Electrical Plans and Diagrams

A Circuit Diagram (electrical diagram, elementary diagram, or electronic schematic) is a

graphical representation that shows how electrical parts are connected together in an electrical
circuit.

Types of Circuit Diagrams

There are three common ways to show electrical circuits:

1. Wiring Diagram

2. Schematic Diagram

3. Pictorial Diagram

The most used ones are:

 Wiring diagrams (which show real-life layout), and

 Schematic diagrams (which show how parts are connected using symbols).

Why are Electrical Diagrams Important?

Electrical diagrams are very important when building or fixing electrical systems.
They help people understand:

 Which components are used,

 Where to place them,

 And how to connect everything safely to the power supply (mains).

Electricians, technicians, and engineers use these diagrams to:

 Plan the electrical setup,

 Install parts properly,

 And avoid mistakes.

What is an Electrical Wiring Diagram?

A wiring diagram is a simple visual representation of the physical connections and physical
layout of an electrical system or circuit.

It shows how the electrical wires are interconnected and can also show where fixtures and
components may be connected to the system.

💡 Think of it like a building instruction manual for your circuit — it shows exactly how to put
everything together

Figure 1.1 The Simplest Wiring Diagram

Wiring Diagram showing the Simple connection of Two-Way Switches

Wiring Diagram of a Domestic Installation Ring Circuit

 Wiring Diagram of Three Lamps controlled by three Two-Way Switches

A wiring diagram is a type of schematic that uses abstract pictorial symbols to show all the
interconnections of components in a system.

Wiring diagrams are made up of two (2) things:

 Symbols that represent the components (i.e., like resistors, switches, LEDs, etc.) in the
circuit
 Lines that represent the connections between them.

Wiring diagrams help you:

 Know where each part is located, and

 See how everything is connected.

Tips to Draw Good-looking Wiring Diagrams

1. A good wiring diagram needs to be technically correct and clear to read. Take care of
every detail. For example, the diagram should show the correct direction of the positive
and negative terminals of each component.
2. Use the right symbols. Learn the meanings of the basic circuit symbols and choose the
correct ones to use. Some of the symbols have a close look. You need to be able to tell the
differences before applying them
3. Draw connecting wires as straight lines. Use a dot to indicate line junction, or use line
jumps to indicate cross lines that are not connected.

4. Label components such as resistors and capacitors with their values. Make sure the text
placement looks clean
5. In general, it is good to put the positive (+) supply at the top, and the negative (-) supply
at the bottom, and the logical flow from left to right. Try to arrange the placement,
reducing wire crossings.
6. Try to arrange the placement, reducing wire crossings.
When and how to use a wiring diagram.

We use wiring diagrams when we want to:

 Build an electrical circuit or device,

 Fix or troubleshoot a circuit that isn't working,

 Or plan electrical systems in buildings or machines.

Examples:

 A student uses a wiring diagram to build a school project,

 An electrician uses one to wire a house safely,

 A mechanic uses one to fix a car's electrical system.

Wiring diagrams helps avoid costly mistakes and make sure everything is safe and legal
(following building code regulations).
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
A schematic diagram is like a blueprint for a circuit.

It shows how the circuit works, not where the parts go physically.

 It uses symbols to represent each part (like resistors, switches, and LEDs).

 It uses lines to show how parts are electrically connected.

 It does not show the real-world position or shape of the parts.

Why Use a Schematic Diagram?

Schematic diagrams are great for:

 Understanding how a circuit works.

 Planning a new design.

 Fixing or troubleshooting a circuit.

💡 Think of it like a road map — it shows how to get from one place to another, but not what the
road actually looks like.

Tip: Learn Your Symbols!

To read schematics well, you need to memorize the most common circuit symbols, like:
 Battery
 Resistor
 Capacitor
 LED
 Ground
 Switch (and more)
Knowing these helps you understand any schematic diagram faster.
 Differentiation between Circuit and Schematic Diagrams

Simple Schematic Diagram of a Full Wave Rectification Circuit

 Example of a Schematic Diagram of a Motor Power and control Circuit

EXAMPLES OF SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS

Schematic Diagrams in Electronics Schematic diagrams are typically associated with electrical
circuits. Also called wiring diagrams or circuit diagrams, these diagrams show how the
different components of a circuit are connected.

In these diagrams, lines represent connecting wires, while other elements like resistors, lamps,
and switches are represented by standardized symbols called electrical schematic symbols.

Schematic diagrams may also be used to explain the general way that an electronic functions
without detailing the hardware or software used in the actual electronic.

