IEC · X

Multi-pole plug and socket

A plug and socket pair drawn with several poles side by side, showing a multi-way connector carrying several conductors.

In plain English

What does Multi-pole plug and socket mean?

The multi-pole form draws each contact of a connector as a pin and socket pair, grouped together and tied by a common outline or mechanical link to show they belong to one connector body. It is used for machine harness connectors, removable control modules and multi-pin field connectors on instruments.

A simple example

The multi-line form shows every pin, which makes it suitable for wiring diagrams where pin numbers matter. It does not show keying, coding or the connector series, which prevent mismating and must be stated in text. Unused pins are often omitted, so the pin count drawn may be less than the connector size.

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

Match pin numbers on the drawing to the connector insert layout. Check whether unused pins are omitted. A multi-pole plug and socket draws each pin; the one-line connector representation shows the whole connector as one mark.

This particular reference

A plug and socket pair drawn with several poles side by side, showing a multi-way connector carrying several conductors. A multi-pole plug and socket draws each pin; the one-line connector representation shows the whole connector as one mark.

Normally open / normally closed
The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
Terminal
An identified point where a conductor connects.
Schematic
A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Read the source: AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors · IEC-60617 symbol preview directory

IEC · Multi-pole plug and socket, multi-line form

Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes; vendor family reference, 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 · XMulti-pole plug and socket: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

The multi-pole form draws each contact of a connector as a pin and socket pair, grouped together and tied by a common outline or mechanical link to show they belong to one connector body. It is used for machine harness connectors, removable control modules and multi-pin field connectors on instruments.

The multi-line form shows every pin, which makes it suitable for wiring diagrams where pin numbers matter. It does not show keying, coding or the connector series, which prevent mismating and must be stated in text. Unused pins are often omitted, so the pin count drawn may be less than the connector size.

How to read it

  • Match pin numbers on the drawing to the connector insert layout.
  • Check whether unused pins are omitted.

Information to show or reference

  • Number every pin drawn.
  • State connector series and keying.
  • Identify which half is fixed and which is free.

A distinction that matters

A multi-pole plug and socket draws each pin; the one-line connector representation shows the whole connector as one mark.

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.

Autodesk · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

IEC-60617 symbol preview directory

Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.

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