One-way linear-motion qualifier

What it represents

A linear-motion qualifier identifies movement or force in one documented direction. The arrow describes a mechanical movement or force along a line. The same logical relationship can be drawn in another orientation without changing the mechanism.

Distinguish movement arrows from electrical continuation arrows by their context and association with the mechanism. A movement diagram should name the driven element and reference its positions.

How to read it

• Orient the indication to the actual diagram relationship; do not treat its drawing direction as an equipment compass bearing.
• Rotating the same motion indication does not create another engineering function.

Information to show or reference

• Identify the associated device, circuit or diagram boundary.
• Orient the indication to the actual diagram relationship; do not treat its drawing direction as an equipment compass bearing.
• Cross-reference the equipment data, terminal mapping or operating-state legend needed to interpret the form.

Sources you can follow

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

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: 14 October 2026