V
Voltmeter
A voltmeter indicates electrical potential difference between its measurement inputs.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · *
Indicating instrument general symbol
General circle form for any indicating instrument, with a placeholder replaced by the unit or quantity measured.
In plain English
What does Indicating instrument general mean?
In IEC-style diagrams an indicating instrument is drawn as a circle, and the asterisk inside is replaced by the unit symbol or quantity, such as V, A, Hz or cos φ. The general form is useful in legends and in early design drawings when the exact instrument is not yet chosen.
A simple example
Because the placeholder carries all of the meaning, an unfilled general symbol tells the reader only that some reading is shown at that point. The drawing must still state the measuring connection, scaling from instrument transformers and whether the instrument is analogue or part of a digital meter.
What the drawings help you do
Replace the placeholder with the actual unit before issue. Read the circle together with its measuring connections. The circle is the indicating form; recording instruments use a square and integrating instruments use a rectangle with a band.
This particular reference
General circle form for any indicating instrument, with a placeholder replaced by the unit or quantity measured. The circle is the indicating form; recording instruments use a square and integrating instruments use a rectangle with a band.
- Winding
- A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · AutoCAD Electrical: Instrumentation and sensors
SLD / Schematic · *
What it represents
In IEC-style diagrams an indicating instrument is drawn as a circle, and the asterisk inside is replaced by the unit symbol or quantity, such as V, A, Hz or cos φ. The general form is useful in legends and in early design drawings when the exact instrument is not yet chosen.
Because the placeholder carries all of the meaning, an unfilled general symbol tells the reader only that some reading is shown at that point. The drawing must still state the measuring connection, scaling from instrument transformers and whether the instrument is analogue or part of a digital meter.
How to read it
- Replace the placeholder with the actual unit before issue.
- Read the circle together with its measuring connections.
Information to show or reference
- Fill in the measured quantity
- Show instrument transformer ratios
- List the instrument in the schedule
A distinction that matters
The circle is the indicating form; recording instruments use a square and integrating instruments use a rectangle with a band.
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 context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
AutoCAD Electrical: Instrumentation and sensors
Public AutoCAD Electrical listing of instrument symbols built on the indicating form.
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.
Explore related references
Put the reference into a drawing workflow.
Elora Grid helps electrical teams work with drawings, specifications and equipment information. Explore the drafting workflow or join the early-access waitlist.