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Wiring Diagrams

Class 2 Electrician 第二種電気工事士 (written exam) · 第二種電気工事士(学科試験) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Graphical Symbols for Interior Wiring (JIS C 0303) ①: Lighting, Panels, and Equipment

The final 20 questions of the written exam (Questions 31 to 50) are wiring diagram problems, so memorizing the JIS C 0303 graphical symbols directly translates into guaranteed points.

Among lighting fixture symbols, an open circle (○) represents a general luminaire (incandescent, LED, etc.). As side notations, CL stands for ceiling light (surface-mounted ceiling fixture), DL stands for downlight (recessed ceiling fixture), and Ch stands for chandelier.

A circle with a short vertical wall line attached represents a wall bracket light, and a circle with a diagonal leader line (or P notation) represents a pull-switch luminaire. A solid black circle (●) indicates an emergency lighting fixture, while a solid black circle inside a rectangle indicates an exit sign (guidance light).

Among panel board symbols, a rectangle split diagonally with one half shaded black is a distribution board (panelboard), and a rectangle with diagonal lines across all four corners is a control panel. A square containing an × mark with the notation PB is a pull box.

Among equipment and grounding symbols, a circle containing propeller blades is a ventilating fan, a rectangle topped by a semicircle labeled WHM is a watt-hour meter, and three horizontal lines of decreasing length (an inverted T shape) represent grounding (earth).

Key points


  • Lighting notations: CL is ceiling light, DL is downlight, and Ch is chandelier

  • A circle on a wall line is a bracket light, a black circle (●) is an emergency light, and a black circle in a rectangle is an exit sign

  • A distribution board has one diagonal half shaded black; a control panel has corner slashes; PB (with an ×) is a pull box

  • WHM is a watt-hour meter, and a circle with fan blades is a ventilating fan
WordMeaning
graphical symbols for electrical wiring
ceiling light
downlight (recessed light)
distribution board (panelboard)
pull box

Graphical Symbols for Interior Wiring (JIS C 0303) ②: Switch Side Notations

On a wiring diagram, a small solid black circle (●) represents a switch. A plain black circle with no accompanying letters is a single-pole switch, while numbers or letters written beside it (side notations) distinguish specialized switch types.

Among numerical notations, 2P indicates a double-pole switch (disconnects both wires), 3 indicates a 3-way switch, and 4 indicates a 4-way switch. Two 3-way switches (3) are used to turn a light ON/OFF from two locations, and a 4-way switch (4) is placed between two 3-way switches to control a light from three or more locations.

Distinguishing indicator-equipped switches is tested constantly: H indicates a location-indicator switch (Hotaru / glow switch: glows green when the light is OFF so you can find the switch in the dark), whereas P indicates a pilot-lamp switch (glows red when a load such as a ventilating fan is ON).

Other switch notations include: D for a delayed-off switch (keeps a ventilating fan running briefly after being turned off), WP for a weatherproof (rainproof) switch, R for a remote control switch, L for an electromagnetic contactor pushbutton, A for an automatic photocell switch (daylight sensor), and LC for a dimmer (light control).

Key points


  • A plain black circle (●) is a single-pole switch; 2P is double-pole; 3 is a 3-way switch; 4 is a 4-way switch

  • H is a location-indicator switch (lit when OFF); P is a confirmation pilot switch (lit when ON)

  • D is a delayed-off switch, WP is weatherproof, and R is a remote control switch

  • A is an automatic switch (photocell sensor), and LC is a dimmer (light control)
WordMeaning
location-indicator switch (glows when OFF - notation H)
confirmation pilot-lamp switch (glows when ON - notation P)
delayed-off switch (notation D)
dimmer / light control (notation LC)

Graphical Symbols for Interior Wiring (JIS C 0303) ③: Receptacles, Wiring Lines, and Conduits

A semicircular dome symbol attached to a wall line represents a receptacle (outlet) (a dome enclosed inside a circle is a floor outlet, and a solid black dome is a ceiling outlet). A number 2 or 3 beside it indicates the number of outlets (duplex or triplex receptacle).

Grounding-related notations are the most important: E indicates a grounding-pole receptacle (has a grounding pin slot), ET indicates a grounding-terminal receptacle (has a screw terminal for a ground wire), and EET indicates a receptacle equipped with both a grounding pole and a grounding terminal.

For function and rating notations: LK is a locking (twist-to-hold) blade receptacle, T is a twist-lock receptacle, WP is a weatherproof receptacle, and EL is a receptacle with a built-in earth leakage breaker. A notation of 20A 250V E denotes a 20A, 250V receptacle with a grounding pole (commonly used for air conditioners).

For wiring line styles: a solid line (―) indicates concealed ceiling or wall wiring, a long-dash line (― ―) indicates concealed floor wiring, a short-dash dotted line (‐‐‐) indicates exposed wiring, and a dash-dot line (―・―) indicates underground wiring. A circle with an outward-pointing arrow indicates a riser going up to the floor above, while an arrow pointing into a circle indicates a drop going down to the floor below.

