Symbols · M

Three-phase motor

An electrical motor load connected to its switching and protective equipment.

SLD / Schematic · MThree-phase motor: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

A motor representation identifies an electrical machine operating as a load in the stated system arrangement. Connection count, motor type and additional winding or rotor detail can change the representation. Its nameplate and equipment schedule provide the selected machine data.

The SLD places the motor and its feeder equipment. A schematic shows the controller, coil supply, protection interfaces and auxiliary functions. A simple circle and motor label do not establish a complete motor-starting or protective arrangement.

How to read it

  • Follow the feeder back to its switching and protective devices.
  • Read the documented motor connection and starting arrangement.

Information to show or reference

  • Reference motor rating and connection data.
  • Identify the starter or control arrangement.
  • Cross-reference auxiliary and protection circuits.

A distinction that matters

A contactor switches the motor circuit. Motor protection and short-circuit interruption may be provided by additional specified equipment.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

Three-phase motor symbol variants

Public three-phase motor variants.

Autodesk · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

Elementary switching devices

Manufacturer description of contactor and protective roles.

Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

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.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 13 October 2026

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