{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"oscilloscope","name":"Oscilloscope","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"OSC","aliases":["oscillograph","waveform display"],"category":"measurement-protection","drawingTypes":["Schematic"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC"],"summary":"Instrument that displays the waveform of a signal against time, drawn with a waveform inside the instrument outline.","description":["An oscilloscope displays how a voltage or current changes over time. In drawings it appears in test set-ups, laboratory panels and commissioning procedures, with its probe points shown so readers know exactly where waveforms are to be captured.","The symbol does not show probe type or reference. Connecting an earth-referenced scope ground lead to a live point in a power circuit can short the circuit, so differential probes or isolated channels must be specified in the procedure rather than assumed from the symbol."],"readingNotes":["Identify the probe reference point for each channel.","Check whether differential probes are required."],"drawingChecklist":["Mark probe points","State probe type","Note bandwidth if relevant"],"distinction":"An oscilloscope shows a waveform shape; a disturbance recorder stores triggered records for later analysis.","facts":[{"label":"Displayed quantity","value":"Signal amplitude against time"},{"label":"Main risk","value":"Earth-referenced probe leads on live circuits"},{"label":"Preview","value":"Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"iec-diagrams","relevance":"IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced."}],"related":["disturbance-recorder","indicating-instrument-general-symbol","voltmeter"],"artwork":"s28-oscilloscope","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Oscilloscope mean?","introduction":"An oscilloscope displays how a voltage or current changes over time. In drawings it appears in test set-ups, laboratory panels and commissioning procedures, with its probe points shown so readers know exactly where waveforms are to be captured.","example":"The symbol does not show probe type or reference. Connecting an earth-referenced scope ground lead to a live point in a power circuit can short the circuit, so differential probes or isolated channels must be specified in the procedure rather than assumed from the symbol.","drawings":"Identify the probe reference point for each channel. Check whether differential probes are required. An oscilloscope shows a waveform shape; a disturbance recorder stores triggered records for later analysis.","terms":[{"name":"Rating","meaning":"A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified."},{"name":"Schematic","meaning":"A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/"}],"detail":"Instrument that displays the waveform of a signal against time, drawn with a waveform inside the instrument outline. An oscilloscope shows a waveform shape; a disturbance recorder stores triggered records for later analysis.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/oscilloscope","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/oscilloscope.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"iec-diagrams","title":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","publisher":"IEC","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/","type":"standard","scope":"IEC 60617 and related symbol-design publications. Full database access requires a subscription.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced."}]}