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ANSI single receptacle outlet plan symbol
US-style plan symbol for a single convenience receptacle: a circle with one line through it on the wall.
IEEE / ANSI
IEEE / ANSI · SP
ANSI special-purpose outlet plan symbol
US plan symbol for a special-purpose outlet or connection serving a specific appliance, keyed to a schedule.
In plain English
What does ANSI special-purpose outlet plan mean?
Special-purpose outlets are drawn as a circle or triangle with a letter or number keyed to a schedule rather than with receptacle lines. They mark connections for ranges, dryers, water heaters, equipment and other loads with unusual voltage, current or configuration.
A simple example
The key tells the reader to look up the schedule for voltage, phase, NEMA configuration or hard-wired connection. Without the schedule the symbol is incomplete, which is why it is usually paired with a detailed equipment connection table. The form does not say whether the connection is a receptacle or a hard-wired junction box. The schedule decides.
What the drawings help you do
Always read the key letter against the schedule. Check voltage and phase, which often differ from convenience outlets. A duplex receptacle is a general convenience outlet; a special-purpose outlet is keyed to one appliance.
This particular reference
US plan symbol for a special-purpose outlet or connection serving a specific appliance, keyed to a schedule. A duplex receptacle is a general convenience outlet; a special-purpose outlet is keyed to one appliance.
- Phase
- One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- 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 · Electrical installation design methodology and references
IEEE / ANSI · Special-purpose outlet
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 · SP
What it represents
Special-purpose outlets are drawn as a circle or triangle with a letter or number keyed to a schedule rather than with receptacle lines. They mark connections for ranges, dryers, water heaters, equipment and other loads with unusual voltage, current or configuration.
The key tells the reader to look up the schedule for voltage, phase, NEMA configuration or hard-wired connection. Without the schedule the symbol is incomplete, which is why it is usually paired with a detailed equipment connection table. The form does not say whether the connection is a receptacle or a hard-wired junction box. The schedule decides.
How to read it
- Always read the key letter against the schedule.
- Check voltage and phase, which often differ from convenience outlets.
Information to show or reference
- Key the symbol to the equipment connection schedule.
- State hard-wired or receptacle connection.
- Tag panel and circuit.
A distinction that matters
A duplex receptacle is a general convenience outlet; a special-purpose outlet is keyed to one appliance.
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.
Electrical installation design methodology and references
Installation design methodology context: circuits, outlets and final distribution are planned before symbols are placed.
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.
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