In electrical schematics, what does a rectangle typically represent?

In electrical schematics, a rectangle commonly represents a panel board. Panel boards are crucial components in an electrical system, serving as the distribution point for electrical circuits, housing circuit breakers or fuses, and providing a means of disconnecting circuits. This visual representation helps anyone interpreting the schematics quickly identify where the main distribution of power occurs within the system.

The use of a rectangle to denote a panel board allows for easy differentiation from other components such as transformers, which are typically represented by other standardized shapes, or resistors, which would use a different symbol altogether. This standardization in schematic symbols facilitates clear communication among electricians and engineers working on electrical designs, enabling them to understand and interpret diagrams efficiently.