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

Pneumatic symbols are graphical representations of pneumatic components or parts.

How do you draw the symbol of a pneumatic valve?

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

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

(drawing)

Connections, also known as ports, are drawn by a straight line that stops at the end. This representation is based on the position at rest. 

(drawing)

The arrows that are drawn indicate how the compressed air flows. 

(drawing)

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

The basic symbols for valves

2/2 normally closed (NC)

(drawing) 

2/2 normally open (NO)

(drawing)

3/2 normally closed (NC)

(drawing)

3/2 normally open (NO)

(drawing)

4/2 valve

(drawing)

5/2 valve

(drawing)

4/3 middle position closed

(drawing)

4/3 center position open

(drawing)

5/3 center position under pressure

(drawing)

5/3 center position under pressure

(drawing)

5/3 center position open

(drawing)

What do the numbers for 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)

(drawing) 

Why are pneumatic symbols important?

• The use of symbols reduces the risk of miscommunication and errors during the design process.

• By using symbols, complex systems can be represented in a clear way on technical 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.

Do you want to know more about pneumatic symbols or do you need help designing and implementing pneumatic solutions? Our specialists are happy to help you. Discover how we can take your projects to new heights with our expertise in pneumatics.