Designation of LED lamps on the diagram. Designations on electrical diagrams of switches, sockets and light bulbs
Before laying electrical networks in a house or apartment, it is mandatory to draw up. In addition to cable lines, it contains many other symbols. Since most installation work can be done independently, it is necessary to correctly read and decipher the designation of sockets and switches on the drawings. Such knowledge will allow you to avoid installation errors, and each product will take its place assigned on the diagram.
Designation of sockets in the drawings
On electrical diagrams, sockets are designated in different ways, depending on its design and connection features.
- Figure 1 shows a socket with two poles for connecting the phase and neutral wires. It is overhead and does not have grounding. It is depicted as a semicircle lying on a section, with one vertical stripe located on top. The presence of two stripes indicates a double socket.
- Figure 2 also shows a surface-mounted two-pole socket, but with grounding. There is a horizontal strip on the semicircle, and one vertical strip extends upward. If there is another strip coming out of each corner, this means that the socket has three poles and is designed for 380 V.
- The 3rd figure shows the symbol of a built-in socket for hidden installation. The semicircle is cut in half with a vertical strip. The presence of two stripes indicates a dual socket design.
Other socket designs are designated according to the same principle.
They also have a semicircle with outgoing contacts.
- Figure 4 corresponds to built-in two-pole grounded receptacles. In the drawing they are cut into a vertical strip, and a horizontal line is located on top of the semicircle. Three-pole sockets are indicated by additional stripes coming out of the corners.
- Figure 5 denotes a two-pole built-in structure with phase and neutral, equipped with grounding. The designation on the diagram is the same as in the 4th figure, with the exception of two vertical stripes.
- Figure 6 shows sockets protected by a cover. They have two poles - and can be with or without grounding.
Designation of switches in the drawings
All switches are schematically depicted as a circle with a line on the top. One hook located at the top of the dash indicates a single-gang open type switch. Two hooks correspond to a two-gang switch. An icon with three hooks indicates a switch with three keys. (Figures 1,2)
In the case where a perpendicular strip is placed above the main line, this indicates a switch design intended for hidden installation (Figure 3). One, two or three lines correspond to a one-, two- or three-key switch.
If the circle is completely filled in black, it is an image of a moisture-resistant open type switch.
Figure 4 shows a circle intersected by a line with dashes located at the ends. Thus, pass-through switches in two positions are indicated on electrical diagrams. The circuit mirrors two ordinary switches. The number of perpendicular lines indicates the number of keys. The designation of moisture-resistant switches appears as a filled circle.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 show switches arranged together with receptacles in one block. This placement significantly saves space and facilitates installation. To connect, you only need one wire, laid in a single groove.
Figure 5 shows a regular switch connected to a standard outlet. The entire unit is designed for hidden installation. The next option (Figure 6) is more complex. It includes a grounded socket, as well as a one- and two-gang switch. Figure 7 shows a block consisting of two conventional switches and one socket.
Designation of lamps on the diagram
Lamps occupy a leading place in lighting design. In modern diagrams, they are not only marked individually, but can also be displayed in the form of so-called dynamic blocks, which are very convenient for designing lighting in specific rooms.
These designations are used not only for indoor but also for outdoor lighting. These diagrams contain additional elements that are used during the installation process.
Designations of network elements
In addition to lamps, sockets and switches, each electrical network contains a large number of other elements. Among them, transformers, switches, electrical installation products and other parts are most often found.
The components and products used are necessarily displayed on electrical diagrams and drawings in accordance with established standards. In order to correctly read such a diagram, you need to know exactly not only, but also the technical characteristics of each element. All connections between individual parts are indicated using special positional designations.
Conventional graphic symbols are performed using specially developed standardized geometric symbols. They can be used separately for each element or in combination with other types of products. The overall meaning of a particular geometric image largely depends on these combinations.
In addition to the schematic drawing, the displayed elements contain positional designations with digital and letter markings. In addition, there are qualification designations that establish the type of connection, current and voltage values, adjustment methods, electrical connections and other characteristics.
Designation of panels, boxes, cabinets
In electrical networks, much attention is paid to reliable protection of cable and wire inputs, as well as various switching equipment. For these purposes, all kinds of designs of cabinets, panels or boxes made of metal or plastic are widely used. All types of switchboard equipment are designed for different voltages. They differ in overall dimensions, depending on the number of installed devices and devices. For the abbreviated designation, the corresponding capital letters “Ш”, “Ш”, “Я” are used.
In modern conditions, residential switchboards, displayed on diagrams as “ShchK”, are becoming increasingly popular. They are successfully used in new facilities or in the reconstruction of electrical wiring in old buildings. Models of switchboards are divided into ShchKU - apartment metering switchboard and ShchKR - apartment distribution switchboard.
