# ANSI/IEEE active power indicator symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-active-power-indicator
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: W
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI, Manufacturer

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Autodesk IEEE-oriented Instrumentation and Sensors form: Active Power Indicator
Autodesk publishes this block under its IEEE Symbol Preview. The counterpart is the matching functional concept in the library; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Related representation: [Active-power indicator](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/active-power-indicator)

IEEE-library wattmeter form for indicating active power from combined current and voltage inputs.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI/IEEE active power indicator mean?

The active power indicator, usually labelled W or kW, needs both current and voltage inputs. On a single-line diagram it is drawn off the CT and VT secondaries of a feeder or generator, and on a schematic its current coils sit in series with the CT circuit while its voltage elements are connected across the VT secondary.

### A simple example

Whether the instrument measures one phase, three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire power is not visible from the circle. Element count, direction convention for import and export, and the CT and VT ratios used for scaling all need to be read from the meter data and connection diagram.

### What the drawings help you do

Trace both the CT and VT connections to the meter. Check the number of measuring elements against the system wiring. An active power indicator shows instantaneous watts; a recording wattmeter keeps a time record and a kWh meter integrates energy.

### This particular reference

IEEE-library wattmeter form for indicating active power from combined current and voltage inputs. An active power indicator shows instantaneous watts; a recording wattmeter keeps a time record and a kWh meter integrates energy.

### Terms

- Coil: A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Instrumentation and Sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-F44D5059-4728-40BD-B9BA-0DE7CFDFAACF.htm)
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)


## What it represents

The active power indicator, usually labelled W or kW, needs both current and voltage inputs. On a single-line diagram it is drawn off the CT and VT secondaries of a feeder or generator, and on a schematic its current coils sit in series with the CT circuit while its voltage elements are connected across the VT secondary.
Whether the instrument measures one phase, three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire power is not visible from the circle. Element count, direction convention for import and export, and the CT and VT ratios used for scaling all need to be read from the meter data and connection diagram.

## How to read it

- Trace both the CT and VT connections to the meter.
- Check the number of measuring elements against the system wiring.

## Information to show or reference

- Show CT and VT ratios
- State element configuration
- Define positive power direction

## Important distinction

An active power indicator shows instantaneous watts; a recording wattmeter keeps a time record and a kWh meter integrates energy.

## Facts

- Convention evidence: Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview, Instrumentation and Sensors
- Public vendor block name: HIN1P19 / VIN1P19 (Autodesk identifier; not an IEEE symbol number)
- Inputs: Current and voltage from the same measuring point
- Artwork scope: Original functional illustration; exact standard glyph and compliance are not certified

## Public references

- [Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Instrumentation and Sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-F44D5059-4728-40BD-B9BA-0DE7CFDFAACF.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEEE-oriented Instrumentation and Sensors preview listing the Active Power Indicator block and its vendor identifier.
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/) — IEEE Standards Association. Graphic-symbol standards context and official status; not a source of reproduced artwork.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.