{
  "schemaVersion": "1.0",
  "id": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/resistor-symbol/",
  "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/resistor-symbol/",
  "markdownUrl": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/resistor-symbol/index.md",
  "jsonUrl": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/resistor-symbol/index.json",
  "language": "en",
  "title": "Resistor Symbol: IEC Rectangle vs US Zigzag",
  "description": "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.",
  "kind": "reference-guide",
  "safetyNotice": "Learning reference only: electrical codes, permits, inspection bodies, and licensing rules differ by region. This course is not a substitute for local code, licensed training, permits, or authority requirements. Before any hands-on work, de-energize, verify absence of voltage, and follow local regulators/AHJ and employer procedures.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "id": "direct-answer",
      "heading": "What does this symbol mean?",
      "paragraphs": [
        "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."
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "symbol-variants",
      "heading": "Compare the symbol variants",
      "cards": [
        {
          "image": "https://elect-learn.org/images/reference/resistor.svg",
          "name": "Rectangle resistor",
          "meaning": "A common IEC-style convention."
        },
        {
          "image": "https://elect-learn.org/images/reference/resistor-zigzag.svg",
          "name": "Zigzag resistor",
          "meaning": "A common US electronics convention."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "read-the-drawing",
      "heading": "How to read it in context",
      "items": [
        "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."
      ],
      "ordered": true
    },
    {
      "id": "common-confusions",
      "heading": "Common look-alikes and mistakes",
      "items": [
        "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."
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "reading-check",
      "heading": "Try the symbol-reading check",
      "question": "One schematic uses a rectangle for R1 and another uses a zigzag for R1. Must the components be different?",
      "answer": "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."
    },
    {
      "id": "sources-and-next",
      "heading": "Standards, sources and related symbols",
      "paragraphs": [
        "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."
      ],
      "links": [
        {
          "title": "IEC 60617 — graphical symbols for diagrams",
          "url": "https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/2723"
        },
        {
          "title": "Electrical Drawing Symbols: 4 Core Diagram Types",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/electrical-drawing-symbols/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Capacitor Symbol: Polarized vs Non-Polarized Diagrams",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/capacitor-symbol/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Switch Symbol in Electrical Schematics & Floor Plans",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/switch-symbol/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Content responsibility and review status",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/methodology/"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "dateModified": "2026-10-28",
  "datePublished": "2026-10-28",
  "publisher": {
    "name": "Elect Learn",
    "url": "https://elect-learn.org"
  },
  "review": {
    "status": "not-independently-reviewed",
    "statement": "No independent professional review is recorded. Cited sources do not imply review or endorsement by those organizations.",
    "policyUrl": "https://elect-learn.org/en/methodology/"
  }
}