Quite often, on electrical diagrams of sockets, switches, and other elements, there are designations in the form ША and ША, which correspond to cabinets or automation panels. In addition, there are conventional symbols SHAVR - automatic transfer cabinet, ShchAP - automatic switchboards.
How to Read Electrical Diagrams
The ability to read electrical diagrams, the ability to recognize various conventional graphic symbols of switching devices and network elements indicated on a house drawing will allow you to understand the wiring arrangement yourself.
A diagram that is understandable to the user gives him the answer to the question of which wires to connect to which terminals of the electrical appliance. But to read a drawing, it is not enough to remember the symbols of various electrical devices; you also need to understand what they do, what functions they perform in order to grasp the relationship between them, which is necessary in order to understand the operation of the entire system.
A lot of time is devoted to the study of the entire range of electrical devices in special educational institutions, and there is no way in one article to contain the designation of all these devices, with a detailed description of their functionality and characteristic relationships with other devices.
Therefore, you need to start by studying simple circuits that include a small set of elements.
Conductors, lines, cables
The most common component of any electrical network is the wire identification. In the diagrams it is indicated by a line. But you need to remember that one segment in the drawing can mean:
- one wire, which is the electrical connection between the contacts;
- two-wire single-phase or four-wire three-phase group electrical communication line;
- an electrical cable that includes a whole set of power and signal groups of electrical connections.
As we see, already at the stage of studying the seemingly simplest wires, there are complex, varied designations for their varieties and interactions.
Image of distribution boxes, shields This fragment from table No. 6 of GOST 2.721-74 shows various designations of elements, both simple single-core connections and their intersections, and conductor harnesses with branches.
Image of wires, lamps and plugs There's no point in starting to memorize all these icons. They themselves will be deposited in the mind after studying various drawings, in which from time to time you will have to look at this table.
Network components
A set of elements consisting of a lamp, switch, socket is sufficient for the functioning of a living room; it provides lighting and power to electrical appliances.
Having learned their designations, you can easily understand the wiring in your room, or even design your own wiring plan that takes into account your immediate needs.
Designation of a single-key switch, a two-key switch and a pass-through switch Looking at table No. 1 of GOST 21.608-84, one may be surprised at the variety of electrical products available in everyday use. While at home and reading this article, you should look around and find electrical components in your room that correspond to those indicated in the table. For example, a socket is indicated on the diagram by a semicircle.
There are many varieties of them (only phase and neutral, with an additional grounding contact, double, block with switches, hidden, etc.), so each has its own graphic designation, as well as many types of switches.
Example of a wiring diagram for a small apartment A little practice for memorization
Having highlighted the found elements, it is advisable to try to draw them, you can even follow the rules indicated in table No. 2. This exercise will help you remember the selected components.
Having the outline of graphic symbols, you can connect them with lines and get a wiring diagram in the room. Since the wires are hidden in the wall covering, it will not be possible to draw an installation drawing, but the electrical diagram will be correct.
Example of a simple circuit The slashes indicate the number of conductors in the line. The arrows indicate the exits to the panel with circuit breakers and RCDs. The blue line means a connection with a two-wire cable to the distribution box, from which three wires go to the switch and the lamp.
Three-wire wiring with a PE protective conductor is shown in black. This figure is provided as an example only. To design complex electrical systems, you need to take a whole course at a higher specialized educational institution.
But, having learned a few common symbols, you can draw the wiring of a room, a garage or an entire house by hand, and work on it, turning it into reality.
RCD, automatic devices, electrical panel
To complete the picture, you also need to find out the designation of distribution boxes, circuit breakers, RCDs, and meters.
The image shows that a single-pole circuit breaker differs from a two-pole circuit breaker by the presence of oblique lines on the designation of the connection wires.
Protective systems
To be able to understand the arrangement of the entire wiring of a country house (not just the electrical network), you also need to study lightning protection, zero, phase, motion sensor icons and other POS (fire and security alarm) signaling devices.
diagram of lightning protection of a country house with a wire lightning rod installed on the roof The figure shows a diagram of lightning protection of a country house with a wire lightning rod installed on the roof:
- wire lightning rod;
- input of overhead overhead lines and grounding of overhead line hooks on the wall;
- current lead;
- ground loop.
Alarm sensors have their own specific designation; in the data sheets of some manufacturers they may differ. The most typical symbols are the PIC tools described below.
This figure shows a plan of a cottage with a diagram of the connection of various fire and security alarm sensors.
