IEC · E

Earth electrode

A conductor in contact with the ground, such as a driven rod, providing the installation's connection to earth.

In plain English

What does Earth electrode mean?

The earth electrode symbol marks a rod, plate, tape or foundation electrode that makes contact with the general mass of the earth. It appears on earthing diagrams and site layouts, often numbered so that individual electrodes can be tested and recorded.

A simple example

The symbol does not tell you the electrode resistance, length, material or depth. Those come from the earthing design and test records. Multiple electrodes drawn together are only effective if spaced appropriately; electrodes too close together share the same soil and add less than expected.

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

Read electrode numbering for test records. Check spacing between multiple electrodes. An earth electrode is the physical contact with soil; an earth connection symbol is any connection to the earthing system.

This particular reference

A conductor in contact with the ground, such as a driven rod, providing the installation's connection to earth. An earth electrode is the physical contact with soil; an earth connection symbol is any connection to the earthing system.

Normally open / normally closed
The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
Schematic
A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Read the source: Earthing connections · AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection

IEC · Earth electrode

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.

SLD / GA · EEarth electrode: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

The earth electrode symbol marks a rod, plate, tape or foundation electrode that makes contact with the general mass of the earth. It appears on earthing diagrams and site layouts, often numbered so that individual electrodes can be tested and recorded.

The symbol does not tell you the electrode resistance, length, material or depth. Those come from the earthing design and test records. Multiple electrodes drawn together are only effective if spaced appropriately; electrodes too close together share the same soil and add less than expected.

How to read it

  • Read electrode numbering for test records.
  • Check spacing between multiple electrodes.

Information to show or reference

  • Number each electrode.
  • State type, length and material.
  • Show the test link location.

A distinction that matters

An earth electrode is the physical contact with soil; an earth connection symbol is any connection to the earthing system.

Sources you can follow

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

Earthing connections

Public installation-guide definition of earth electrode.

Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide · Public reference checked 28 October 2026 · Link only

AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection

Public IEC-oriented earth forms.

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

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