Pilot Lights

What is a Pilot Light?

A pilot light is an electrical switch that features a small indicator light, which illuminates when the circuit is closed and the switch is in the ON position. This light serves as an indicator to show whether the connected load (such as a light fixture or other appliances) is powered on or off.

What is the Purpose of a Pilot Light?

The pilot light serves a wide range of practical applications:

• Status Indication: A pilot light provides a visual indication of the circuit's status, allowing users to quickly determine whether the circuit is on or off without needing to physically inspect the device or appliance.
• Safety: Pilot lights are crucial in industrial settings or machinery where it is essential to know if a circuit is energized or de-energized for safety reasons.
• Convenience: Pilot lights make locating and operating switches in low-light/low-visibility conditions, such as basements, attics, or utility rooms, much easier.
• Energy Efficiency: Pilot lights can help promote energy efficiency by serving as a visual reminder that a circuit is on, reminding users to turn off lights or appliances when they’re not in use.
• Diagnostic Tool: If a pilot light fails to illuminate when the switch is turned on, it can signal a problem with the switch or the circuit, prompting further investigation and maintenance.

What is a Pilot Light Symbol?

A pilot light symbol is a graphical representation of the device used to provide engineers a quick and clear reference for its position in the circuit without the need for a physical examination.

It is depicted as a circle with four lines radiating from it at the angular orientations of 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees.

Add Pilot Light Symbols Quickly and Easily With Capital X Panel Designer!

If you need a pilot light blink symbol or a symbol for a pilot light transformer, adding them to your schematic drawing is made easier with Capital X Panel Designer! This electrical CAD software features a library of pre-made pilot light electrical symbols that can be easily dragged and dropped into your design, significantly boosting your production speed.

Learn more about how to create custom electrical symbols.