Example of a cottage plan This article shows that part of the designation that concerns the arrangement of a house or apartment. To become more fully familiar with the graphic symbols of electrical engineering and other industries, you need to study GOST and various reference books.
And once again it is worth recalling that it is not enough to learn the icons, you need to understand the principle of operation of the designated elements in electrics.
The ability to read electrical diagrams is an important component, without which it is impossible to become a specialist in the field of electrical installation work. Every novice electrician must know how sockets, switches, switching devices and even an electricity meter are designated on a wiring project in accordance with GOST. Next, we will provide readers of the site with symbols in electrical circuits, both graphic and alphabetic.
Graphic
As for the graphic designation of all elements used in the diagram, we will provide this overview in the form of tables in which the products will be grouped by purpose.
In the first table you can see how electrical boxes, panels, cabinets and remote controls are marked on electrical circuits:
The next thing you should know is the symbol for power sockets and switches (including walk-through ones) on single-line diagrams of apartments and private houses:
As for lighting elements, lamps and fixtures according to GOST are indicated as follows:
In more complex circuits where electric motors are used, elements such as:
It is also useful to know how transformers and chokes are graphically indicated on circuit diagrams:
Electrical measuring instruments according to GOST have the following graphic designation on the drawings:
By the way, here is a table useful for novice electricians, which shows what the ground loop looks like on a wiring plan, as well as the power line itself:
In addition, in the diagrams you can see a wavy or straight line, “+” and “-”, which indicate the type of current, voltage and pulse shape:
In more complex automation schemes, you may encounter incomprehensible graphic symbols, such as contact connections. Remember how these devices are designated on electrical diagrams:
In addition, you should be aware of what radio elements look like on projects (diodes, resistors, transistors, etc.):
That's all the conventional graphic symbols in the electrical circuits of power circuits and lighting. As you have already seen for yourself, there are quite a lot of components and remembering how each is designated is possible only with experience. Therefore, we recommend that you save all these tables so that when reading the wiring plan for a house or apartment, you can immediately determine what kind of circuit element is located in a certain place.
Interesting video
Any electrical circuits can be presented in the form of drawings (circuit and wiring diagrams), the design of which must comply with ESKD standards. These standards apply to both electrical wiring or power circuits and electronic devices. Accordingly, in order to “read” such documents, it is necessary to understand the symbols in electrical circuits.
Regulations
Taking into account the large number of electrical elements, a number of normative documents have been developed for their alphanumeric (hereinafter referred to as BO) and conventional graphic designations (UGO) to eliminate discrepancies. Below is a table showing the main standards.
Table 1. Standards for graphic designation of individual elements in installation and circuit diagrams.
| GOST number | Short description |
| 2.710 81 | This document contains GOST requirements for BO of various types of electrical elements, including electrical appliances. |
| 2.747 68 | Requirements for the dimensions of displaying elements in graphical form. |
| 21.614 88 | Accepted codes for electrical and wiring plans. |
| 2.755 87 | Display of switching devices and contact connections on diagrams |
| 2.756 76 | Standards for sensing parts of electromechanical equipment. |
| 2.709 89 | This standard regulates the standards in accordance with which contact connections and wires are indicated on diagrams. |
| 21.404 85 | Schematic symbols for equipment used in automation systems |
It should be taken into account that the element base changes over time, and accordingly changes are made to regulatory documents, although this process is more inert. Let's give a simple example: RCDs and automatic circuit breakers have been widely used in Russia for more than a decade, but there is still no single standard according to GOST 2.755-87 for these devices, unlike circuit breakers. It is quite possible that this issue will be resolved in the near future. To keep abreast of such innovations, professionals monitor changes in regulatory documents; amateurs do not have to do this; it is enough to know the decoding of the main symbols.
Types of electrical circuits
In accordance with ESKD standards, diagrams mean graphic documents on which, using accepted notations, the main elements or components of a structure, as well as the connections connecting them, are displayed. According to the accepted classification, there are ten types of circuits, of which three are most often used in electrical engineering:
If the diagram shows only the power part of the installation, then it is called single-line; if all elements are shown, then it is called complete.
If the drawing shows the wiring of the apartment, then the locations of lighting fixtures, sockets and other equipment are indicated on the plan. Sometimes you can hear such a document called a power supply diagram; this is incorrect, since the latter shows how consumers are connected to a substation or other power source.
Having dealt with the electrical circuits, we can move on to the designations of the elements indicated on them.
Graphic symbols
Each type of graphic document has its own designations, regulated by relevant regulatory documents. Let us give as an example the basic graphic symbols for different types of electrical circuits.
Examples of UGO in functional diagrams
Below is a picture depicting the main components of automation systems.
