In
power engineering, a
one-line diagram or
single-line diagram (
SLD) is a simplified notation for representing a
three-phase power system. The one-line diagram has its largest application in
power flow studies. Electrical elements such as circuit breakers, transformers, capacitors,
bus bars, and conductors are shown by standardized schematic symbols. Instead of representing each of three phases with a separate line or terminal, only one conductor is represented. It is a form of
block diagram graphically depicting the paths for power flow between entities of the system. Elements on the diagram do not represent the physical size or location of the electrical equipment, but it is a common convention to organize the diagram with the same left-to-right, top-to-bottom sequence as the
switchgear or other apparatus represented. A one-line diagram can also be used to show a high level view of conduit runs for a
PLC control system.