W
Coaxial cable
A centre conductor drawn within a concentric outer conductor, used for RF, video and some high-frequency measurement leads.
IEC
IEC · X
Coaxial plug and socket
A plug and socket pair with concentric inner and outer contacts, used to connect coaxial cables to equipment.
In plain English
What does Coaxial plug and socket mean?
The coaxial plug and socket shows a connector that mates both the centre conductor and the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. In power and control systems it appears on GPS antenna inputs for time synchronisation, partial-discharge and RF sensors, and video or radio links.
A simple example
The symbol does not tell you the connector series, impedance or gender convention, which vary between product families. A 50 ohm connector mated to a 75 ohm cable will work poorly, so the connector type should be stated. Outer conductor earthing through the connector body is often implicit and should be checked.
What the drawings help you do
Read connector series and impedance in the annotation. Check how the outer conductor is earthed at the equipment. A coaxial plug and socket mates concentric contacts; an ordinary plug and socket pair mates single pins.
This particular reference
A plug and socket pair with concentric inner and outer contacts, used to connect coaxial cables to equipment. A coaxial plug and socket mates concentric contacts; an ordinary plug and socket pair mates single pins.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors · IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
IEC · Coaxial plug and socket
Independent IEC-context illustration; 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 · X
What it represents
The coaxial plug and socket shows a connector that mates both the centre conductor and the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. In power and control systems it appears on GPS antenna inputs for time synchronisation, partial-discharge and RF sensors, and video or radio links.
The symbol does not tell you the connector series, impedance or gender convention, which vary between product families. A 50 ohm connector mated to a 75 ohm cable will work poorly, so the connector type should be stated. Outer conductor earthing through the connector body is often implicit and should be checked.
How to read it
- Read connector series and impedance in the annotation.
- Check how the outer conductor is earthed at the equipment.
Information to show or reference
- Name the connector series.
- Match impedance to the cable.
- Show outer conductor earthing where it matters.
A distinction that matters
A coaxial plug and socket mates concentric contacts; an ordinary plug and socket pair mates single pins.
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.
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.
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.