

 To develop understanding of how a process is done

 To study a process for improvement
 To communicate to others how a process is done
 When better communication is needed between people involved with the same process
 To document a process
 When planning a project

COMMONLY USED SYMBOLS IN DETAILED FLOWCHARTS

One step in the process. The step is written inside the box. Usually, only one arrow goes
out of the box.

Direction of flow from one step or decision to another.

Decision based on a question. The question is written in the diamond. More than one
arrow goes out of the diamond, each one showing the direction the process takes for a
given answer to the question. (Often the answers are "yes" and "no.")

Delay or wait

Link to another page or another flowchart. The same symbol on the other page
indicates that the flow continues there.

Input or output

Document

Alternate symbols for start and end points

Different Types of Electrical Wiring Circuit Diagrams and Drawings

Engineers use various types of electrical drawings to highlight certain

aspects of the system but the physical circuit and its function still remains
the same. Some of these electrical drawings or diagrams have been
described below.

Block Diagram

A block diagram is a type of electrical drawings that represents the principle

components of a complex system in the form of blocks interconnected by
lines that represent their relation. It is the simplest form of electrical
drawings as it only highlights the function of each component and provides
the flow of process in the system.

Block diagram are easier to design and is the first stage in designing a
complex circuit for any project. It lacks the information about the wiring and
placement of individual components. It only represents the main components
of the system and ignores any small components. This is why; electricians do
not rely on block diagram.

Example:

The following two examples of block diagram show an FM transmitter and

a variable frequency driver VFD.

This diagram shows the process of converting an audio signal into frequency
modulated signal. It is pretty simple and easy to understand. Each block
process the signal and pass it to the next one. Practically, the FM transmitter
does not look like this, because the block diagram omits the individual
components.

This block diagram shows a 3 phase AC power supply conversion into a DC

which is again converted into a controlled AC supply. It is quite a complicated
process but this diagram simplifies the process into blocks for better
understanding.
The block diagram provides an idea how the process is done by not delving
too deep into the electrical terms but it is not enough to implement a circuit.
Each block is a complicated circuit that can be explained using other
drawings techniques described below.

Power Diagram

A power wiring diagram, also known as an electrical power distribution

diagram, is a schematic representation of an electrical system that
specifically focuses on illustrating the distribution of electrical power within a
facility, a complex electrical network or specific electrical circuit.

It typically shows the connections and routes of power supply,

including transformers, circuit breakers, contactors, motors, switches, and
distribution panels. Power wiring diagrams are crucial in ensuring the safe
and efficient distribution of electricity, as they help engineers, electricians,
and maintenance personnel understand the layout of power circuits, voltage
levels, and load distribution.

These diagrams aid in planning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of

electrical systems, helping to prevent electrical hazards and optimize power
distribution for various applications, from residential buildings to industrial
facilities.

Example:

The following power diagram shows the ON and OFF control of a 3-Phase
Motor using Direct online DOL Starter.
Control Wiring Diagram

Control wiring diagram shows the actual components used with proper wiring
connection which is further used to control the operation of the power wiring
to the connected machinery. Sometimes, power diagram is also added to the
control wiring for better illustration.

Example:

The following control wiring diagram shows bypassing a VFD and run the
motor manually via Star-Delta starter.
Control Circuit Diagram

A control circuit diagram is nothing special drawings but the symbols of

different components arranged and control by the single phase power supply
designed to control the 1-phase or 3-phase power circuit.

Example:

The following control circuit diagram shows the ON and OFF operation of
a three-phase induction motor using DOL starter.
Schematics Circuit Diagram

The schematic diagram of an electrical circuit shows the complete electrical

connections between components using their symbols and lines. Unlike
wiring diagram, it does not specify the real location of the components, the
line between the components does not represent real distance between
them.

it helps in showing the series and parallel connection between the

components and the exact terminal connection between them. One can
easily troubleshoot certain schematic by applying electronic circuit theory.

It is the most common type of electrical drawings and are mostly used in
implementing electrical circuits by technician. Most engineering student rely
of schematic diagram while developing various electrical projects.

Example:
This is a schematic diagram of a voltage amplifier. It uses various symbols to
represents the electrical components and the lines to represent the electrical
connection between their terminals. The practical circuit may vary in
appearance but the electrical connection and its function will remain the
same.

Schematics Wiring Connection Diagram

A schematic wiring diagram is a visual representation of an electrical or

electronic circuit that uses symbols and lines to depict the components and
their interconnections. Unlike a physical layout diagram, a schematic focuses
on the logical arrangement and functioning of the components within a
circuit, making it a valuable tool for engineers, technicians, and electricians
to understand and troubleshoot complex systems.

Symbols and actual components in a schematic diagram represent various

elements like circuit breakers, contactors, resistors, capacitors, transistors,
wires, and connections, allowing for a concise and standardized way to
convey circuit information. Schematic diagrams are crucial in designing,
analyzing, and repairing electrical and electronic systems, providing a clear
and abstracted view of how a circuit operates without the need for a detailed
physical representation.

