What is "wiring diagram"

n. A schematic representation of the components of an electrical device showing how electrical wiring must be connected.

n. a schematic drawing of the wiring of an electrical system

A wiring diagram is a simplified conventional pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices.

A wiring diagram usually gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. This is unlike a schematic diagram, where the arrangement of the components' interconnections on the diagram usually does not correspond to the components' physical locations in the finished device. A pictorial diagram would show more detail of the physical appearance, whereas a wiring diagram uses a more symbolic notation to emphasize interconnections over physical appearance.

A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.