Electrical Symbols THE BASICS

The Maintenance Factory
1 Mar 202107:36
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this educational video, the host introduces viewers to essential electrical symbols for understanding motor control circuits. Starting with the transformer, the script covers various symbols including fuses, circuit breakers, push buttons, relays, overloads, and contactors. The video aims to enhance the viewer's knowledge of electrical troubleshooting and maintenance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symbols like the three-phase motor, contactor coil, and different grounding symbols. The host's casual and engaging style makes complex topics accessible, even to those new to electrical concepts.

Takeaways
  • 🔌 The video introduces basic electrical symbols that are essential for understanding electrical circuits.
  • 🔄 The transformer symbol is explained, highlighting its primary and secondary windings and its function in voltage transformation.
  • 🔒 The importance of circuit protection is discussed, with symbols for fuses and circuit breakers being introduced.
  • 🔘 The script covers push button symbols, differentiating between normally open and normally closed push buttons.
  • 🛑 The concept of normally open and normally closed contacts is explained, often found in devices like overload relays.
  • 🔭 A three-phase contactor and its role in controlling power to a motor is described, along with its symbol representation.
  • ⚙️ The function of an overload as a protective device for motors and contactors is outlined, with its symbol provided.
  • 🏗️ The script mentions a three-phase motor, its connection to the control circuit, and its symbol.
  • 🔌 The coil inside a contactor is explained, detailing how it actuates the contactor when energized.
  • ⚡ Three different ground symbols are presented, with explanations of their typical use in various settings.
  • 📚 The video encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with the content for more educational material on electrical controls.
Q & A
  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is to discuss basic electrical symbols that are essential for understanding electrical circuits and troubleshooting.

  • Why did the speaker decide to create this video?

    -The speaker decided to create this video after a conversation with a mechanic who wanted to increase his knowledge of electrical circuits and was unfamiliar with a transformer symbol.

  • What is a transformer and what does its symbol represent?

    -A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. The symbol for a transformer has two bars to denote that it's an iron core transformer.

  • What are the two primary sections of a transformer?

    -The two primary sections of a transformer are the primary winding and the secondary winding.

  • What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?

    -A fuse is used for circuit protection, it melts and breaks the circuit if the current exceeds a certain level, preventing damage to the circuit.

  • What is the difference between a normally open and a normally closed push button?

    -A normally open push button has a contact point that is open when not pressed, while a normally closed push button has a contact point that is closed when not pressed and opens when pressed.

  • What does the symbol for a three-phase contactor represent?

    -The symbol for a three-phase contactor represents a device that has three sets of contacts, which are normally open, used to control the power supply to a three-phase motor.

  • What is the function of an overload in a three-phase motor control circuit?

    -An overload provides circuit protection to the motor and the contactor, similar to fuses and circuit breakers, by detecting excessive current and de-energizing the motor to prevent damage.

  • What is the role of a coil in a contactor?

    -The coil inside a contactor is responsible for actuating the contactor when it is energized, causing the contacts to close or open the circuit.

  • What are the three basic ground symbols mentioned in the video?

    -The three basic ground symbols mentioned are earth ground, chassis ground, and signal ground, each with a distinct symbol and application in electrical schematics.

  • What does the speaker suggest doing if the viewer finds value in the video?

    -The speaker suggests that if the viewer finds value in the video, they should click the like button and subscribe to the channel, as well as click the notification bell to be alerted to new content.

Outlines
00:00
🔌 Basic Electrical Symbols for Maintenance

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on fundamental electrical symbols essential for understanding and troubleshooting electrical circuits. The host shares a personal anecdote about a mechanic's lack of knowledge on transformers, which motivated the creation of the video. The video aims to cover basic and fundamental electrical symbols, starting with the transformer symbol, explaining its primary and secondary windings, and how it functions in a control circuit. The host also mentions a previous video on motor control circuit principles and encourages viewers to watch it for more context.

