SO
Socket outlet with protective earth contact
Installation plan mark for a socket outlet that includes a protective earth contact for Class I appliances.
IEC
IEC · SSO
Switched socket outlet
Plan mark for a socket outlet with its own integral switch that controls the supply to the plug.
In plain English
What does Switched socket outlet mean?
A switched socket outlet combines the outlet and a single-pole or double-pole switch in one accessory plate. On the plan the outlet half circle carries a short switch stroke with a tick, borrowed from the light-switch form, showing that the user can interrupt supply at the outlet without removing the plug.
A simple example
Switched outlets are the norm in Australian and British domestic work and common in kitchens, offices and plant rooms elsewhere. The symbol helps the electrician choose the correct accessory and helps the estimator count switched against unswitched outlets, which differ in cost and in the depth of box required.
What the drawings help you do
The mark does not say whether the switch breaks one pole or both, and it does not make the outlet suitable for isolation of fixed equipment. Pole count and any isolation duty should be stated in the specification.
This particular reference
Plan mark for a socket outlet with its own integral switch that controls the supply to the plug. A socket outlet with interlocked switch prevents plug insertion or withdrawal while supplied with operating power; a plain switched outlet only lets the user switch the supply.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · Elementary switching devices · Electrical installation design methodology and references
IEC · Switched socket outlet
IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.
Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.
GA · SSO
What it represents
A switched socket outlet combines the outlet and a single-pole or double-pole switch in one accessory plate. On the plan the outlet half circle carries a short switch stroke with a tick, borrowed from the light-switch form, showing that the user can interrupt supply at the outlet without removing the plug.
Switched outlets are the norm in Australian and British domestic work and common in kitchens, offices and plant rooms elsewhere. The symbol helps the electrician choose the correct accessory and helps the estimator count switched against unswitched outlets, which differ in cost and in the depth of box required.
The mark does not say whether the switch breaks one pole or both, and it does not make the outlet suitable for isolation of fixed equipment. Pole count and any isolation duty should be stated in the specification.
How to read it
- The switch stroke is attached to the outlet, not drawn as a separate switch symbol nearby.
- Count switched and unswitched outlets separately when taking off quantities.
Information to show or reference
- Specify single-pole or double-pole switching.
- Identify outlets that must be unswitched, such as refrigerator or server outlets.
- Keep circuit tags and earthing information on the symbol.
A distinction that matters
A socket outlet with interlocked switch prevents plug insertion or withdrawal while energised; a plain switched outlet only lets the user switch the supply.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC committee context for graphical symbols used in diagrams and installation documents; not a source of reproduced artwork.
Elementary switching devices
Explains elementary switching functions such as isolation, control and functional switching.
Electrical installation design methodology and references
Installation design methodology context: circuits, outlets and final distribution are planned before symbols are placed.
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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