N
Neutral conductor mark
A mark on a single-line conductor group identifying which conductor is the neutral, often drawn as a small circle on a stroke.
IEC
IEC · 3/N/PE
Three-phase circuit with neutral and PE marking
A single-line notation such as 3/N/PE showing a three-phase circuit carrying both a neutral and a separate protective conductor.
In plain English
What does Three-phase circuit with neutral and PE marking mean?
Single-line diagrams often state the conductor complement of a circuit with a short notation beside the line, for example 3/N/PE 400/230 V 50 Hz. This tells the reader at a glance that the circuit has three phases, a neutral and a separate protective conductor, which is the normal TN-S final distribution arrangement.
A simple example
The notation is a statement about which conductors exist, not their sizes. It also does not confirm that the downstream equipment uses the neutral. Changes in the notation along a feeder, for example from 3/PEN to 3/N/PE, mark the point where a PEN conductor has been split.
What the drawings help you do
Watch for a change in notation along a feeder that marks a PEN split. Read voltage and frequency that may follow the conductor notation. The 3/N/PE notation states a whole conductor complement; individual N, PE or PEN marks identify one conductor on a stroke.
This particular reference
A single-line notation such as 3/N/PE showing a three-phase circuit carrying both a neutral and a separate protective conductor. The 3/N/PE notation states a whole conductor complement; individual N, PE or PEN marks identify one conductor on a stroke.
- Phase
- One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Definition of standardised earthing schemes · IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
IEC · Conductor complement notation on a single line
Independent IEC-context illustration; 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 · 3/N/PE
What it represents
Single-line diagrams often state the conductor complement of a circuit with a short notation beside the line, for example 3/N/PE 400/230 V 50 Hz. This tells the reader at a glance that the circuit has three phases, a neutral and a separate protective conductor, which is the normal TN-S final distribution arrangement.
The notation is a statement about which conductors exist, not their sizes. It also does not confirm that the downstream equipment uses the neutral. Changes in the notation along a feeder, for example from 3/PEN to 3/N/PE, mark the point where a PEN conductor has been split.
How to read it
- Watch for a change in notation along a feeder that marks a PEN split.
- Read voltage and frequency that may follow the conductor notation.
Information to show or reference
- State the conductor complement on each distribution feeder.
- Include voltage and frequency where the notation is used.
- Keep notation consistent with the cable schedule.
A distinction that matters
The 3/N/PE notation states a whole conductor complement; individual N, PE or PEN marks identify one conductor on a stroke.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Definition of standardised earthing schemes
Public installation-guide definitions of earthing schemes.
IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
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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Protective conductor mark
A mark on one stroke of a conductor group identifying the protective earth conductor carried with the circuit.
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Conductor count by numeral
A single oblique stroke across a line with a number beside it, stating how many conductors the single line represents.
SLD / Schematic
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