The EVl Schematic

Section 1. Basic Schematics and Components

This section of the course introduces you to a basic schematic for an electric truck, explains how the schematic can be broken down into smaller sections to make the circuit easier to understand, and explains each component symbolized on the schematic.

Objectives

After you complete this section, you should be able to: • Define the term "schematic diagram" • Tell what the four basic areas of circuitry are on the schematic • Identify the schematic symbol for each component on the basic schematic • Identify the actual component • Demonstrate a basic understanding of how each component functions and why it is used • Identify which of the basic areas of circuitry each component is used in.

What is a Schematic?

As mentioned in the Basic Electricity course, a schematic diagram, or "schematic," is a standardized way of using symbols to represent an electrical circuit. A schematic is like a city street map. Wires and cables are the schematic's streets and freeways; cun-ent is the traffic. Components such as switches and contactors can be thought of as traffic signals for cun-ent. Of course, the purpose of all this electrical traffic is to efficiently carry energy from the battery to the motors. Some of the battery's energy, however, goes into operating components (like the contactors mentioned above) and accessories (like the horn). As with a map, after you learn to read one schematic, you are then able to read others that use the same standard symbols. One big difference from a street map is that all the traffic on a schematic begins at one place, battery positive, and ends at one place, battery negative.