Circuit Diagram: Components, Types, Symbols and Uses

A circuit is an overall path which allows electricity to flow through it. When electric current flows through a circuit, it can be used by various electrical appliances. A circuit diagram is a graphical representation of an electrical circuit. It is also known as an electrical diagram, wiring diagram, electronic schematic, and elementary diagram. In a circuit diagram, components of an electrical circuit are indicated using standard symbols. It represents the actual electrical connections present in the circuit.

These diagrams are used in the field of designing, construction, and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment.

Let’s learn more about circuit diagrams, components of circuit diagrams, types of circuit diagrams, and more.

Circuit Diagram

An electrical circuit, in physics, is a closed circular path or a loop in which electrons travel to produce an electric current. A circuit consists of a source of energy (battery), conducting wires, switch, and a light bulb. The conducting wires connect one terminal of the battery to the bulb and another terminal is connected to the bulb via a switch.

Switch is used to close and open the circuit. When the switch is closed, the circuit is complete and electrons flow from the negative terminal of the battery to the positive terminal and the light bulb glows up. When the switch is open, the flow of electrons does not take place and no change is observed in the bulb i.e., electric current is not produced.

Learn more about Electrical Resistance here

Components of Circuit Diagram

In the points below, we have listed some components of a circuit diagram:

• Closed Circuit: A closed electric circuit allows the flow of electrons in the path from a negative terminal to the positive terminal of the battery. It is a complete circuit, therefore, current can flow through it.
• Open Circuit: An open circuit is a circuit where the path of electrons is interrupted or the circuit is incomplete. As stated above, when the switch is open, the flow of current from one terminal to another is incomplete, therefore, the current does not flow through the circuit and hence the circuit is open.
• Short Circuit: Short circuit occurs when the two terminals i.e., positive and negative get connected to each other and maximum current starts to flow in such a situation.
• Series Circuit: In a series electric circuit, currents flow in equal amounts through each of the components present in the circuit.
• Parallel Circuit: A parallel electric circuit comprises branched components, therefore, current further gets divided into branches and only some part of the current flows through those components.

Also, read about Electrical Power here

Various Symbols in Circuit Diagram

Here are some components and electrical symbols that are used in circuit diagrams.

Get to know more about Electric Potential here

Types

There are 6 types of circuit diagrams, namely: Block Diagram, Schematic Circuit Diagram, Pictorial Circuit Diagram, Single Line Circuit Diagram, Open Circuit Diagram and Closed Circuit Diagram. Here is a detailed explanation and diagrams of various circuits.

• Block Diagram: In a block diagram, the various components of the circuit are represented as blocks, connected by connecting wires and inside the box, the name of the component is mentioned. They are heavily used in engineering in electronic design, process flow diagrams, hardware design, and software design.

• Schematic Circuit Diagram: It is a 2D representation of a circuit diagram. It shows the main features and relationship of the components but not in detail. These diagrams are important in the field of engineering.

 

• Pictorial Circuit Diagram: In a pictorial circuit diagram, pictures with labels are used to represent the various components present in the electrical circuit. These diagrams are used in construction work, and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment. In computer science, they are useful in Boolean algebra.

• Single Line Circuit Diagram (SLD): SLDs are also known as one-line diagrams and are useful in power engineering. It is a symbolic representation of a three-phase electric power system.

• Open Circuit Diagram: An open circuit is the one where current flow does not take place. Hence the diagram representing it is known as an open circuit diagram.

• Closed Circuit Diagram: In a closed-circuit diagram, an uninterrupted flow of current takes place from the power source to the load through conducting wire. Such a circuit diagram is known as a closed circuit diagram.

 

You may be interested to learn about Current and Electricity

Simple Circuit Diagram

 

A circuit diagram is a combination of cells, batteries and switches, in which electricity can flow. A simple circuit diagram can be drawn using the following components:

• Electric cell: An electric cell will act as a source of current in the circuit.
• Battery: A battery is a combination of cells. It has a cathode and an anode and the electrolyte.
• Switch: A switch allows or stops the flow of current in a circuit.
• Electric bulb: This is the device which glows on receiving electric current.
• Voltmeter: A voltmeter measures the voltage between two points in a circuit.
• Ammeter: It is used to measure the current passing at a particular point.

Don’t miss our Magnetic Effect of Electric Current article

Uses of Circuit Diagram

Circuit diagrams are vital in understanding various types of circuits in Physics. Here are some uses:

• Circuit diagrams depict the physical arrangement of the components of an electrical circuit.
• Circuit diagrams are used for circuit designing, construction work in engineering and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment.

Testbook is your one-stop for all the study materials and guides that you need to prepare for your exams. Testbook app offers you access to interactive live classes, test series, mock tests, and much more. Download now to get amazing offers.

If you are checking Circuit Diagram article, also check the related maths articles in the table below:
Electric circuit	Energy Conversion
Bridge rectifier	Npn transistor
Circuit switching	Lcr circuit