Electrical principles and schematics

Summary

To provide non-electrical personnel with an understanding of electrical engineering, electrical symbols and drawings as used in electrical schematic diagrams.

This two-day course combines the essential foundations of electrical principles with practical skills in electrical schematics, giving delegates a comprehensive understanding of both theory and application.

Over the first day, you’ll build a solid grounding in core electrical principles, including fundamental laws, key components, safety requirements and how electrical systems behave — enabling you to confidently discuss electrical topics and collaborate with electrical specialists.
 
On the second day, you’ll apply that knowledge to real-world schematics, learning to interpret and navigate electrical symbols, block diagrams and layout drawings. You’ll gain the skills to read and understand circuit schematics, identify components and their function, and communicate effectively with technical and electrical personnel.
 
By the end of the course you’ll be equipped to bridge the gap between conceptual electrical engineering and schematic interpretation — enhancing your ability to work across multidisciplinary teams, troubleshoot electrical issues, and contribute to system design and discussions with confidence.

Who should attend?

• Those who are responsible for management of engineering workshops, maintenance functions. Engineering managers, maintenance managers
• Those responsible for the day to day running of workshops and maintenance functions. Workshop supervisors
• Those who are involved in engineering projects with an electrical element. Project managers, production mangers and engineers.
• Newly qualified mechanical engineers and engineering technicians
• Personnel whose job function requires an overview of electrical engineering
• Personnel whose job function requires a basic understanding of electrical symbols and Schematics.

Engineers or non engineers at all levels.

How will I benefit?

After the course you will be able to:

• Understand the basic concepts of electrical engineering
• Appreciate their responsibilities under current health and safety legislation
• Understand the terminology used in electrical engineering.
• Appreciate the dangers and safety procedures associated with electrical engineering.
• Effectively converse on electrical topics with electrical personal
• Develop your own understanding of electrical systems in your work environment
• Interpret basic block diagrams, layout diagrams and electrical drawings
• Identify key symbols used in typical electrical engineering diagrams.
• Identify selected components and understand how they function within that circuit
• Understand the techniques used in the layout of a typical set of electrical drawings.
• Effectively converse on electrical schematics with electrical personnel
• Develop your own understanding of electrical diagrams in your work environment

Key topics

• Fundamentals of electricity
  o Ohms law, Kirchoff’s laws,
  o Distribution of electricity
  o Electrical safety
• Types, function, and use of electrical components
  o Relays, solenoids, contactors,
  o The PLC
  o Motors and motor control
  o Stepper motors
  o Protection devices
• BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installation (IEE Wiring Regulations)
  o Uses of and areas of application
  o The structure of the standard
• Legislation
  o Electricity at Work Regulations
• Electrical schematics
  o Block diagrams
  o Circuit diagrams
  o Relay ladder diagrams
  o Power system drawings
  o Control circuit examples
• Typical electrical symbols to BS EN 60617
  o General symbols
  o Current types
  o Contact and control types
  o Terminals and connections
  o Mechanical symbols
  o Indicators and electrical rotating machines
  o Letter codes for electrical components
• Example drawings and layouts

Meet our trainers

These trainers regularly teach Electrical principles and schematics.