W
Coaxial cable with earthed outer conductor
A coaxial cable whose outer conductor is drawn connected to earth, recording the reference point of the RF or signal return.
IEC
IEC · W
Coaxial cable
A centre conductor drawn within a concentric outer conductor, used for RF, video and some high-frequency measurement leads.
In plain English
What does Coaxial cable mean?
The coaxial cable symbol shows an inner conductor surrounded by a concentric outer conductor that forms the return path. Unlike a screened conductor, the outer conductor of a coaxial cable is part of the signal circuit and sets a defined characteristic impedance. It appears on antenna feeds, GPS time-sync leads to protection relays, video circuits and some partial-discharge sensor connections.
A simple example
The symbol does not give the impedance, attenuation or connector type. A 50 ohm and a 75 ohm cable look identical on the drawing, so the cable schedule must identify the type. Where the outer conductor is earthed, show that separately rather than assuming the reader knows the earthing arrangement.
What the drawings help you do
Check the cable type and impedance against the equipment at both ends. Look for connector designations at each end of the coax run. In coaxial cable the outer conductor carries return current; in a screened conductor the screen only intercepts interference.
This particular reference
A centre conductor drawn within a concentric outer conductor, used for RF, video and some high-frequency measurement leads. In coaxial cable the outer conductor carries return current; in a screened conductor the screen only intercepts interference.
- Coil
- A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
Read the source: IEC-60617 symbol preview directory · IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
IEC · Coaxial pair form
Independent IEC-context illustration of a concentric pair; consult IEC 60617 for the exact graphic.
Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.
Schematic · W
What it represents
The coaxial cable symbol shows an inner conductor surrounded by a concentric outer conductor that forms the return path. Unlike a screened conductor, the outer conductor of a coaxial cable is part of the signal circuit and sets a defined characteristic impedance. It appears on antenna feeds, GPS time-sync leads to protection relays, video circuits and some partial-discharge sensor connections.
The symbol does not give the impedance, attenuation or connector type. A 50 ohm and a 75 ohm cable look identical on the drawing, so the cable schedule must identify the type. Where the outer conductor is earthed, show that separately rather than assuming the reader knows the earthing arrangement.
How to read it
- Check the cable type and impedance against the equipment at both ends.
- Look for connector designations at each end of the coax run.
Information to show or reference
- State characteristic impedance or cable type.
- Name the connector at each end.
- Show earthing of the outer conductor where applicable.
A distinction that matters
In coaxial cable the outer conductor carries return current; in a screened conductor the screen only intercepts interference.
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 coaxial conductor graphics in IEEE forms.
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.
Explore related references
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.