Example:
The following schematic wiring connection diagram shows a three-phase
motor is controlled by two power supply where both contactors are
electrically interlocked. Hence, only one contactor may be operational at a
time.

Wiring Installation Diagram

The wiring diagram is used for the representation of electrical components in

their approximate physical location using their specific symbols and their
interconnections using lines. Vertical and horizontal lines are used to
represent wires and each line represents a single wire that connects between
electrical components.
Wiring diagram shows a pictorial view of the components such that it
resembles its electrical connection, arrangement and position in real circuit.
It really helps in showing the interconnections in different equipment such as
electrical panel and distribution boxes etc. they are mostly used for wiring
installation in home and industries.

Example:
Three Phase Electrical Wiring Installation Diagram

This is a wiring diagram of a three phase wiring installation in a home. It

clearly shows the components with its proper electrical connection. Each
individual line (with color code) represents a specific phase wire and its
connection with each component. Such type of diagrams is used for wiring
installation by electricians in home.

Pictorial Diagram

The pictorial diagram does not necessarily represent the actual circuit but
shows drawings only. In fact it shows the visual appearance of the circuit in
real time. it cannot be used to understand or troubleshoot the actual circuit
and for this reason alone, it is not commonly used. For someone with less
knowledge of electrical, it is impossible to understand how the circuit works
and diagnose it.

Example:

As you can see, the pictorial diagram does not provide enough information
regarding the electrical connection of the components.

Single Line Diagram or One-line Diagram

Single Line diagram (SLD) or one-line diagram is the representation of
an electrical circuit using a single line. As the name suggests, a single line is
used to denote the multiple power lines such as in 3 phase system.

Single line diagram does not show the electrical connections of the
component but it may show the size and ratings of the components being
used. it simplify complex 3 phase power circuits by showing all the electrical
components and their interconnection.

They are used for determining and isolating any faulty equipment in any
power system during troubleshooting.

The SLD diagram uses dedicated electrical symbols and icon for different
components.

Example:

A common example of a 3 phase power circuit to represent using a single

line diagram would be the power transmission and distribution to the
consumers.
This diagram clearly shows a 3 phase power generating station that
transmits the power to the consumers below. It passes through multiple
stations, whose function and ratings are also mentioned but their electrical
connections are not highlighted.

Ladder Diagram or Line Diagram

Ladder diagram are electrical diagrams that represents an electrical circuits

in industries to document control logic systems. It resemble a ladder which is
why it is named ladder diagram. There are two vertical lines; the left vertical
line represents power rail (voltage source) while the right vertical line
represents the ground or neutral. Each horizontal row represents a parallel
circuit called rung.

A ladder diagram is simple, easier to understand and helps in

troubleshooting the circuit quickly.

Example:

Logic Diagram

Logic diagram represents a logic circuit by showing complex circuit and

process using various blocks or symbols. The logic functions are represented
by their logic symbols whereas the blocks are used to represent complex
logic circuit. These blocks are labeled with their logic function for better
understanding without knowing the internal structure.

The blocks are interconnected by lines which represent the input and output
lines for the signals.

The logic diagram does not show the electrical characteristics of a circuit
such as current, voltage or power etc. it only represents the logical function
of the circuit or device where the signal is considered in binary format i.e. 1
or 0. Logic diagram are commonly used in digital logic designing.

Example:
This is the logic diagram of a single bit full adder made from digital logic
gates. Each input lines A and B feeds a single bit to the adder while c in
represents a carry bit from previous adders. The output lines provide the sum
and carry out in form of bits.

Riser Diagram

The riser diagram is the illustration of the physical layout of electrical

distribution in a multilevel building using a single line. It shows the size of
conduits, wire size, circuit breaker rating and other electrical devices (rating
of switches, plugs, outlets etc.) from the point of entry up to the small circuit
branches on each level. It shares the layout with alarm system as well as
telecom and internet cables.

The riser diagram got its name because it illustrates the power flow from one
level to another. It does not specify the physical location of the equipment
and does not contain unnecessary information.
It mainly focuses on the power distribution to the different appliances in a
building on each level. It provides information how the lighting, heating and
ventilation etc. in the building works and if there is any sort of hazard, it can
be easily rectified.

Electrical engineers rely on riser diagram of a building to avoid any

potential electrical hazards.

Electrical Floor Plan

It is a vertical representation of various appliances such as light, switch and

fans etc. in a building. It specifies their exact location with their size and
distance from each wall and ceiling. It shows scaled version of each room
from above. It usually contains legend that provides a visual explanation of
the symbols used in it.
Individual Floor plan is designed for each floor in a multi-level building and it
is used by electrical for wiring in a newly constructed building or during the
rewiring of a building. it helps in locating the cables layout inside the walls.

IC Layout Diagram

The IC layout diagram or IC (mask) layout refers to the internal design of a

semiconductor component especially drawings in PCB design. It is made up
of multiple layers or masks of metal, oxide and semiconductor material to
form an Integrated circuit (IC). It represents the geometry as well as the size
of different semiconductor layer and their connection. It describes the
internal structure and are used in manufacturing and designing Integrated
circuits.