Examples of symbols for electrical appliances and automation equipment in accordance with GOST 21.404-85 Description of symbols:
- A – Basic (1) and acceptable (2) images of devices that are installed outside the electrical panel or junction box.
- B - The same as point A, except that the elements are located on the remote control or electrical panel.
- C – Display of actuators (AM).
- D – Influence of MI on the regulating body (hereinafter referred to as RO) when the power is turned off:
- RO opening occurs
- Closing RO
- The position of the RO remains unchanged.
- E – IM, on which a manual drive is additionally installed. This symbol may be used for any RO provisions specified in paragraph D.
- F- Accepted mappings of communication lines:
- General.
- There is no connection at the intersection.
- The presence of a connection at the intersection.
UGO in single-line and complete electrical circuits
There are several groups of symbols for these schemes; we present the most common of them. To obtain complete information, you must refer to the regulatory documents; the numbers of state standards will be given for each group.
Power supplies.
To designate them, the symbols shown in the figure below are used.
UGO power supplies on schematic diagrams (GOST 2.742-68 and GOST 2.750.68) Description of symbols:
- A is a constant voltage source, its polarity is indicated by the symbols “+” and “-”.
- B – electricity icon indicating alternating voltage.
- C is a symbol of alternating and direct voltage, used in cases where the device can be powered from any of these sources.
- D – Display of battery or galvanic power source.
- E- Symbol of a battery consisting of several batteries.
Communication lines
The basic elements of electrical connectors are presented below.
Designation of communication lines on circuit diagrams (GOST 2.721-74 and GOST 2.751.73) Description of symbols:
- A – General display adopted for various types of electrical connections.
- B – Current-carrying or grounding bus.
- C – Designation of shielding, can be electrostatic (marked with the symbol “E”) or electromagnetic (“M”).
- D – Grounding symbol.
- E – Electrical connection with the device body.
- F - On complex diagrams, consisting of several components, a broken connection is thus indicated; in such cases, “X” is information about where the line will be continued (as a rule, the element number is indicated).
- G – Intersection with no connection.
- H – Joint at intersection.
- I – Branches.
Designations of electromechanical devices and contact connections
Examples of the designation of magnetic starters, relays, as well as contacts of communication devices can be seen below.
UGO adopted for electromechanical devices and contactors (GOSTs 2.756-76, 2.755-74, 2.755-87) Description of symbols:
- A – symbol of the coil of an electromechanical device (relay, magnetic starter, etc.).
- B – UGO of the receiving part of the electrothermal protection.
- C – display of the coil of a device with a mechanical lock.
- D – contacts of switching devices:
- Closing.
- Disconnecting.
- Switching.
- E – Symbol for designating manual switches (buttons).
- F – Group switch (switch).
UGO of electric machines
Let us give several examples of displaying electrical machines (hereinafter referred to as EM) in accordance with the current standard.
Designation of electric motors and generators on circuit diagrams (GOST 2.722-68) Description of symbols:
- A – three-phase EM:
- Asynchronous (squirrel-cage rotor).
- Same as point 1, only in a two-speed version.
- Asynchronous electric motors with phase-phase rotor design.
- Synchronous motors and generators.
- B – Collector, DC powered:
- EM with permanent magnet excitation.
- EM with excitation coil.
UGO transformers and chokes
Examples of graphic symbols for these devices can be found in the figure below.
Correct designations of transformers, inductors and chokes (GOST 2.723-78) Description of symbols:
- A – This graphic symbol can indicate inductors or windings of transformers.
- B – Choke, which has a ferrimagnetic core (magnetic core).
- C – Display of a two-coil transformer.
- D – Device with three coils.
- E – Autotransformer symbol.
- F – Graphic display of CT (current transformer).
Designation of measuring instruments and radio components
A brief overview of these electronic components is shown below. For those who want to become more familiar with this information, we recommend viewing GOSTs 2.729 68 and 2.730 73.
Examples of graphic symbols for electronic components and measuring instruments Description of symbols:
- Electricity meter.
- Picture of an ammeter.
- Device for measuring network voltage.
- Thermal sensor.
- Fixed value resistor.
- Variable resistor.
- Capacitor (general designation).
- Electrolytic capacity.
- Diode designation.
- Light-emitting diode.
- Image of a diode optocoupler.
- UGO transistor (in this case npn).
- Fuse designation.
UGO lighting devices
Let's look at how electric lamps are displayed on a circuit diagram.
Description of symbols:
- A – General image of incandescent lamps (LN).
- B – LN as a signaling device.
- C – Typical designation of gas-discharge lamps.
