Understand the difference.

Compare the meaning, drawing context and source references of two entries. A similar graphic or shared abbreviation does not establish equivalence.

TEL

IEC

Telephone set symbol

The telephone set symbol shows the instrument itself, usually as a stylised handset over a base or a circle with a handset. It appears on communication system diagrams, lift and emergency phone schematics and on plans where a fixed phone is supplied.

Drawing use

GA / Schematic

Application

Installation & communications

Reference family

IEC

Form evidence

Telephone set. IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

A distinction that matters

A telephone outlet is the termination; the telephone set symbol is the instrument.

Full referenceAdd to legend

TO

IEC

Telephone outlet plan symbol

Telephone outlets are drawn as a triangle or outlet shape tagged T or TP. In modern buildings, voice is usually carried on structured cabling, so the telephone outlet may simply be a data outlet assigned to voice, but legends still keep a separate mark for analogue lines, lift phones and alarm diallers.

Drawing use

GA

Application

Installation & communications

Reference family

IEC

Form evidence

Telecommunication outlet, telephone. IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

A distinction that matters

A telephone set symbol represents the handset itself; the outlet is the wall termination.

Full referenceAdd to legend

Original educational previews. Follow the source references on each full entry for the appropriate standard or selected product.