For conduit notations: VE is rigid PVC conduit, CD is non-flame-retardant flexible resin conduit, PF is flame-retardant flexible resin conduit, FEP is corrugated hard polyethylene conduit (for underground use), E is threadless metal conduit, G is thick-wall steel conduit, C is thin-wall steel conduit, and F2 is Type 2 flexible metal conduit (e.g., VE22 means 22mm nominal size VE conduit).

Key points


  • Receptacle notations: E has a grounding pole, ET has a grounding terminal, and EET has both

  • LK is blade-retaining (locking), T is twist-lock, WP is weatherproof, and EL has an earth leakage breaker

  • Line styles: solid line = concealed ceiling/wall, long dashes = concealed floor, short dashes = exposed, dash-dot = underground

  • Conduit symbols: VE = rigid PVC, FEP = underground corrugated resin, E = threadless steel, G = thick steel, C = thin steel
WordMeaning
grounding-pole receptacle (notation E)
grounding terminal (notation ET)
concealed ceiling wiring
concealed floor wiring
exposed wiring

Four Steps to Convert a Single-Line Diagram into a Multi-Line Diagram

Exam wiring diagrams are given as single-line diagrams, where each cable run is simplified into a single line. To determine the number of individual wires or ring sleeve stamp marks, you must convert the diagram into a multi-line diagram showing every core conductor using four fixed steps.

Step ①: Connect the grounded conductor (white wire: N) from the power source to all loads (lighting fixtures, receptacles, ventilating fans, pilot lamps) except switches (never connect the white wire to single-pole, 3-way, or 4-way switches).

Step ②: Connect the ungrounded conductor (black wire: L) from the power source to all single-pole switches and receptacles (as well as any always-on pilot lamps). If there is a 3-way switch circuit, connect the source black wire to terminal 0 of the source-side 3-way switch.

Step ③: From the opposite terminal of each single-pole switch, draw a switch-leg (return wire) to the corresponding lighting fixture (load) labeled with the matching katakana symbol (イ, ロ, ハ, etc.).

Step ④: If there are 3-way switches, connect terminal 0 of the load-side 3-way switch to the lighting fixture, and connect terminals 1 and 3 of the two 3-way switches together using two traveler wires (if a 4-way switch is used, route the two pairs of traveler wires through the 4-way switch).

Four Steps to Convert a Single-Line Diagram into a Multi-Line Diagram

Key points


  • Step ①: Connect the source grounded wire (white) to all loads (lights and receptacles)

  • Step ②: Connect the source ungrounded wire (black) to all switches and receptacles

  • Step ③: Connect the return wire from each switch to its matching lighting fixture (イ, ロ, ハ)

  • Step ④: For 3-way switches, connect the source black wire and light to terminals 0, and link terminals 1 and 3 with 2 wires
WordMeaning
single-line diagram
multi-line (detailed) wiring diagram
switch-leg / return wire (from switch to luminaire)
traveler wires (between 3-way and 4-way switches)

Rules for Counting the Minimum Number of Wires (Conductors)

Every wiring diagram section includes 2 to 3 questions asking for the minimum number of wires at an arrow-marked location. Drawing a multi-line diagram always gives the right answer, but memorizing the rules for common patterns lets you solve them instantly.

First, as a baseline, a run carrying only a single-phase 100V power feed, only 1 lighting fixture, only a receptacle, or only 1 single-pole switch always requires 2 wires.

When multiple single-pole switches are grouped together, a single black (live) wire is shared via jumpers across all switches while 1 return wire leaves each switch, making the wire count equal to Number of switches + 1 (2 switches = 3 wires; 3 switches = 4 wires).

When 1 single-pole switch and a receptacle are at the same location, they require a black wire (shared), a white wire (for the receptacle), and a switch return wire, totaling 3 wires (2 single-pole switches + a receptacle = 4 wires).

For 3-way and 4-way switches, a run going solely to a 3-way switch requires 3 wires (terminals 0, 1, and 3), and a run going solely to a 4-way switch requires 4 wires (two pairs of traveler wires). Note that if a receptacle has an E or ET notation and its grounding wire runs inside the same conduit from the box, add +1 wire for the grounding conductor.

Key points


  • Minimum wire count for a group of single-pole switches = Number of switches + 1

  • Minimum wire count for single-pole switches plus a receptacle = Number of switches + 2 (1 switch + outlet = 3 wires)

  • A run to a single 3-way switch uses 3 wires; a run to a single 4-way switch uses 4 wires

  • If a grounding wire runs inside the same conduit, add +1 wire to the calculated count
WordMeaning
minimum number of wires (conductors)
jumper wire (bridging adjacent terminals)
common wire

Remote Control Wiring System (RT, RR, R) Mechanism and Wire Count

In schools and office buildings, a remote control wiring system is used to control many lights centrally from one place or operate them safely at low voltage. Make sure you understand the roles of its three component devices.

① Remote control transformer (symbol RT): a small step-down transformer that lowers the AC 100V or 200V supply voltage to a safe AC 24V control voltage.

② Remote control relay (symbol RR): installed inside a distribution board or pull box, it receives the 24V control signal and physically switches the 100V/200V main lighting circuit ON and OFF. ③ Remote control switch (symbol ●R): mounted on the wall, this low-voltage switch sends the 24V signal (multi-switch panels are called remote selector switches).