For example, to explain how a computer projects the words you type on a screen, you might use
a schematic diagram that shows how information passes from the keys you press to a word
processing program, and finally to the computer screen.
 Wiring Diagram vs Schematic Diagram

 A schematic shows the plan and function for an electrical circuit but is not concerned
with the physical layout of the wires.
 Wiring diagrams show how the wires are connected and where they should be located in
the actual device, as well as the physical connections between all the components.

Feature Schematic Diagram Wiring Diagram

Shows how circuit works ✅ Yes ⚠️Not really
Shows where parts are placed ❌ No ✅ Yes
Uses symbols ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Helps build circuit physically ❌ Not directly ✅ Yes

What is a Pictorial Diagram?

A pictorial diagram shows the real appearance of the parts.

 It may use photos or detailed drawings.

 It helps you recognize the physical components.

 It looks more like what you’d see in real life.

Think of it like a labeled photo — you can see exactly what the parts look like.

Wiring Diagram vs Pictorial Diagram

Feature Wiring Diagram Pictorial Diagram

Uses real-looking parts ❌ No ✅ Yes
Uses simple shapes/symbols ✅ Yes ❌ No
Easier to understand for new ⚠️Maybe ✅ Yes
learners
Used for actual construction ✅ Yes ⚠️Sometimes
BLOCK DIAGRAM
 Are the most elementary of all the electronic drawings.
 It is a functional drawing which shows and describes the main operating principles of the
pieces / units of equipment or devices.
 It consists of principle functions or parts represented by blocks and are connected through
lines that show the relationship between the blocks.
 It will not give any detailed information about the system and leaves the information
about smaller components.

Parts:

 Box (Block)– represents the major part or unit or function in a system.

 Line– this symbol connects the boxes in a system to illustrate relationships.
 Arrow Line– this figure is specifically used to indicate the flow of the signal or data
through the electrical block diagram and software design.
FIG. 1. An elementary block diagram of a basic color television receiver. Note: all the units are
shown as rectangles except for the speaker and picture tube which are shown by symbol.

Block Diagram of a Radio Receiver System

RULES FOR DRAFTING BLOCK DIAGRAMS:

1. Blocks within a diagram should normally be of the same size.

2. The block containing the most information will establish the block size for the drawing.

3. Inputs to the rectangles / blocks should come in the left side or top of the block.
4. Outputs should go out the right side or bottom of the block.

5. Interconnection lines must run horizontally or vertically with all corners at 90 degrees.
6. Lines running parallel to each other should be grouped with a larger space between every
third line. This helps the reader’s eye follow each line.

7. Minimize crossed lines.

8. Minimize jogged lines.

9. If symbols are used, they should be from ANSI Y32-2.

10. Lettering between elements of the system should either be done above, above and below,
below, or in the line.
LINE DIAGRAM
(A.K.A. Single Line Diagram or One-Line Diagram)

A line diagram is a simple drawing used to show how an electrical system works.

It focuses on the flow of electricity and the relationship between components, rather than
showing exact wire placement.

💡 Think of a line diagram like a simple metro map — it shows what connects to what, but not the
exact path or real location

Key Points about Line Diagrams:

 It uses symbols (like a schematic) to represent parts such as motors, lights, switches,
fans, and transformers.

 Lines are used to represent wires, but one line can represent several actual wires.

 It's called a “single line” because it simplifies many wires into one.

 It does not show the physical layout or full wiring detail like a full wiring diagram
would.

 It is based on the block diagram, but gives more electrical detail using standard
symbols.
What You Can Learn from a Line Diagram:

Line diagrams help you understand how electricity flows through a system and how devices are
connected. These diagrams can show:

1. How circuits are connected to each other (i.e., their relationship).

2. Meters, instruments, and switches involved in the system.

3. Electrical ratings (like voltage, power, frequency) of things like generators or motors.

4. Neutral and ground wire connections.

5. Feeder circuits (the main lines that supply power).

6. The general layout of the electrical system (just enough to understand how it works).
RULES FOR DRAFTING SINGLE LINE DIAGRAMS:

Here are some basic rules people follow when drawing a line diagram:
 Line Thickness:
o Thick lines = Main (important) power lines.
o Medium lines = Connections to the power source.
 Symbols:
o Circles = Motors, meters, instruments, and other round/rotating devices.
o Rectangles = Switches, resistors, and various components.

SUMMARY
Feature What It Does
✅ Shows connections between devices Helps understand how power flows
❌ Does NOT show real wiring layout Keeps things simple
✅ Useful for planning and troubleshooting Engineers and electricians use it often
✅ Easier to read than full schematics Shows big-picture system
POINT-TO-POINT (P2P) WIRING DIAGRAMS
A point-to-point diagram shows exactly how wires connect between different electrical parts
in a system. These diagrams are used by people who build, repair, or check electrical equipment.

