What type of drawing is a ladder diagram?

A ladder diagram is essentially an electrical schematic that represents the control circuit of an electrical system. It visually mimics a ladder, where the two vertical lines represent the power supply and the horizontal lines signify control elements, such as relays and switches. This format is particularly useful for technicians and engineers as it reflects how the control process operates in a straightforward manner, making it easier to understand the connections and interactions within a circuit.

This type of diagram is commonly used in the field of automation and control systems, particularly in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), so being categorized as an electrical schematic is appropriate given its purpose in detailing wiring and connections for electrical devices. Other drawing types listed, such as flowcharts and block diagrams, serve different purposes in representing processes or system components, but do not specifically relate to electrical schematics in the context of control circuits.