N
Neutral link, open
A neutral link drawn removed or open, showing the neutral conductor disconnected at that point.
IEC
IEC · N
Neutral link, closed
A removable link in the neutral conductor shown in its closed position, allowing the neutral to be opened for testing.
In plain English
What does Neutral link, closed mean?
A neutral link is a bolted or plug-in link in the neutral conductor, often mounted in a fuse carrier style holder alongside phase fuses. It allows the neutral of a circuit to be disconnected for insulation testing or fault finding without disturbing other circuits on the neutral bar. The closed form shows its normal service state.
A simple example
The symbol is not a switch and the link should not be opened under load. It does not provide overcurrent protection; the fuse-like holder can mislead readers into treating it as a neutral fuse. Rules on whether the neutral may be separately disconnected differ between earthing schemes.
What the drawings help you do
Do not read the holder as a fuse. Confirm the link is opened only with the circuit isolated. A closed neutral link is a removable connection; a neutral fuse would be a protective device and is generally not permitted.
This particular reference
A removable link in the neutral conductor shown in its closed position, allowing the neutral to be opened for testing. A closed neutral link is a removable connection; a neutral fuse would be a protective device and is generally not permitted.
- Phase
- One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Fuse and neutral-link symbols · Definition of standardised earthing schemes
IEC · Neutral link, closed
Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Fuses (Neutral Link - Closed); 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.
SLD / Schematic · N
What it represents
A neutral link is a bolted or plug-in link in the neutral conductor, often mounted in a fuse carrier style holder alongside phase fuses. It allows the neutral of a circuit to be disconnected for insulation testing or fault finding without disturbing other circuits on the neutral bar. The closed form shows its normal service state.
The symbol is not a switch and the link should not be opened under load. It does not provide overcurrent protection; the fuse-like holder can mislead readers into treating it as a neutral fuse. Rules on whether the neutral may be separately disconnected differ between earthing schemes.
How to read it
- Do not read the holder as a fuse.
- Confirm the link is opened only with the circuit isolated.
Information to show or reference
- Label the link with its circuit number.
- Show it in its normal closed state.
- Check scheme rules for neutral disconnection.
A distinction that matters
A closed neutral link is a removable connection; a neutral fuse would be a protective device and is generally not permitted.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Fuse and neutral-link symbols
Public IEC-oriented preview listing neutral link closed and open forms.
Definition of standardised earthing schemes
Public installation-guide definitions of the neutral's role in earthing schemes.
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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