Circuit diagram

A circuit diagram is not a picture of where the equipment sits on a bench. Straight lines represent connecting wires, and standard symbols identify the components. Using the same symbols makes a circuit understandable to anyone reading it.

A circuit diagram is a clear way to communicate how electrical components are connected. Each component has a standard symbol, while straight lines represent connecting wires. The drawing need not resemble the shape or size of the real equipment: what matters is which terminals and components the lines join.

A circuit diagram represents a real electrical circuit without trying to look like the physical apparatus. Each component is replaced by an agreed symbol, while straight lines represent connecting wires. This shared system allows a circuit to be recorded and rebuilt clearly.

A circuit diagram shows connections, rather than the physical positions of wires on a bench. Standard symbols represent components such as a cell or battery, lamp and switch. A continuous line between symbols represents a wire.