SPLICE
Wire splice
A wire splice intentionally joins documented conductors without a detachable connector interface.
Schematic
Symbols · W
Conductor branching from a group
One conductor drawn leaving a single-line conductor group at an angle, showing where it splits from the bundle.
In plain English
What does Conductor branching from a group mean?
When conductors are drawn as a single line or bundle, a breakout shows the point where one conductor leaves the group to go elsewhere. The leaving conductor is normally drawn at an angle or with a short curve and carries its own identifier, so that the group line beyond the breakout has one less conductor.
A simple example
The breakout is a drawing convention, not a physical joint. No splice or terminal exists at the point unless a separate symbol is placed there. Readers should track the conductor count on each side of the breakout and confirm the identifiers match on both.
What the drawings help you do
Track conductor count either side of the breakout. Do not read the breakout as a splice. A breakout is a drawing convention for a conductor leaving a bundle; a wire splice is a physical joint.
This particular reference
One conductor drawn leaving a single-line conductor group at an angle, showing where it splits from the bundle. A breakout is a drawing convention for a conductor leaving a bundle; a wire splice is a physical joint.
- Normally open / normally closed
- The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Wire connection dots, crossing gaps and loops · IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Schematic · W
What it represents
When conductors are drawn as a single line or bundle, a breakout shows the point where one conductor leaves the group to go elsewhere. The leaving conductor is normally drawn at an angle or with a short curve and carries its own identifier, so that the group line beyond the breakout has one less conductor.
The breakout is a drawing convention, not a physical joint. No splice or terminal exists at the point unless a separate symbol is placed there. Readers should track the conductor count on each side of the breakout and confirm the identifiers match on both.
How to read it
- Track conductor count either side of the breakout.
- Do not read the breakout as a splice.
Information to show or reference
- Label the conductor that leaves the group.
- Update the count on the remaining group line.
- Add a splice symbol only where a physical joint exists.
A distinction that matters
A breakout is a drawing convention for a conductor leaving a bundle; a wire splice is a physical joint.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Wire connection dots, crossing gaps and loops
Public guidance on wire connection display in drawings.
IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
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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