W
Conductors within one cable
An outline or loop drawn across several conductor lines to show that they are cores of the same cable.
IEC
IEEE / ANSI · W
ANSI/IEEE multi-conductor cable symbol
IEEE-oriented outline or bracket grouping several conductors to show they belong to one multi-conductor cable.
In plain English
What does ANSI/IEEE multi-conductor cable mean?
US-practice schematics group conductors of one cable with an enclosing outline, a bracket or an oval drawn across the conductor lines, usually with the cable number beside it. It lets the reader see which wires travel together between enclosures.
A simple example
This illustration explains the convention rather than reproducing the IEEE graphic. The grouping implies no shield. Cable conductor count, gauge and insulation rating come from the cable schedule, and spare conductors are often not drawn.
What the drawings help you do
Read the cable number next to the grouping. Expect undrawn spare conductors. A cable grouping shows shared jacket only; a shielded cable form adds a conductive shield.
This particular reference
IEEE-oriented outline or bracket grouping several conductors to show they belong to one multi-conductor cable. A cable grouping shows shared jacket only; a shielded cable form adds a conductive shield.
- Normally open / normally closed
- The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
Read the source: IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams · Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Cable identification and twisted-pair annotation
IEEE / ANSI · Multi-conductor cable grouping
Independent illustration in IEEE drafting context; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.
Schematic · W
What it represents
US-practice schematics group conductors of one cable with an enclosing outline, a bracket or an oval drawn across the conductor lines, usually with the cable number beside it. It lets the reader see which wires travel together between enclosures.
This illustration explains the convention rather than reproducing the IEEE graphic. The grouping implies no shield. Cable conductor count, gauge and insulation rating come from the cable schedule, and spare conductors are often not drawn.
How to read it
- Read the cable number next to the grouping.
- Expect undrawn spare conductors.
Information to show or reference
- Tag every grouping with the cable number.
- Use the same tag across sheets.
- Record gauge and spares in the schedule.
A distinction that matters
A cable grouping shows shared jacket only; a shielded cable form adds a conductive shield.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
Graphic-symbol standards context and official status; not a source of reproduced artwork.
Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Cable identification and twisted-pair annotation
Public publisher family for cable markers in the companion IEC library.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
Explore related references
Put the reference into a drawing workflow.
Elora Grid helps electrical teams work with drawings, specifications and equipment information. Explore the drafting workflow or join the early-access waitlist.