Introduction to Electronics Schematics

  1. For each of the following electronic components, find the schematic symbol and describe what it does:

    1. 1-cell battery
    2. 6-cell battery

    3. Normally open (NO) pushbutton switch
    4. Normally closed (NC) pushbutton switch

    5. Single pole single throw (SPST) toggle switch
    6. Double pole single throw (DPST) toggle switch
    7. Single pole double throw (SPDT) toggle switch
    8. Double pole double throw (DPDT) toggle switch

    9. Double pole single throw (DPST) slide switch
    10. Double pole double throw (DPDT) toggle switch

    11. Lamp
    12. Resistor
    13. LED (also find out what the acronym LED stands for)
    14. Motor
    15. Ground

  2. Draw a circuit with a 1-cell battery, a resistor, and an LED all in series with each other.

  3. Draw a circuit with a 2-cell battery, a resistor, a motor, and a lamp all in parallel with each other.

  4. Look at the following images of schematics. Can you determine the general rules for drawing an electronic schematic?

    Electronics schematic.
    Electronics schematic 2.


Here is a picture of a light switch that Mr. Renwick used when visiting Cuba.

  • How does it work?
  • Why is it dangerous?

Light Switch in Cuba with exposed wires.