W
Coaxial cable
A centre conductor drawn within a concentric outer conductor, used for RF, video and some high-frequency measurement leads.
IEC
IEC · 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.
In plain English
What does Coaxial cable with earthed outer conductor mean?
This form adds an earth connection to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. On antenna systems the outer conductor is normally bonded to the building earth where it enters, often through a lightning arrester or earthing kit, and the drawing should show that bonding explicitly.
A simple example
The earth mark on the outer conductor is not a statement that the inner conductor is protected from surges. Surge protection devices on the inner conductor are separate symbols. Reading the earth location also tells you whether the coax forms an earth loop between two buildings, which matters for interference and safety.
What the drawings help you do
Locate the entry point bonding for antenna coax. Check for earth loops where both ends of the outer conductor are earthed in separate buildings. Earthing the outer conductor sets its reference; it is not the same as a coaxial surge protector, which clamps the inner conductor.
This particular reference
A coaxial cable whose outer conductor is drawn connected to earth, recording the reference point of the RF or signal return. Earthing the outer conductor sets its reference; it is not the same as a coaxial surge protector, which clamps the inner conductor.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: IEC-60617 symbol preview directory · AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection
IEC · Coaxial pair with earthed outer conductor
Independent IEC-context combination of coaxial and earth forms; not certified IEC geometry.
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
This form adds an earth connection to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. On antenna systems the outer conductor is normally bonded to the building earth where it enters, often through a lightning arrester or earthing kit, and the drawing should show that bonding explicitly.
The earth mark on the outer conductor is not a statement that the inner conductor is protected from surges. Surge protection devices on the inner conductor are separate symbols. Reading the earth location also tells you whether the coax forms an earth loop between two buildings, which matters for interference and safety.
How to read it
- Locate the entry point bonding for antenna coax.
- Check for earth loops where both ends of the outer conductor are earthed in separate buildings.
Information to show or reference
- Show where the outer conductor is bonded to earth.
- Identify any coaxial surge protection device separately.
- Reference the earthing conductor size for entry bonding.
A distinction that matters
Earthing the outer conductor sets its reference; it is not the same as a coaxial surge protector, which clamps the inner conductor.
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.
AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection
Public IEC-oriented earth forms used on the outer conductor.
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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