- D – High-pressure gas-discharge light source (the figure shows an example of a design with two electrodes)
Designation of elements in the electrical wiring diagram
Concluding the topic of graphic symbols, we give examples of displaying sockets and switches.
How sockets of other types are depicted is easy to find in the regulatory documents that are available on the Internet.
Every professional must speak a specific language appropriate to his profession. In electrical engineering, such a language is the graphic language of electrical/electronic circuits. In this language, it is most convenient to describe (or rather, draw) the objects that an electrician works with. Moreover, both in the case of building some new structures, wiring or an entire power or lighting system, manufacturing electrical appliances, and in the case of eliminating accidents, improving circuits, or simply connecting new objects to existing systems.
An electrician should be able, for example, with a quick glance at a problem that has arisen somewhere, to see with a professional eye the possible causes of the malfunction and quickly sketch out his hypotheses in the form of a diagram on any piece of paper. And only then solve the problem or explain to someone the options for a possible solution.
The language of diagrams is, to some extent, the language of specific hieroglyphs, and their knowledge is simply a type of literacy. In many ways, the designations are made logically understandable, since they often come from drawings of the corresponding designated objects or their details.
Two types of symbols on electrical diagrams
Graphic symbols should be intuitive at first glance. But there are many properties that are difficult to convey with a simple drawing. Therefore, in all diagrams where specifics are required - and these are all diagrams designed for practical use - the symbolic graphic symbols are supplemented with alphabetic or digital inscriptions.
That is, the designations on the diagrams can be attributed to:
- Graphic.
- Signed - alphabetic or numeric.
It is also worth highlighting the designations summarized in various tables, specifications, explanatory texts, usually attached to the diagrams. The most important property of such designations should be the unambiguous identification of each object reflected in the diagram. This applies to both the type of object depicted, for example, a switch, light bulb, stabilizer, and the specific number on the diagram or its electrical, installation, physical and other properties.
When drawing diagrams, computer programs are now usually used, which automatically give a beautiful, understandable and conveniently placed picture, however, just as we can all write with a pencil or pen, we must be able to draw a diagram - at least in general form and in a draft version .
This is despite the fact that there are many programs written to generate and draw diagrams.
Graphic symbols of electrical objects are generally accepted and can be used in diagrams, plans and drawings of various types: circuit diagrams, installation plans, wiring plans, wiring, etc. These symbols, like varieties of any graphic documentation, are regulated by standards. The latest of these standards can be called GOST IEC 60617-DB-12M-2015 “Graphic symbols for circuits”.
Of all the variety of diagrams where electrical elements are depicted, we are interested, first of all, in diagrams and symbols on them relating to lighting and lighting systems. With a serious professional approach, the lighting system of a facility under construction is part of the overall project, and after completion of construction and from the start of use of the facility, all electrical circuits must be stored in a safe place for the entire period of operation of the building. Although in practice it is often different.
Let us briefly consider, using an example, the types of graphic documents relating to the electrical part of the project.
Building (apartment) plan
Very conventionally, even schematically, the plan shows the location of the rooms, the position of the openings and dimensions.
In this diagram, it is important how and at what points to illuminate a room of a given configuration.
Of course, the supply of energy to the lamps also plays a role in this, so it is quite appropriate to depict it here. This is easy to do in accordance with the developed standards: GOST 21.608 and GOST 21.614.
Room socket network
The placement of sockets organically complements the lighting scheme.
As you can see, the diagrams are simple; it is quite possible to draw them even at home when carrying out some work to create and modernize a household electrical network. It is important to be able to navigate such schemes.
The power diagram is more technical, so it has a lot of alphanumeric symbols and quantitative data. And the spatial location data has already been given in the three previous ones, so on the power supply diagram the information is presented in the form of a schematic single-line table.
The symbols that were found here, using the example of these diagrams, can be considered the most frequently encountered. Everyone usually knows them. The complete list of graphic symbols is given by the GOSTs given above.
Here we will also list them, there are not many of them, it is important to consider them and understand the logic of depicting various properties and details in them.
Graphic symbols on diagrams
Since we are more interested in lighting devices, lamps and other fixtures are brought forward in this list. We will present the rest of the equipment, but after them.
Letter designations in electrical diagrams
Letter designations are abbreviations whose meaning is also easy to decipher and remember. Everything is done in accordance with GOST 7624-54, they can also be cited here.
The letter designations of electronic circuit elements are also known to everyone. They are often denoted by Latin letters, as an abbreviation of the corresponding names of physical quantities. For example, R – resistance, electrical resistance.
Well, that’s all you might need to draw or, conversely, understand the electrical power supply diagrams for premises.