Electrical scheme: what is and what types exist

1 What is an electrical scheme

The electrical schemes, those intricate graphic representations of electrical circuits, have been The spine of electrical engineering from its first steps. These diagrams, full of symbols and lines, are the key to understanding the connection and operation of the components in the fascinating world of electricity.

If you wonder where these diagrams come from that seem to translate electrical complexity to a understandable visual language, you should know that, like most things, they did not arise from the Night in the morning. The evolution of electrical schemes is intertwined with the development of own electrical engineering.

As technological advances allowed the creation of more electrical devices complex at the beginning of the 20th century, the need to graph the provision of Components became evident. Hence, today anyone who relates to the Electricity, have your electrical scheme at hand.

2 Types of electrical schemes and their uses

At present, electrical schemes are essential in various disciplines, from engineering to electronics and home automation. Facilitate circuit design before implementation Physics, expedite the diagnostic and repair process, and serve as a common language in the Technical communication.

There are several types of electrical schemes, each designed to represent information specific more effectively. Next, we detail the most common:

• Unifilar scheme: It is a simplified representation of an electrical circuit which uses a single line to show the connection between the different components. Is especially useful to obtain a quick and clear vision of the general structure of the circuit without going into complicated details.
• Multifilar scheme: It is a more detailed representation of a circuit electric that uses multiple lines to show specific connections between different components. Unlike the unifilar scheme, it provides more details about the physical disposition and interconnections in a circuit.
• SWITCH SCHEME: represents a circuit that includes switches in a manner that the status of the circuit can be changed by activating or deactivating said switches.
• Topographic scheme: represents the physical disposition of the components in a system or installation. Shows the relative location of each element.
• Connection scheme: details the disposition and connection of the components in an electrical or control system. Includes information on cables, connections and Protection devices.

Each type of electrical scheme has its specific purpose, and the proper reading of these Diagrams is essential to understand and work with electrical systems efficiently. In it Next section we give you tips to help you read an electrical scheme.

3 How to read an electrical scheme

The key to understanding an electrical scheme lies in the interpretation of its symbols. Each Component, be it a resistance, a capacitor or an engine, has its graphic representation Specific.

As you will know after reading the types of electrical schemes that we told you above, each One of them is read in a different way according to their purpose. To its reading and interpretation We will pass later.

First, we want to leave five tips or recommendations to read any electrical scheme:

1. Know the symbology: Family with standard electrical symbols used in schemes. Understanding the representation of each component is essential for interpret the information correctly.
2. Follow the direction of the flow: Look at the arrows that indicate the address of the current flow. This is crucial to understand how electricity moves through circuit.
3. Identify the main components: as resistances, transistors, switches, power supplies, etc. Understanding its function and connection is fundamental.
4. Understand the connections: Pay attention to the lines that connect the Components. These lines represent the electrical connections. Follow the routes to understand The operation sequence.
5. Keep in mind the hierarchy and organization: When reading more complex schemes, Note if there is a hierarchical structure or a logical organization.

Now, we will explain how to focus on the particularities of each electrical scheme that exists:

Unifilar scheme: Read from left to right or from top to bottom, following the sequence of events or processes. The symbols and explanatory annotations help to understand the Information or energy flow through the system.

Multifilar scheme: Read by examining the multiple lines that connect the symbols of the components. Each line represents a specific electrical connection, allowing a deeper understanding of the structure and interrelations of the circuit. It is useful especially When a more detailed analysis is required.

Topographic scheme: It is interpreted by observing the spatial disposition of the symbols The position and proximity of the components indicate their physical location on the site.

SWITCH SCHEME: Identify the switches in the scheme and follow the lines which indicate how the status of the circuit changes when the switches operate.

Connection scheme: It focuses on how the components are connected mutually. The symbols represent the devices and the lines show the connections electric or cables between them.

4 Tools and software to create electrical schemes

If you got here it is because, if you are a beginner or professional in the field of electricity, You want to know what are the best tools to create electrical schemes. You are in luck, It is that there are many software that today allows you to create them in a simple and easy way.

We leave you the most popular options (and others not so many, but that will surprise you):

• Electric AutoCAD: It is a computer -assisted design tool (CAD) that It offers specific functions for the creation of electrical schemes. Provides a wide Symbol range and tools for detailed electrical circuit design.
• Kicad: an open source electronic design software suite that includes a Module to create electrical schemes. Kicad is versatile and adequate for both beginners As for professionals.
• EAGLE: It is another CAD software that is used for the design of printed circuits and the Creation of electrical schemes. It offers a friendly interface and advanced functions.
• Ltespecia: It is an electronic circuit simulation tool that allows Design and test electrical schemes before implementing them essentially. It is especially Useful for circuit verification and optimization.
• Fritzing: Designed for beginner users, it is a tool that allows you to create Electrical schemes, compose PCB and share projects in a simple way. It is ideal for Those who are taking their first steps in electronic design.