Functional block · BWI

Breaker withdrawn-position indication

Functional block · Switchgear

An independently authored application reference. The drawing shows the named function or circuit relationship; use the project legend and selected equipment documentation for its drafting form and connections.

Browse this installation focus

In plain English

What this block does

Reports that the removable breaker is outside its normal connected operating position.

A simple example

In a switchgear control schematic, the bay controller compares independent status contacts before displaying a position or allowing another operation. The signal labels explain which physical state each contact represents. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Withdrawal detection” at the input and “Withdrawn-element indication” at the output. Withdrawal and safe access are separate conditions.

Withdrawal detectionBWIWithdrawn-element indication
A reading guide. The entry's original illustration and input/output facts describe this application.

What the drawings help you do

Start at the named input: Withdrawal detection. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing. Follow the named output: Withdrawn-element indication. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.

Input
Withdrawal detection
Output
Withdrawn-element indication
Application reference
An explanation of a named drawing function or circuit relationship; the project documents define the equipment and its connections.

Read the source: Masterclad medium-voltage switchgear: circuit-breaker section interlocks

Schematic · BWIBreaker withdrawn-position indication: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationSee source and graphic notes

What it represents

Reports that the removable breaker is outside its normal connected operating position. Breaker status indications describe the operating mechanism, the removable truck or the health of a supporting system. These signals are related but are not interchangeable: an open breaker can still have its truck connected to live bus contacts.

In a switchgear control schematic, the bay controller compares independent status contacts before displaying a position or allowing another operation. The signal labels explain which physical state each contact represents. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Withdrawal detection” at the input and “Withdrawn-element indication” at the output. Withdrawal and safe access are separate conditions.

Keep contact reference conditions, terminal numbers and interpretation logic together. Distinguish a mechanically operated indication from a measured current or voltage condition. The functional block is an independent explanation of this named application. Equipment-specific ratings, terminal connections and operating conditions must be established in the project documentation.

How to read it

  • Start at the named input: Withdrawal detection. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing.
  • Follow the named output: Withdrawn-element indication. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.
  • Withdrawal and safe access are separate conditions.
  • Keep contact reference conditions, terminal numbers and interpretation logic together. Distinguish a mechanically operated indication from a measured current or voltage condition.

Information to show or reference

  • Label the source and connection reference for withdrawal detection.
  • Identify the destination and defined state of withdrawn-element indication.
  • Record the equipment or control-document revision supporting this functional block.
  • Check this application limit in the project design: Withdrawal and safe access are separate conditions.

A distinction that matters

Withdrawal and safe access are separate conditions. This reference describes the named application; it does not establish a new IEC graphical symbol, an ANSI device-function number or an exact manufacturer connection diagram.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

Masterclad medium-voltage switchgear: circuit-breaker section interlocks

Public technical context for breaker position and status interfaces. Breaker control, mechanism, position contacts, racking interlocks and test interfaces. The application text and educational graphic are independently authored; the publisher does not certify this representation.

Schneider Electric · Public reference checked 3 November 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. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 3 November 2026

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.

Explore drafting