Circuit Diagram Basics

A circuit diagram is a graphical representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit, and how they are connected together. Circuit diagrams are used to design, build, and troubleshoot electrical circuits.

Circuit diagrams are typically drawn using standard symbols for the different components of a circuit. These symbols are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The basic components of a circuit diagram are:

  • Voltage sources (batteries, power supplies, etc.)
  • Current sources (generators, motors, etc.)
  • Resistors
  • Capacitors
  • Inductors
  • Diodes
  • Transistors
  • Integrated circuits

Circuit diagrams can be drawn in either a schematic or a pictorial format. Schematic diagrams show the components of the circuit in their ideal form, without any regard for their physical appearance. Pictorial diagrams show the components of the circuit in their actual physical form.

Circuit diagrams are used by engineers, technicians, and hobbyists to design, build, and troubleshoot electrical circuits. They are also used by students to learn about the principles of electricity and electronics.

Here is a simple circuit diagram of a light bulb connected to a battery:

Simple circuit diagram

This circuit diagram shows a battery (V) connected to a light bulb (L). The battery provides the voltage source for the circuit, and the light bulb is the load. The circuit is complete when the switch (S) is closed.

When the switch is closed, the current flows from the battery through the light bulb and back to the battery. This causes the light bulb to light up.

Circuit diagrams are an essential tool for anyone who works with electricity. They can be used to visualize and understand how electrical circuits work.


How Electrical Circuits Work Lighting Basics Bulbs Com

How Electrical Circuits Work Lighting Basics Bulbs Com


Circuit With A Switch Basic Concepts And Test Equipment Electronics Textbook

Circuit With A Switch Basic Concepts And Test Equipment Electronics Textbook


Plc Training Reading Electrical Wiring Diagrams And Understanding Schematic Symbols Tw Controls

Plc Training Reading Electrical Wiring Diagrams And Understanding Schematic Symbols Tw Controls


Your Home Electrical System Explained

Your Home Electrical System Explained


How To Read A Schematic Learn Sparkfun Com

How To Read A Schematic Learn Sparkfun Com


How To Read Electrical Schematics Circuit Basics

How To Read Electrical Schematics Circuit Basics


A Simple Schematic Drawing Tutorial For Eagle Build Electronic Circuits

A Simple Schematic Drawing Tutorial For Eagle Build Electronic Circuits


Circuit Diagram Mydraw

Circuit Diagram Mydraw


Wiring Colors Symbols Literature Cad Library Shipco Pumps

Wiring Colors Symbols Literature Cad Library Shipco Pumps


Basic Electrical Circuit Theory Components Working Diagram Academia

Basic Electrical Circuit Theory Components Working Diagram Academia


Power Amplifier Basics Types Cl And Its Applications

Power Amplifier Basics Types Cl And Its Applications


What Is A Circuit Schematic Nwes Blog

What Is A Circuit Schematic Nwes Blog


What Is An Example Of A Schematic Diagram And Its Explanation Quora

What Is An Example Of A Schematic Diagram And Its Explanation Quora


How To Read A Schematic

How To Read A Schematic


How To Read Car Wiring Diagrams Short Beginners Version Rustyautos Com

How To Read Car Wiring Diagrams Short Beginners Version Rustyautos Com


What Is The Meaning Of Schematic Diagram Sierra Circuits

What Is The Meaning Of Schematic Diagram Sierra Circuits


Simple Switched Supply Circuit Diagram Bipolar Cur Mirror Electrical Engineering

Simple Switched Supply Circuit Diagram Bipolar Cur Mirror Electrical Engineering


Draw A Circuit Diagram Basics

Draw A Circuit Diagram Basics


What Is Electric Circuit Examples Types Components Etechnog

What Is Electric Circuit Examples Types Components Etechnog