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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-resistor-schematic-symbol

Which schematic symbol is a zigzag line?

Resistor.

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  1. Transistor
  2. Resistor ✔
  3. Battery

Why: A zigzag line is the schematic symbol for a resistor. On the exam, it is component 1 in Figure T-1.

Huh, didn't know that: Some schematic standards draw a resistor as a rectangle instead.

The dad joke
Why does the resistor symbol zigzag? It's trying to slow the current down.
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References

Answer: Resistor. A zigzag line is the schematic symbol for a resistor. On the exam, it is component 1 in Figure T-1.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool, T6C02 ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    A. Resistor
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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