Pneuparts

Are you going to design, connect, maintain or repair a pneumatic system? Then technical drawings - also known as a pneumatic diagram - are common. To read such a technical drawing, it is important to know the meaning of pneumatic symbols.

Pneumatic symbols are graphic representations of pneumatic components or parts.

The symbol of a pneumatic valve usually begins with a horizontal plane.

A valve with 2 switching positions is drawn by 2 squares.

Connections, also called ports, are drawn by a straight line stopped at the end. This representation assumes the position at rest.

	The arrows drawn in indicate how the compressed air flows.

The rest position of the valve is usually drawn on the right side. By rest position we mean the position the valve is in when it is not operated.

The basic symbols for valves

2/2 normally closed (NC)

2/2 normally open (NO)

3/2 normally closed (NC)

3/2 normally open (NO)

4/2 valve

5/2 valve

4/3 center position closed

4/3 center position open

5/3 center position under pressure

5/3 center position closed

5/3 center position open

What do the numbers on pneumatic valves stand for?

The numbers on the valves indicate the functions of the ports so you can easily connect the valve correctly:

Power port (1)
Output ports (2 and 4)
Vent ports (3 and 5)

Why are pneumatic symbols important?

The use of symbols reduces the risk of miscommunication and errors during the design process.
Through the use of symbols, complex systems can be represented in a clear manner on engineering drawings.
Pneumatic symbols are standardized according to international standards. This ensures that the whole world speaks the same language when it comes to pneumatic systems.

Find your pneumatic valves at Pneuparts

Want to learn more about pneumatic symbols or need help designing and implementing pneumatic solutions? Our specialists will be happy to help. Find out how we can take your projects to new heights with our expertise in pneumatics.

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