![electrical symbols chart](https://engineers07.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Industrial-Electrical-Schematic-Symbols-Chart-Names-And-Info-Aircraft-Wiring-Diagram-El.jpg)
Basic Electrical Symbols
Let’s go over some sample electrical symbols and what they represent.
Ground or Earth
A ground symbol (IEC symbol 5017) identifies a ground terminal. It can be used for a zero potential reference point from where current is measured. It is also for electrical shock protection. There are a few different ground symbols. The one we’re showing here is “Earth”, but there’s also a Chassis and Digital/Common ground with slight variations to this symbol.
![Ground or Earth Electrode](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/ground-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Resistor
A resistor reduces current flow. In a schematic, this is represented with a few zig zag squiggles. We’re showing the US/Japan version of this symbol (IEEE). The UK uses a simple box over a straight line (IEC). There are also symbols for variable and adjustable resistors as well as thermal and preset resistors.
![Resistor](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/resistor-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Switch
Disconnects the current when open. We’re showing a simple SPST (single-pole single-throw) toggle switch, but there are variations for SPDT, pushbutton, dip, relay, and more. For a complete list of switch symbols, check out SmartDraw’s electrical symbol library.
![Switch](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/switch-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Capacitor
A capacitor symbol shows two terminals running into plates. The curved plate indicates that the capacitor is polarized. The curved side has lower voltage. A small plus sign can be added to the straight side indicated the positive pin.
![Capacitor](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/capacitor-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Fuse
A fuse protects electrical circuits by stopping the flow of current when the intensity of current exceed a set value. It does this by melting a special wire.
![Fuse](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/fuse-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Antenna
Marks a device, rod, or wire designed to capture radio and electromagnetic waves into electrical signals and vice versa.
![Antenna](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/antenna-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Inductor
An inductor is also called a coil or reactor. The coils store energy in a magnetic field or flux. An inductor symbol looks like a series of looped coils.
![Inductor](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/inductor-electrical-symbols.png?bn=1510011145)
Transformer
A transformer is two or more coils coupled by magnetic induction. It helps keep the frequency and reduce tension in an AC circuit.
![Transformer](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/transformer-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Motor
A motor is a device that can transform electric energy into mechanical energy.
![Motor](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/motor-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Source
Represents the power source for your electronics. This symbol represent a direct current (DC). To represent AC current, you’d replace the plus and minus sign with a wave.
![Source](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/source-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Battery
Batteries are represented on a schematic with a pair of disproportionate, parallel lines. The number of lines indicates the number of series cells in the battery.
![Battery](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/battery-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Diode
A diode only allows current to flow in one direction. It’s always polarized with an anode (A, positive) and cathode side (C, negative).
![Diode](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/diode-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)
Diode LED
A diede LED is a standard diode symbol with two small arrows showing the emission of light.
![Diode LED](https://wcs.smartdraw.com/circuit-diagram/img/diode-led-electrical-symbol.png?bn=1510011145)