Electrical Switch Symbols

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Posted by James Freeman |

Part 1: What are Switches?

A switch is one of the most commonly found devices everywhere. You might find some of these around your household as you turn light or a fan on or off. Switches are an electrical device used to close or break the circuit. It will connect or disconnect appliances by interrupting the path of the current.

electric swtich

Part 2: Factors to Keep in Mind While Selecting A Switch

Switches may be simple devices, but their selection is a whole process depending on what you need it for. To make matters simpler, there are three important things to consider in a switch:

  1. Method of Operation
  2. Ratings
  3. Contact
Method of Operation

SPST (Single Pole Single throw)

This is the most basic kind of switch with one input and one output. It is also called a toggle switch. In our electrical software - EdrawMax, you can click the action button then click the Close Circuit menu item to close the circuit switch. You can double click to edit the text at the symbol. You can move the yellow control point to change the position of the text.

SPST (Single Pole Single throw)

SPDT (single pole double throw)

This is a three-terminal switch. One terminal is input with two others as outputs. It is usually used in a three-way circuit. For example, to turn a light on or off from 2 different locations.

SPDT (single pole double throw)

DPST (double pole, single throw)

This switch has two poles with two similar circuits side by side. With a single push, both circuits will turn on or off. It is mostly used to regulate 240V appliances.

DPST (double pole, single throw)

DPDT (double pole double throw)

The DPDT switch is used anywhere that needs open or closed wiring. It is equal to 2 SPDT switches.

DPDT (double pole double throw)

Ratings

Switch contacts have ratings for the current and voltage. There may be multiple ratings for AC and DC. If you want to use the switch for low voltage appliances, the rating will not matter.

However, for high rated electronics, you check for the current rating in the switch.

Contact

There are multiple terms used to describe contacts found in switches. A switch is off when it is open and on when it is closed. There may be numerous close positions in a switch.

The simplest of the switches has one pole and one throw. This means it has one set of contacts and one switching position. A few of the terms you need to be familiar with are given below.

Pole: The number of contact sets in a switch.

Way: The number of conducting positions. This can be three or more.

Throw: This can be either single or double and shows the number of conducting positions.

There are many other switches you can explore and select according to the task you need it for.

Part 3: Switch and Push Button Symbols

There is an endless number of switches and electrical symbols used to draw circuit diagrams and wiring plans. Some of them are more common than others, and a little knowledge about them will help you use them constructively.

Symbol
Name
Description
Open Switch
Open Switch
An open circuit and shows no current is flowing.
Closed Switch
Closed Switch

This means the circuit is complete, and the current is flowing.

Telegraph Key
Telegraph Key

Special electrical switch to send messages in morse code.

Thermal Magnetic Switch
Thermal Magnetic Switch

During high current spikes, it breaks the circuit to protect appliances.

Limit Switch
Limit Switch

Used in control rooms, it is activated when it comes in contact with its actuator.

Switch SPDT
Switch SPDT

The single pole double throw switch has 3 terminals with one common terminal.

Switch DPDT
Switch DPDT

Double pole double through turns on and off two circuits at the same time using a common lever.

Differential Switch
Differential Switch

Operates on the difference of current between the live and neutral wire.

Pulse Counter Switch
Pulse Counter Switch

When the pulse counter reaches the specific level, the circuit completes.

Switch DPST
Switch DPST

Double pole single throw switch turns on or off two circuits at one time.

Switch DPMT
Switch DPMT

Double pole multi throw switch can connect to independent circuits that can be switched to multiple terminals.

On Delay Switch
On Delay Switch

Between switching from OFF to ON, the switch takes some time.

On Off Delay Switch
On Off Delay Switch

Delays while switching from ON to OFF and OFF to ON.

 Rotary Closed Switch
Rotary Closed Switch

Rotary switch in a closed position

Rotary Open Switch
Rotary Open Switch

Rotary Switch in the open position.

NO Push Button
NO Push Button

Pressing the push button will close (ON) the switch, and releasing it will open (OFF) it.

NC Push Button
NC Push Button

The circuit usually remains closed. By pushing the button, the circuit opens, and when you release it, the course closes again.

Timer Switch
Timer Switch

Makes or breaks contact when the timer runs out.

Joystick Switch
Joystick Switch

Switch with a lever to stick connected to the base.

Float Switch
Float Switch

A switch that detects the level of a liquid. Turns on or off depending on the rise and fall of the level.

Starter
Starter

Soft starts fluorescent lamp.

DIP Switch
DIP Switch

Made by packing multiple switches together in a dual inline package (DIP).

Foot-operated Switch
Foot-operated Switch

Foot pedal switch used to operate heavy machinery.

Mercury Switch
Mercury Switch

Closes and opens a circuit due to tilting motion.

Proximity Switch
Proximity Switch

Sensor that detects an object in a close range.

 Selector Switch
Selector Switch

Switch one or more circuits at a time.

NC Thermal Switch
NC Thermal Switch

Closed thermal (ON) switch at room temperature. Opens (OFF) as temperature rises above a certain level.

NO Thermal Switch
NO Thermal Switch

Thermal switch opens at room temperature. Turns on when the temperature is increased.

