How to Draw Electrical Diagrams

Advanced computer programs are created to create schematics of complex circuitry.

Drawing circuitry can be extremely simple, such as a light bulb circuit, or extremely complex, such as a computer chip. Circuit diagrams are primarily used by engineers to communicate an electronic's construction to other engineers. The diagram is a theoretical representative of the physical circuit, but does not necessarily represent the actual layout. To create a circuit, follow the flow of electricity through it and draw each element as you encounter it.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

1. Begin your circuit diagram by drawing the symbol for the main power source. See the resources section for a guide to drawing common elements.

2. Draw a single line (representing a wire) to the next element in the circuit. For the simplest appearance, draw your wires at right angles; don't draw the physical layout of the circuit.

3. Draw the next element in the circuit. The most common elements are elements and capacitors. Often, a more advanced element can be broken down into its equivalent theoretical resistor and capacitor values.

4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you arrive back at the main power source.

5. Go back and trace any parts of the circuit you may have bypassed due to parallel wire sections.

References

• CodingHorror
• FreeUK.com: Circuit Diagrams