N
Neutral link, closed
A removable link in the neutral conductor shown in its closed position, allowing the neutral to be opened for testing.
IEC
IEC · N
Neutral link, open
A neutral link drawn removed or open, showing the neutral conductor disconnected at that point.
In plain English
What does Neutral link, open mean?
The open neutral link shows the link withdrawn so that the neutral is disconnected. Drawings use it where a circuit is normally run with the neutral open, for example to isolate a spare or to segregate a neutral during a changeover, and on test procedures that show the link removed.
A simple example
An open neutral on a live four-wire circuit can cause severe overvoltage on single-phase loads, so an open link in normal service needs a clear reason on the drawing. The symbol says nothing about the phase conductors, which may still be supplied with operating power.
What the drawings help you do
Ask why the neutral is shown open in service. Check that phases are also isolated before working. An open neutral link is disconnected; the closed form shows normal continuity.
This particular reference
A neutral link drawn removed or open, showing the neutral conductor disconnected at that point. An open neutral link is disconnected; the closed form shows normal continuity.
- Phase
- One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
Read the source: Fuse and neutral-link symbols · Definition of standardised earthing schemes
IEC · Neutral link, open
Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Fuses (Neutral Link - Open); 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
The open neutral link shows the link withdrawn so that the neutral is disconnected. Drawings use it where a circuit is normally run with the neutral open, for example to isolate a spare or to segregate a neutral during a changeover, and on test procedures that show the link removed.
An open neutral on a live four-wire circuit can cause severe overvoltage on single-phase loads, so an open link in normal service needs a clear reason on the drawing. The symbol says nothing about the phase conductors, which may still be energised.
How to read it
- Ask why the neutral is shown open in service.
- Check that phases are also isolated before working.
Information to show or reference
- Note the reason the link is open.
- Show phase isolation state alongside.
- Label the link with its circuit number.
A distinction that matters
An open neutral link is disconnected; the closed form shows normal continuity.
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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Neutral conductor mark
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Schematic
Put the reference into a drawing workflow.
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