IEEE / ANSI · S

ANSI single-pole switch plan symbol

US-style plan symbol for a single-pole wall switch: the letter S at the switch position with a switch leg to the lights.

In plain English

What does ANSI single-pole switch plan mean?

US architectural electrical plans mark a single-pole wall switch with the letter S beside the wall, usually with a short line to the wall. A curved dashed switch leg runs to the controlled lighting outlets, and lowercase letters can tie a switch to specific fixtures.

A simple example

Subscripts modify the S: S3 for three-way, S4 for four-way, SD for dimmer, SK for key-operated and so on. The plain S therefore means a basic single-pole switch. The S does not say rating, colour or device style, which are specified separately.

Identify the device and formRead the connections and stateCheck the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

What the drawings help you do

Check for subscripts that change the type. Follow switch legs or lowercase letters to the controlled fixtures. The IEC one-way switch is drawn as a circle with a stroke; the US form is the letter S.

This particular reference

US-style plan symbol for a single-pole wall switch: the letter S at the switch position with a switch leg to the lights. The IEC one-way switch is drawn as a circle with a stroke; the US form is the letter S.

Rating
A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
Schematic
A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Read the source: IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams

IEEE / ANSI · Single-pole switch, S

US architectural electrical plan practice in the ANSI Y32.9 lineage, read alongside IEEE 315 context; independently drawn, not a certified IEEE or ANSI graphic.

Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.

GA · SANSI single-pole switch plan symbol: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

US architectural electrical plans mark a single-pole wall switch with the letter S beside the wall, usually with a short line to the wall. A curved dashed switch leg runs to the controlled lighting outlets, and lowercase letters can tie a switch to specific fixtures.

Subscripts modify the S: S3 for three-way, S4 for four-way, SD for dimmer, SK for key-operated and so on. The plain S therefore means a basic single-pole switch. The S does not say rating, colour or device style, which are specified separately.

How to read it

  • Check for subscripts that change the type.
  • Follow switch legs or lowercase letters to the controlled fixtures.

Information to show or reference

  • Draw switch legs or letter keys to fixtures.
  • Use subscripts for special types.
  • State mounting height in general notes.

A distinction that matters

The IEC one-way switch is drawn as a circle with a stroke; the US form is the letter S.

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.

IEEE Standards Association · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

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.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 28 October 2026

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