Key Points:

 They help engineers and technicians understand how to wire everything together.

 These diagrams can be drawn right onto the equipment drawing (if there’s enough space).

 A parts list isn’t included, but all parts are labeled directly on the drawing.

 The drawings may not be drawn to scale—this just means the parts might look bigger or
smaller than they are in real life, to make space for the wiring details.

Point-to-point diagrams show the general physical arrangement of the component parts, FIG. 9.

Drawing Tips (Rules):

1. Try to keep wire lines straight and neat, avoiding unnecessary bends (called “jogs”),
Refer to FIG. 9 again for an example.

2. Avoid having lines cross each other too much.

3. Leave enough space (at least ⅜ inch) between the wires.

4. Every 3–4 wires, leave extra space—this makes it easier to read.

5. Label components on the right side of the diagram.

6. Use big bold letters for part names. Use smaller text for inside details like terminals.

7. Number parts starting from the top left corner. Think of it like reading a book—end at
the bottom right.
FIG. 9. A correctly drawn point-to-point wiring diagram. Note the misnumbering of TB1 and S1
to keep from crossing and jogging. This is a good practice.

PICTORIAL POINT-TO-POINT DRAWING

Occasionally when there is a simple point-to-point drawing to be made, it can often be drawn as
a pictorial. FIG. 10 is a good example of a pictorial point-to-point drawing. However, pictorials
should only be attempted when there are only a small number of wires and simple chassis
layouts.

FIG. 10. A typical pictorial point-to-point.

INTERCONNECTION DIAGRAMS
Interconnection diagrams show the wiring between different electronics units and between sub-
assemblies, FIG. 13. This document is like the point-to-point wiring diagram. Each cable
assembly and electronic unit will be called out and assigned a title and drawing number. Note the
subassemblies are shown in phantom lines. Internal connections of electronic units are not
shown.

FIG. 13. A typical interconnection diagram. This is an assembly drawing and will require a parts
list. Subassemblies on an interconnection diagram are shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 14. A cable assembly and a schematic of its wires.

WORKING DRAWING
A working drawing is a type of drawing that shows the exact measurements, layout, and details
needed to build or install something. Example: Electrical Floor Plan.

Electrical Floor Plans

An electrical floor plan shows where all the lights, outlets, switches, and other electrical parts
will go in a building.

 It's drawn before installation begins.

 It helps electricians and site workers know where to place everything.

 The plan uses symbols to represent lights, outlets, fans, and switches.

 Dashed lines show which switch controls which light or outlet.

💡 What’s an Outlet? An outlet is where you plug something in or connect it to the electrical
system. There are two main types:

1. Receptacle Outlet – Where you plug in a device using a cord (like a phone charger or
microwave).

2. Lighting Outlet – Where a light fixture or ceiling fan is directly connected.

What Is a House Electrical Plan?

A house electrical plan (also called a house wiring diagram) is a drawing that shows how all
the electrical wiring and devices in a house are connected.

It shows:

 Where the lights, switches, outlets, fans, and appliances will go.
  How electricity will flow through the house from the main power source to all the
electrical devices.

Think of it like a map for electricity in your home!

Why Is the House Electrical Plan Important?

The house electrical plan is one of the most important drawings used when building or
renovating a house. It helps:

 Electricians know where and how to install electrical parts.

 Prevent mistakes like placing switches or outlets in the wrong spot.

 Make sure everything is installed safely and efficiently.

What Does the Electrical Plan Include?

It includes:

 Outlets (where you plug in devices)

 Switches (to turn lights or fans on and off)

 Lighting fixtures

 Fans and appliances

 Electrical panels and circuit breakers

Understanding Symbols and Legends

 Every item (like a light or switch) is shown using a symbol.

 A legend explains what each symbol means.

 For example, a small circle might mean a light, and a triangle might mean a switch.

These symbols make the drawing easier to read and help electricians know exactly what to do.
Software for Creating House Electrical Plan

Edraw : https://www.edrawsoft.com/edraw-max/

Image of the Interface.

Video:

 ELECTRICAL PLANS
 How to Create Electrical Wiring Diagram
 Blueprints Deciphered: How to Read Residential Plans (For Electricians) (Start @ 8:43)
 Understanding Blueprints: Electrical Symbols Explained
 HAND DRAFTING - ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING DESIGN
 Basic Electrical Residential Wiring
Electrical symbols used on an architectural plan show the location and type of electrical device
required.

An example of a typical electrical installation as taken from a plan is shown in Figure 2-1.

Site: Electrical Symbols

Illustration of a Floor Plan and its Electrical Components
Example of a Second Electrical Floor Plan