05:00
🛠️ Symbols for Circuit Protection and Control Components

The second paragraph delves into various symbols representing circuit protection and control components. It discusses fuses and circuit breakers as forms of circuit protection, followed by symbols for normally open and normally closed push buttons, which are crucial for understanding how they function in control circuits. The paragraph also covers normally open and closed contacts, often found on relays and overloads, and explains the significance of these components in motor control circuits. The host then introduces symbols for a three-phase contactor, three-phase overload, and a three-phase motor, emphasizing their roles in providing power and protection to the motor. Lastly, the paragraph concludes with the importance of the ground symbol in electrical schematics, describing different types of ground symbols and their applications in industrial and electronic settings.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Transformer
A transformer is a static electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. In the video, the transformer symbol is introduced as a fundamental electrical component, with the iron core transformer symbolized by two bars. The script explains that transformers can step down voltages, as in the example of a 4:1 ratio transformer reducing 480 volts to 120 volts, which is crucial for understanding voltage regulation in electrical circuits.
💡Circuit Protection
Circuit protection refers to the safety measures taken to prevent damage to electrical circuits from overcurrent conditions. The script mentions fuses and circuit breakers as common forms of circuit protection. Fuses are designed to 'blow' or break the circuit if the current exceeds a safe level, while circuit breakers can automatically cut off the power when an overcurrent is detected, ensuring the safety of the electrical system.
💡Push Button
A push button is a simple switch that is operated by pressing it with a finger. The video distinguishes between 'normally open' and 'normally closed' push buttons. A normally open push button completes a circuit when pressed, while a normally closed one interrupts a circuit upon being pressed. The script uses these terms to illustrate how different types of push buttons can control the flow of electricity in a circuit.
💡Contact
In the context of switches and relays, a contact refers to the point where two electrical circuits meet to allow or interrupt the flow of current. The script explains 'normally open' and 'normally closed' contacts, with the former allowing current to flow only when the switch is actuated, and the latter interrupting the flow when the switch is actuated. These concepts are vital for understanding how switches and relays function within an electrical circuit.
💡Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch. The script mentions a relay having a combination of contacts that can represent different states of the relay, such as normally open or normally closed. Relays are used to control one circuit by opening, closing, or changing the resistance of another circuit, which is important for complex electrical control systems.
💡Contactor
A contactor is an electromagnetic switch used to control large amounts of electrical power. The script specifically discusses a three-phase contactor, which has three sets of contacts that are normally open. Contactors are used to control the power to motors and other high-power devices, and their operation is initiated when their internal coil is energized.
💡Overload
An overload refers to a condition where a device is subjected to more power than it can safely handle. In the script, an overload is mentioned in the context of a three-phase overload, which provides circuit protection to the motor and the contactor, similar to fuses and circuit breakers. This is important for preventing damage to electrical equipment due to excessive current.
💡Three-Phase Motor
A three-phase motor is an AC electric motor which operates on three alternating currents that are out of phase with each other by one-third of a cycle. The script introduces the three-phase motor as a key component in industrial settings, which requires protection from overloads and control through contactors and other electrical symbols discussed in the video.
💡Coil
A coil, in the context of electromagnetism, refers to a conducting wire wound around a core. The script describes a coil as being inside a contactor, where it is energized to actuate the contactor's operation. Coils are essential for the functioning of contactors and relays, as they generate a magnetic field when current flows through them.
💡Ground Symbol
The ground symbol in electrical schematics represents a connection to the earth or a common reference point. The script explains three types of ground symbols, each with a different use: earth ground, which is the most common and often misused; chassis ground, which refers to the metal frame of an equipment; and signal ground, which is used for electronic circuits. Understanding these symbols is crucial for safe and proper grounding practices in electrical systems.
Highlights

Introduction to basic electrical symbols important for understanding electrical circuits.

Discussion on the importance of recognizing electrical symbols for those new to electrical troubleshooting.

The video aims to cover fundamental electrical symbols for a better understanding of motor control circuits.

Explanation of a transformer symbol and its primary and secondary windings.

Description of a single-phase step-down control transformer with a 4:1 ratio.

Introduction to fuse and circuit breaker as forms of circuit protection.

Differentiation between normally open and normally closed push buttons.

Explanation of normally open and normally closed contacts found on overloads or relays.

Illustration of a three-phase contactor and its role in electrical circuits.

Description of a three-phase overload and its function in providing circuit protection.

Introduction to the three-phase motor symbol and its significance in motor control circuits.

The role of a coil in actuating a contactor within a motor control circuit.

Different types of ground symbols and their meanings in various electrical schematics.

Misuse of ground symbols in schematics and the importance of understanding their intended use.

Invitation for viewers to subscribe and engage with the channel for new content.

Humorous note on an unexpected ladybug interruption during the video recording.

Transcripts
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