Reading Technical Diagrams

Course Number: 712

After introducing the concepts of what symbols mean and how they are used in conveying technical information, this course shows how the general principles are applied for specific purposes. The various lessons focus on electrical, fluid power, and air conditioning, and welding diagrams. Each is well illustrated with examples of technical diagrams similar to those the student will see in each discipline.

Recommended Contact Hours - 15

Chapter 1: Introduction to Technical Diagrams

Topics: Using schematics; Electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and piping schematics; Looking for flow; Electrical current; Fluid flow

Learning Objectives:

• State the definition of a schematic.
• List some characteristics of schematics.
• Identify a schematic among other kinds of technical drawings and diagrams.
• Explain how flow is indicated on a schematic.

Chapter 2: Symbols on Schematics

Topics: Common features in schematics; Creating and using the schematic; Identifying symbols and connections; Reading diagrams

Learning Objectives:

• Identify various types of lines on schematics
• Identify the following schematics by their symbols:Electrical
  Fluid-power
  Piping
• Give the purpose of legends and other tables of symbols.
• Describe a set-by-step approach to troubleshooting when using a schematic.

Chapter 3: Electrical Symbols

Topics: Wires and connections; Switches; Power supply; Coils and transformers; Fuses and circuit breakers; Grounding; Contacts; Resistors

Learning Objectives:

• State the meaning of symbols and lines on an electrical schematic.
• Explain the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker.
• Explain how to trace an electrical circuit.

Chapter 4: Electrical Diagrams

Topics: Schematic and wiring diagrams; Series and parallel circuits; Reading electrical diagrams and industrial schematics

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the difference in current flow between a series circuit and a parallel circuit.
• Explain the purpose of a wiring diagram.
• Demonstrate how to read an electrical schematic.
• Identify the objects represented by the symbols on an industrial schematic.

Chapter 5: Piping Symbols

Topics: Piping systems; Kinds of diagrams; Projections; Joints; Fittings; Symbols

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the function of a valve in a piping system.
• Name the ways of joining pipe.
• Identify the symbols for various kinds of fittings and describe the function of each fitting.

Chapter 6: Piping Diagrams

Topics: Piping systems; Valves; Identifying symbols; Reading a piping schematic

Learning Objectives:

• Give the purpose of a valve in a piping system.
• Explain the difference between a check valve and a cock valve.
• Identify the symbols for various types of valves.
• Demonstrate the ability to determine pipe size from a diagram.

Chapter 7: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Symbols

Topics: Fluid power; Reservoirs and receivers; Pumps and compressors; Actuators; Valves; Piping and tubing

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a fluid-power system.
• List and give the purpose of the main parts of a hydraulic system.
• List and give the purpose of the main parts of a pneumatic system.
• Identify pneumatic and hydraulic symbols on schematics.

Chapter 8: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Diagrams

Topics: Composite symbols; Understanding circuits; Hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams; Local areas

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a composite symbol.
• Explain the difference between a closed and an open hydraulic or pneumatic system.
• Identify the actuator in a hydraulic diagram.
• Explain the purpose of local areas on a hydraulic or pneumatic diagram.

Chapter 9: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Diagrams

Topics: Refrigeration, water, air distribution, and control subsystems; Electric, electronic, and pneumatic control schematics

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the subsystems of an air conditioning system.
• Identify the symbols for air conditioning and refrigeration components.
• Explain the operation of an air conditioning and refrigeration control system.

Chapter 10: Welding and Joining Symbols

Topics: Methods of welding; Joints; Welds; Symbols for welds; Assembled welding symbol; Placement of welds

Learning Objectives:

• Explain fusion welding.
• Name the main methods of fusion welding.
• Name the five types of joints and three ways of welding each joint.
• Demonstrate how to read and interpret a complete welding symbol.