Because the wiring between the remote control switches (●R), relays (RR), and transformer (RT) is a 24V small-power circuit, thin control wires can be used, and the minimum number of wires going to a group of remote switches follows the exact same rule as single-pole switches: Number of remote switches + 1 (e.g., 3 R switches require 4 wires).

Remote Control Wiring System (RT, RR, R) Mechanism and Wire Count

Key points


  • A remote control transformer (RT) steps 100V/200V down to a safe AC 24V

  • A remote control relay (RR) receives 24V signals to switch the 100V/200V lighting circuit ON/OFF

  • A remote control switch (R) is the wall switch used to operate the 24V control circuit

  • The minimum number of wires to a group of remote control switches (R) is Number of switches + 1
WordMeaning
remote control transformer (100V/200V to 24V - symbol RT)
remote control relay (symbol RR)
remote control switch (symbol R)
remote selector switch (multi-switch control panel)

Determining Ring Sleeve Marks, Connector Counts, and Unused Tools on Diagrams

Near the end of the wiring diagram section (around Questions 48 to 50), you will always be asked for the number and stamp marks of ring sleeves (○, 小, 中) or the combination of push-in connectors (2-port, 3-port, 4-port) inside a specified junction box.

To solve these, first check the cable size entering the specified box: unless otherwise noted, cables are VVF 1.6mm, whereas feeder lines marked with 2.0 are VVF 2.0mm. Next, draw the multi-line diagram for that box and count how many wires join at each splice point.

For example, if the incoming power feed is VVF 2.0mm and branches to a VVF 1.6mm light and a VVF 1.6mm switch: the white-wire splice joins 2.0mm × 1 + 1.6mm × 1 = 3 points (Small sleeve, mark 小); the black-wire splice also joins 2.0mm × 1 + 1.6mm × 1 = 3 points (Small sleeve, mark 小); and the switch-to-light return splice joins 1.6mm × 2 = 2 points (Small sleeve, mark ○).

For questions asking Which tool (or material) is NOT used in this construction work?, inspect the conduit notations on the diagram. For instance, if there are no metal conduits (E or G) anywhere on the plan, a pipe bender or reamer is unused; if there are no rigid PVC conduits (VE), a PVC pipe cutter or chamfering tool is the unused tool.

Key points


  • Unmarked cables on the diagram are calculated as 1.6mm; lines marked with 2.0 are calculated as 2.0mm

  • Count the wires at each splice in the multi-line diagram to select the right push-in connectors (2-, 3-, or 4-port)

  • For ring sleeves, determine stamp marks using: 1.6mm × 2 = ○, 3 to 4 pts = 小, and 5 to 8 pts = 中

  • For tool questions, check whether metal conduits (E, G) or synthetic resin conduits (VE) appear on the diagram

  • Example: Splicing one 2.0mm power wire (2 pts) with two 1.6mm device wires (1 pt each) → Total wires = 1 + 2 = 3 (use a 3-port push-in connector); for a ring sleeve, total points = 2 × 1 + 1 × 2 = 4 pts, requiring a "Small sleeve, mark 小"
WordMeaning
connection point / splice
side notation (letters/numbers written next to a symbol)
feeder / main line

Frequent Exam Points and Memory Tricks

Switch and receptacle letter notations are easy to remember from their English/Japanese initials: H = Hotaru (firefly: glows in the dark = location indicator lit when OFF); P = Pilot (lit when running = confirmation indicator lit when ON); D = Delay (delayed off); WP = Waterproof (rainproof); LK = Lock (blade-locking outlet).

For receptacle grounding symbols: E = Earth pole (slot) and T = Terminal (screw). Breaking them down like puzzle pieces—E = grounding pole, ET = grounding terminal, and EET = both E and ET combined—ensures you never confuse them.

Practice sketching the 4 multi-line diagram steps in the margin of your question booklet: ① White to loads → ② Black to switches & outlets → ③ Switch to matching light → ④ Two traveler wires between 3-way switches.

Key points


  • Switch notations: H = location light (ON when OFF), P = pilot light (ON when ON), D = delay, A = auto sensor, 3 = 3-way, 4 = 4-way

  • Outlet notations: E = ground pole, ET = ground terminal, EET = both, LK = locking, T = twist-lock, WP = weatherproof

  • Line styles: solid = ceiling/wall concealed, long dashes = floor, short dashes = exposed, dash-dot = underground. VE = rigid PVC, FEP = corrugated underground pipe

  • Minimum wires: n single-pole switches = n + 1 wires; 3-way = 3 wires; 4-way = 4 wires; n remote R switches = n + 1 wires

  • Multi-line rule: draw in the order ① White to loads → ② Black to switches & outlets → ③ Switch to corresponding light
WordMeaning
glow switch / Hotaru switch (lit when OFF - notation H)
pilot-lamp switch (lit when ON - notation P)
locking-blade receptacle (notation LK)

Reading Wiring Diagrams (配線図)

Practice this chapter in the app

Official references

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