PLUG SOCKET
Plug and socket connector pair
A plug/socket pair represents a detachable electrical connection with two mating sides.
Schematic
Symbols · X
Inline cable coupler
A connector joining two cables without either half being mounted on equipment, such as an extension lead coupling.
In plain English
What does Inline cable coupler mean?
An inline coupler joins two free cables, with neither half fixed to a panel or device. Typical uses are extension leads, portable equipment feeds and sensor cables with a disconnect point partway along the run. Drawings show both halves floating on the cable line, sometimes with a note that the coupling is located in a particular area.
A simple example
Because the coupler is free, its location is not fixed by the equipment, so the drawing should state where it is. The symbol does not show ingress protection, latching or whether the coupling may be separated under load. For power couplers, the live side should be the socket half so exposed pins are not supplied with operating power.
What the drawings help you do
Identify which side is supplied with operating power and confirm it is the socket half. Look for a location note for the coupler. An inline coupler joins two free cables; a panel plug and socket has one half fixed to equipment.
This particular reference
A connector joining two cables without either half being mounted on equipment, such as an extension lead coupling. An inline coupler joins two free cables; a panel plug and socket has one half fixed to equipment.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- 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: AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors · Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes
Schematic · X
What it represents
An inline coupler joins two free cables, with neither half fixed to a panel or device. Typical uses are extension leads, portable equipment feeds and sensor cables with a disconnect point partway along the run. Drawings show both halves floating on the cable line, sometimes with a note that the coupling is located in a particular area.
Because the coupler is free, its location is not fixed by the equipment, so the drawing should state where it is. The symbol does not show ingress protection, latching or whether the coupling may be separated under load. For power couplers, the live side should be the socket half so exposed pins are not energised.
How to read it
- Identify which side is energised and confirm it is the socket half.
- Look for a location note for the coupler.
Information to show or reference
- Show which half is on the supply side.
- State IP rating where outdoors.
- Locate the coupler on the layout.
A distinction that matters
An inline coupler joins two free cables; a panel plug and socket has one half fixed to equipment.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors
Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes
Public IEEE-oriented preview of connector forms.
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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