IEC · SVAD

Combined sounder and visual alarm device plan symbol

Plan symbol for a fire alarm device combining an audible sounder with a flashing visual alarm.

In plain English

What does Combined sounder and visual alarm device plan mean?

Combined sounder and visual alarm devices give both a tone and a flashing light, for areas where people may be hard of hearing, wear ear protection or work in high noise. Plans draw the sounder form with radiating light marks.

A simple example

Visual devices have a coverage volume defined by product category and mounting, so placement is checked against the coverage data. The plan should tag the category or coverage code. The symbol does not show flash rate or colour. Product data and the applicable standard define these.

Identify the device and formRead the connections and stateCheck the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

What the drawings help you do

Check coverage volume for the visual element. Check where deaf or hard-of-hearing occupants are expected. A flashing beacon in a control system gives an equipment status signal; this device is a life-safety alarm.

This particular reference

Plan symbol for a fire alarm device combining an audible sounder with a flashing visual alarm. A flashing beacon in a control system gives an equipment status signal; this device is a life-safety alarm.

Schematic
A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Read the source: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Electroacoustic annunciation forms · AutoCAD Electrical: Flashing beacons

IEC · Sounder with visual alarm device

IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.

GA · SVADCombined sounder and visual alarm device plan symbol: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

Combined sounder and visual alarm devices give both a tone and a flashing light, for areas where people may be hard of hearing, wear ear protection or work in high noise. Plans draw the sounder form with radiating light marks.

Visual devices have a coverage volume defined by product category and mounting, so placement is checked against the coverage data. The plan should tag the category or coverage code. The symbol does not show flash rate or colour. Product data and the applicable standard define these.

How to read it

  • Check coverage volume for the visual element.
  • Check where deaf or hard-of-hearing occupants are expected.

Information to show or reference

  • Tag coverage category.
  • Tag circuit or loop address.
  • Confirm synchronisation of flashes.

A distinction that matters

A flashing beacon in a control system gives an equipment status signal; this device is a life-safety alarm.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

IEC graphical symbols for diagrams

IEC graphical symbol context for installation plans; independently drawn here.

IEC · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Electroacoustic annunciation forms

Public IEC-oriented electroacoustic annunciation family for comparing audible output marks.

Autodesk · Public reference checked 14 October 2026 · Link only

AutoCAD Electrical: Flashing beacons

Public flashing beacon family for comparing the visual element.

Autodesk · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

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.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 28 October 2026

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.

Explore drafting