ES
Earthing switch
A switch used to connect an identified circuit section to earth.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · PE
Protective earth
An identified connection serving the protective earthing function.
SLD / Schematic · PE
What it represents
Protective-earth identification indicates a connection serving the protective earthing function. It should be distinguished from functional earthing, signal references and other grounding conventions. The drawing context and applicable documentation establish the meaning of each connection.
A protective-earth mark does not specify conductor size, bonding arrangement or installation compliance. Those requirements are documented in the electrical design, equipment information and applicable installation rules. Equipment-marking symbols and diagram symbols can belong to different standards.
How to read it
- Read the connection label and its intended function.
- Keep diagram references distinct from markings physically applied to equipment.
Information to show or reference
- Identify the protective connection.
- Reference bonding and conductor information separately.
- Avoid ambiguous earth or signal-reference labels.
A distinction that matters
Protective earth, functional earth and a signal common are different functions even when a drawing uses visually related marks.
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
Official diagram-symbol reference and related symbol standards.
IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Public electrical drawing-category reference.
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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