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 · SO-IP
Weatherproof socket outlet
Plan mark for an outdoor or wet-area socket outlet with a protective enclosure, usually tagged with its IP rating.
In plain English
What does Weatherproof socket outlet mean?
Weatherproof outlets are placed on external walls, in wash-down areas, car parks and roof plant. The plan symbol uses the normal outlet form with an IP or WP tag, and some legends add a small enclosure line around the outlet to show the hinged cover.
A simple example
The tag matters to the installer because it decides the accessory family, gland type and whether the cover must keep its rating with a plug inserted. Outdoor outlets also usually require residual-current protection, so the reader should look for the RCD indication or the circuit schedule note.
What the drawings help you do
The symbol does not state the actual IP code unless the number is written. WP alone is a project shorthand; the specification should fix the numeric rating.
This particular reference
Plan mark for an outdoor or wet-area socket outlet with a protective enclosure, usually tagged with its IP rating. An interior outlet and a weatherproof outlet can share the same base form; only the enclosure tag or outline distinguishes them.
- 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: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · Electrical installation design methodology and references · Form factors of residual-current devices
IEC · Weatherproof 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 · SO-IP
What it represents
Weatherproof outlets are placed on external walls, in wash-down areas, car parks and roof plant. The plan symbol uses the normal outlet form with an IP or WP tag, and some legends add a small enclosure line around the outlet to show the hinged cover.
The tag matters to the installer because it decides the accessory family, gland type and whether the cover must keep its rating with a plug inserted. Outdoor outlets also usually require residual-current protection, so the reader should look for the RCD indication or the circuit schedule note.
The symbol does not state the actual IP code unless the number is written. WP alone is a project shorthand; the specification should fix the numeric rating.
How to read it
- Look for an IP number, not just WP or EXT text.
- Check whether the outlet is also shown as residual-current protected.
Information to show or reference
- State the IP code required with a plug inserted where relevant.
- Confirm residual-current protection for the circuit.
- Show mounting height above finished ground.
A distinction that matters
An interior outlet and a weatherproof outlet can share the same base form; only the enclosure tag or outline distinguishes them.
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.
Electrical installation design methodology and references
Installation design methodology context: circuits, outlets and final distribution are planned before symbols are placed.
Form factors of residual-current devices
Explains the physical forms residual-current protection can take, including socket-outlet integration.
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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