Alternate Symbols for Switches

The following table lists alternate symbols for different states of switches, such as position switch, manual switch, push-button break switch, selector switch.

Name Switch Symbol Alternate Symbol
2 position switch 2 position switch 2 position switch alternate
3 position switch 3 position switch 3 position switch alternate
4 position switch 4 position switch 4 position switch alternate
manual switch manual switch manual switch alternate
pushbutton make switch pushbutton make switch pushbutton make switch alternate
pushbutton break pushbutton break pushbutton break alternate
selector switch selector switch more selector switch
shorting selector switch shorting selector switch shorting slector switch

Part 4: How to Create Your Switch Symbol Library

You can import new icons in EdrawMax in a few simple steps. Alternatively, you can create symbols and add them to your own symbol library.

Step 1: Open a New Canvas

Open EdrawMax software and click on File. Navigate through the [New] tab and select [Electrical Engineering], followed by [Basic Electrical] in the diagram pane. Then click on the [Plus] button. This will open a new canvas and ensure that only symbols related to a specific topic appear, for instance: electrical.

open edrawmax

Step 2: Add Symbols To Your Library

After that, go to the [Symbols] tab and select the symbol you want to add.

Right-click on it, and a pop-up menu will appear. Navigate through it and click [Add to my libraries] followed by [My Library]. The selected symbol will be added to the library.

Add Symbols

Step 3: Create Your Own Symbol

If you cannot find a symbol that meets your needs, EdrawMax allows you to customize one. Draw the symbol on the blank canvas. You can add connectors, textboxes or even add, subtract and intersect it.

Create Your Own Symbol

After you are done, select it, and click on the plus-shaped icon to add a symbol from the canvas to the library.

add symbol from canvas

Step 4: Import Symbol From a Local File

You can also use pre-made symbols saved locally on your computer. Go to the [Symbol] tab and click [Import Symbols].

Import Symbol

A dialog box will open that allows you to browse and import different types of files.

Import Symbol

Click on [Import Image] to browse through your computer and select the symbol. Click [Open] to add it to your library.

Tip: You can import Visio VSXX files into EdrawMax and build the symbol library.

Step 5: Delete a Symbol from Library

You can easily manage your symbol library by deleting those you don’t want anymore. Select the icon and right-click to open the menu. Click [Delete] to remove the symbol from the library.

Delete a Symbol

Use the above methods to add new icons in your library and remove the unneeded ones.

Part 5: Electrical Wiring Diagram Maker - EdrawMax

EdrawMax is one of the top-selling wiring diagram makers that helps you create diagrams, drawings, and charts in a matter of minutes. The endless series of templates and industry symbols make it a professional-grade yet easy-to-understand tool

Some of the features that make EdrawMax the best solution to your electrical drawing problems are listed below. Let’s have a look:

An Assortment of Symbols

EdrawMax features a gamut of industry-specific symbols that will help you make your diagram quickly. The symbols can be customized by changing their line styles and colors.

The symbols can be rotated and resized. You can easily add switches, appliances and connect them to create your circuit diagrams within minutes.

Customizable Professional Templates

With EdrawMax, you do not have to start from scratch each time to make a circuit diagram.

You can simply make use of its extensive template library that covers all categories of electrical engineering templates. With more than 280 diagram types, you will have a wide range of professionally designed templates to choose from.

You can tweak and customize your templates to your liking, add text, and change color and styles. EdrawMax also offers sample diagrams where you just have to add text, and you’re done!

Let's say you need to make a process flow diagram for water treatment. All you need to do is get this template and customize it according to your need.

customize template

User-friendly Interface

A noteworthy feature of EdrawMax is how easily both novice and professionals can use it. EdrawMax has an interface similar to that of Microsoft suite. Users find it incredibly easy to navigate because they are already familiar with the layout.

For beginners, the built-in [Help] tab provides a detailed user manual that explains everything step by step. Along with that, the [FAQ’s] are a quick way to answer all your burning questions.

If you are new to this software, you can also watch a quick video on making an electrical plan to get started.

Without a doubt, EdrawMax is one of the most professional tools to aid your diagramming needs. You can use a template for a quick drawing or create your electrical plan using the available industry-standard symbols.

It will help you create everything from a power transformer to the power lines and logic circuit.

EdrawMax

All-in-One Diagram Software
Create more than 280 types of diagrams effortlessly
Start diagramming with various templates and symbols easily
  • Superior file compatibility: Import and export drawings to various file formats, such as Visio
  • Cross-platform supported (Windows, Mac, Linux, Web)

Part 6: Takeaway

Understanding of switches and push buttons is a vital element for constructing electrical plans and diagrams. If you are new to electrical diagrams, we can give you some tips, especially while constructing a wiring plan.

  • While making a wiring diagram, just make sure you always draw enough outlets in every room, especially offices or bedrooms.
  • Position switches according to the furniture so that they are easily accessible.
  • Do not keep any live wires close by.
  • Make sure you plan everything, so there is no leakage or cross-connection.
  • Keep some outlets by the door for outdoor lighting.

Other than that, the professional templates in EdrawMax will help you construct high-quality wiring plans in no time!

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