# Oscilloscope

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/oscilloscope
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: OSC
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC

Instrument that displays the waveform of a signal against time, drawn with a waveform inside the instrument outline.

## In plain English

### What does Oscilloscope mean?

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.

### A simple 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.

### What the drawings help you do

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.

### This particular reference

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.

### Terms

- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)


## What it represents

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.

## How to read it

- Identify the probe reference point for each channel.
- Check whether differential probes are required.

## Information to show or reference

- Mark probe points
- State probe type
- Note bandwidth if relevant

## Important distinction

An oscilloscope shows a waveform shape; a disturbance recorder stores triggered records for later analysis.

## Facts

- Displayed quantity: Signal amplitude against time
- Main risk: Earth-referenced probe leads on live circuits
- Preview: Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.