# Data communications device

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/protection-functions/16-data-communications-device
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: 16
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

Identifies equipment carrying data between control, protection or monitoring devices.

## What it represents

Identifies equipment carrying data between control, protection or monitoring devices.
In a drafting package, connect this reference to the communication medium and connected endpoints. The associated drawing should trace the network ports, link identifiers and architecture drawing; the number identifies the role and does not specify the terminal arrangement, ratings or operating settings.

## How to read it

- Identify the communication medium and connected endpoints.
- Trace the network ports, link identifiers and architecture drawing.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the communication medium and connected endpoints.
- Cross-reference the network ports, link identifiers and architecture drawing.
- Identify the device tag, manual revision and logic drawing that define this implementation.

## Important distinction

Device 16 describes the communication role; its suffix and network legend determine whether the item is a switch, router or other device.

## Facts

- ANSI / IEEE function number: 16
- Drawing context: The communication medium and connected endpoints
- Application scope: Protection or apparatus-control role; exact implementation is defined by the equipment documentation.

## Public references

- [ANSI device-number and suffix reference table](https://selinc.com/pt/products/tables/ansi/) — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Public manufacturer number/name association. Drafting explanations are independently written.
- [IEEE C37.2-2022: power-system device function numbers](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9984140) — IEEE. Normative device-number publication; exact edition wording and compliance require the licensed standard.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.