PE
Protective earth
An identified connection serving the protective earthing function.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · X
Connector with protective earth contact
A plug and socket in which one contact is the protective earth, usually making first and breaking last.
In plain English
What does Connector with protective earth contact mean?
This form identifies a connector where one contact carries the protective conductor. The earth contact is normally longer so it makes before and breaks after the live contacts, keeping the connected equipment earthed whenever it could be supplied with operating power. The earth pin is drawn with a protective earth mark or PE label.
A simple example
The symbol does not prove the first-make, last-break feature exists in the selected product, so the connector type must be checked. Where a connector carries power and signals, the earth pin also often serves as the reference for screens, which should be drawn explicitly.
What the drawings help you do
Identify the PE contact and check it is first-make, last-break. Check that the PE pin is not used as a signal return. A connector PE contact carries the protective conductor through a separable joint; a protective earth terminal is a fixed connection point.
This particular reference
A plug and socket in which one contact is the protective earth, usually making first and breaking last. A connector PE contact carries the protective conductor through a separable joint; a protective earth terminal is a fixed connection point.
- Normally open / normally closed
- The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
Read the source: AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors · AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection
Schematic · X
What it represents
This form identifies a connector where one contact carries the protective conductor. The earth contact is normally longer so it makes before and breaks after the live contacts, keeping the connected equipment earthed whenever it could be energised. The earth pin is drawn with a protective earth mark or PE label.
The symbol does not prove the first-make, last-break feature exists in the selected product, so the connector type must be checked. Where a connector carries power and signals, the earth pin also often serves as the reference for screens, which should be drawn explicitly.
How to read it
- Identify the PE contact and check it is first-make, last-break.
- Check that the PE pin is not used as a signal return.
Information to show or reference
- Label the PE contact clearly.
- Specify a connector with leading earth contact.
- Keep PE continuity through both connector halves.
A distinction that matters
A connector PE contact carries the protective conductor through a separable joint; a protective earth terminal is a fixed connection point.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors
Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection
Public IEC-oriented protective earth form.
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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Protective-earth terminal block
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Schematic
Put the reference into a drawing workflow.
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