G 3PH SYNC
Three-phase synchronous generator
A three-phase synchronous generator supplies a documented AC source associated with its mechanical prime mover and excitation system.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · G 1~
Single-phase synchronous generator
A synchronous alternator delivering a single-phase output, common on small portable and standby generating sets.
In plain English
What does Single-phase synchronous generator mean?
This symbol identifies a synchronous generator with a single-phase output, usually two terminals or a split winding giving 120/240 V. Small standby and portable sets, and some hybrid off-grid systems, use this type because their loads are single-phase.
A simple example
The generator circle carries G with a single-phase AC mark. Where a centre-tapped or split winding is used, two output leads plus a neutral are drawn, and a bonding link between neutral and earth may be shown at the set or at the main switchboard.
What the drawings help you do
The symbol does not tell you the voltage regulation method, whether the winding is reconnectable or where the neutral is bonded. Those are critical for safe earthing, so they need explicit notes on the drawing.
This particular reference
A synchronous alternator delivering a single-phase output, common on small portable and standby generating sets. A single-phase generator has one output phase; a three-phase synchronous generator has three phase outputs and often a star neutral.
- AC
- Alternating current: electricity whose direction changes periodically.
- Winding
- A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- Phase
- One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
Read the source: Generator symbol variants · IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
SLD / Schematic · G 1~
What it represents
This symbol identifies a synchronous generator with a single-phase output, usually two terminals or a split winding giving 120/240 V. Small standby and portable sets, and some hybrid off-grid systems, use this type because their loads are single-phase.
The generator circle carries G with a single-phase AC mark. Where a centre-tapped or split winding is used, two output leads plus a neutral are drawn, and a bonding link between neutral and earth may be shown at the set or at the main switchboard.
The symbol does not tell you the voltage regulation method, whether the winding is reconnectable or where the neutral is bonded. Those are critical for safe earthing, so they need explicit notes on the drawing.
How to read it
- Count output conductors to tell a plain two-wire output from a split-phase winding.
- Locate the neutral-earth bond; it should exist in one place only.
Information to show or reference
- State voltage, frequency and kVA.
- Show neutral bonding location.
- Reference the transfer arrangement to the installation.
A distinction that matters
A single-phase generator has one output phase; a three-phase synchronous generator has three phase outputs and often a star neutral.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Generator symbol variants
Public generator symbol family context.
IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC graphical symbol context for AC qualifiers; no reproduced artwork.
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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