X
Bolted connecting link, open
A bolted connecting link drawn removed, showing a deliberate open point that needs tools and a dead circuit to close.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · X
Bolted connecting link, closed
A bolted bar link providing a removable connection, shown closed, that can only be opened with tools and no load.
In plain English
What does Bolted connecting link, closed mean?
A bolted connecting link is a short removable bar between two conductors. It appears in switchboards to separate sections for testing or maintenance, as the generator neutral link, and in CT and VT circuits for isolation. The closed form shows the normal service state.
A simple example
Unlike a disconnector, a link has no operating mechanism or rated breaking or making capacity. It must only be removed with the circuit dead. The symbol does not show the bolt torque or contact rating, which should match the conductor it bridges.
What the drawings help you do
Treat the link as a dead-only isolation point. Check its rating matches the bridged conductor. A bolted link is opened only when dead and with tools; a disconnector has an operating mechanism and defined isolating rating.
This particular reference
A bolted bar link providing a removable connection, shown closed, that can only be opened with tools and no load. A bolted link is opened only when dead and with tools; a disconnector has an operating mechanism and defined isolating rating.
- 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: IEC-60617 symbol preview directory · IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
SLD / Schematic · X
What it represents
A bolted connecting link is a short removable bar between two conductors. It appears in switchboards to separate sections for testing or maintenance, as the generator neutral link, and in CT and VT circuits for isolation. The closed form shows the normal service state.
Unlike a disconnector, a link has no operating mechanism or rated breaking or making capacity. It must only be removed with the circuit dead. The symbol does not show the bolt torque or contact rating, which should match the conductor it bridges.
How to read it
- Treat the link as a dead-only isolation point.
- Check its rating matches the bridged conductor.
Information to show or reference
- Tag the link and show its normal state.
- State current rating.
- Reference the procedure for removing it.
A distinction that matters
A bolted link is opened only when dead and with tools; a disconnector has an operating mechanism and defined isolating rating.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
Standards context for link and connection graphics.
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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