Hello Team Members:
Being able to read and understand electrical schematics is very important in both of the practical world and taking tests. Almost every company now have complex tests to see if one is able to read/trace schematics and troubleshoot electrical issues. Electrical schematics is nothing more than a road map for electricity to follow through a circuit, but so many technicians fail to understand the markers along the way that tells the electricity where to go and when to stop and how much voltage/current to apply. We will focus on the Symbols this week (i.e. the road map markers). Tracing schematics can be a daunting task, especially when it goes from page to page! We will go through some basics and highlight some key symbols that we could see on an electrical schematic, highlight a book that could help, but on the free side of things, I have links to PDF’s and websites that will work well for you.
By not knowing how the electrical symbols in
a circuit, you could waste valuable time doing work, testing and examining
circuits that are not part of the problem. One of the most difficult tasks is
understanding what all of the symbols mean. Once that part is understood,
following the circuit from source to load becomes much easier. By not knowing
what the components associated with the symbols are, you could use your tester
on circuit parts incorrectly and cause more damage to the electrical component,
cause damage to your meter or injure yourself! The main thing we need to do is
always place safety first and get a strong understanding of what we are working
with.
When we first come to an electrical problem,
start with the electrical source, and then find the load. This will be easy
when you know where to find them on a schematic after knowing what they look
like. Next, we can trace the circuit and see symbols along the line and know
what could be the possible fault, such as a limit switch or a fuse. If your
unit has a PLC (programmable logic controller) or VFD (variable frequency
drive), they may display fault codes to assist in troubleshooting.
Unfortunately, not all material handling systems have a PLC or VFD and finding
the fault will rely on knowing how to trace circuits, decipher the symbols, and
locate the failed component. I have data mined information that will be very
useful to your knowledge in understanding the symbols and systems.
Throughout the internet, a vast wealth in
PDF’s, PPT’s and online sites will breakdown each area and explain in detail
all of the components. I have also found a book that would sit well in your
library of industrial textbooks.
The Electrical Treasure
Chest
I have done the leg work needed for this
weeks’ blog on electrical schematics. All of these PDF’s can be downloaded for
you to print off or save for later reading. I have also added some websites too
for you to go through and dig up more info! But first, if you want to purchase
a book, one that I would recommend is…
(click on picture for link for the book)
This book would assist in many ways in your
knowledge of electrical circuits and symbols.
Beginner's Guide - How to Read Electrical Schematics
How to Read Wiring Diagrams
How to Read Wiring Diagrams
Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series
Basic Electricity & Reading Schematics
Industrial Electrical Symbols
As
you read this week’s blog, you now have a better understanding of “Electrical
Schematic Symbols”.
Red Vector Spotlight!
I
have this PDF to send out. If you would like a copy of this short guide, 29
pages, I can email it to you! I will also post others as we go along this
journey.
I
also have “Electrical Diagrams Handbook” on PDF to email you if you are
interested.
In Conclusion my friends; what are some of
the things in this topic that we talked about here support your needs? What are
some of the challenges in Electrical Symbols where you need support?
I hope that this blog supports your needs and
delivered good content for you! Please feel free to leave a comment!
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