Decoding wiring diagram in automobiles

  Wiring / circuit diagrams are much similar to maps. Roads in a road map lead the user to some predefined destinations. Same is the case for wiring diagram; Wiring/circuit diagram leads the reader to identify the power source, Loads on the circuit and all the intermediate active/passive components provided to control the loads. 3 most important things to remember while trying to interpret wiring diagrams.
  1. Power source
  2. Load
  3. Ground Return.
As mentioned above, an electrical circuit won’t operate without this basic components. Circuit diagram is a blueprint which helps the user to find out missing component from the given three.   EL_circuitBasic_circuit_diagram       Next comes controlling loads of the circuit along with safety and auxiliary parts in circuit.  (Relays, fuses, ecus, solenoids, Dash switches, resistors, capacitors etc. ) Initially using analogies could help beginners to learn and reach from moderate to expertise level. But first the user needs to be well aware about different electronics and electrical symbols. Electrical wiring diagrams are built using some basic symbols for the components used in making the circuit. So a quick check/understanding of this symbols, is must to start decoding the electrical wiring diagrams of automobiles. One such basic list of symbols is given below.   circuit-symbols1 Just to begin with ABC’s of reading a circuit diagram, let us begin with one of the simplest circuits – A fog lamp circuit.   fog_lights   The fog lamp circuit above shows
  1. Battery -   (Power Source)
  2. Relay switch
  3. Fog lamps -  (Load)
  4. Switch
  5. Fuse
  6. Body Ground and wirings.
The image below shows two closed circuit
  • Flip-switch circuit -  Blue colored path
  • Fog lamps circuit. –  Yellow colored path
  fog coloured   Both these circuits are interconnected by a Relay switch in between. When Flip switch is actuated it turns the relay switch on and thus completes the yellow circuit; to switch on the fog lights. Relay acts as an electronic switch for the circuit.

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