Rectangle resistor
A common IEC-style convention.
Electrician Jobsite English & Troubleshooting
Resistor Symbol: IEC Rectangle vs US Zigzag
Compare the rectangular and zigzag resistor symbols, read reference designators and values, and practise recognizing the same component across IEC-style and US electronics drawings.
Page highlights
- Compare the rectangular and zigzag resistor symbols, read reference designators and values, and practise recognizing the same component across IEC-style and US electronics drawings.
- Original symbol illustrations, a reading check and feedback for learning.
What does this symbol mean?
A resistor is commonly drawn either as a rectangle or as a zigzag line. The rectangle is widespread in IEC-style diagrams; the zigzag is common in US electronics drawings. Both identify resistance, not a different component simply because the shape changes.
Use the reference designator, usually beginning with R, together with the resistance, tolerance and power information. The symbol alone does not supply those ratings.
Compare the symbol variants
Zigzag resistor
A common US electronics convention.
How to read it in context
- Identify the resistor shape used by the drawing convention.
- Read the R-designator and value, including prefixes such as k or M and any tolerance note.
- Trace the connected nodes before deciding whether the resistor is in series, parallel, a divider or another network.
Common look-alikes and mistakes
- A zigzag line can be misread as a spring or heating element when the legend and designator are ignored.
- A rectangle elsewhere in a diagram is not automatically a resistor; labels and connections matter.
- Resistance value alone does not establish a suitable power or voltage rating.
Try the symbol-reading check
One schematic uses a rectangle for R1 and another uses a zigzag for R1. Must the components be different?
Check answer and feedback
No. They can be two drawing conventions for a resistor. Compare the R-designator, value, ratings, bill of materials and legend before identifying the actual part.
Standards, sources and related symbols
These are independently drawn teaching diagrams. They help you read a drawing, but the project legend, applicable standard and equipment documentation control the actual meaning. Editorial source check: 27 October 2026.
Elect Learn
AI study helper
Copy this page's public material to ask an AI tool for terminology explanations, bilingual comparisons or revision questions. Keep the sources and safety limits in its answer, then check against this page.
A study question to try
Using this material, explain three key terms in English and Chinese, then give me one comprehension question. Keep the original sources, jurisdiction limits and stop-work conditions. Say when the material does not answer something. Do not provide live electrical work instructions.
Copies public content only, without your answers, report drafts or learning progress. Nothing is sent automatically to an AI service. AI can make mistakes; it cannot verify site safety or authorize work.
Maintained by Elect Learn · Page updated： · First published：
No independent professional review is recorded. Cited sources do not imply review or endorsement by those organizations. Sources and review policy
Page Markdown · Page JSON · AI content index
This site provides learning materials and does not replace local rules, permits, site procedures, or qualified judgment.