# ANSI/IEEE cable pothead symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-cable-pothead
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: PH
Drawing use: SLD
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Pothead termination form
Independent illustration in IEEE drafting context; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.

IEEE-oriented pothead symbol marking a sealed cable termination where an insulated cable meets an overhead line or bus.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI/IEEE cable pothead mean?

Pothead is the traditional North American term for a sealed cable termination, especially at riser poles and outdoor substations. IEEE-style single-line diagrams show it where a cable rises to connect to an overhead line or open bus, often with a lightning arrester beside it.

### A simple example

This illustration is an independent explanation of the convention and is not the IEEE graphic. Modern terminations may be porcelain, polymer or slip-on types, all of which may be called potheads on older drawings. Rating and creepage distance belong in the equipment data.

### What the drawings help you do

Look for an arrester at riser pole potheads. Treat older pothead labels as any sealed termination type. A pothead is a fixed sealed termination; a separable connector can be unplugged.

### This particular reference

IEEE-oriented pothead symbol marking a sealed cable termination where an insulated cable meets an overhead line or bus. A pothead is a fixed sealed termination; a separable connector can be unplugged.

### Terms

- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

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.

- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)
- [Elastimold underground cable accessories](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/cable-accessories-connectors/underground/elastimold/underground)


## What it represents

Pothead is the traditional North American term for a sealed cable termination, especially at riser poles and outdoor substations. IEEE-style single-line diagrams show it where a cable rises to connect to an overhead line or open bus, often with a lightning arrester beside it.
This illustration is an independent explanation of the convention and is not the IEEE graphic. Modern terminations may be porcelain, polymer or slip-on types, all of which may be called potheads on older drawings. Rating and creepage distance belong in the equipment data.

## How to read it

- Look for an arrester at riser pole potheads.
- Treat older pothead labels as any sealed termination type.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify termination type and rating.
- Show associated arresters.
- Mark phase identification at the pothead.

## Important distinction

A pothead is a fixed sealed termination; a separable connector can be unplugged.

## Facts

- Convention evidence: IEEE 315 graphic conventions for cable terminations (standards context only)
- Terminology: Pothead is the traditional North American term for a sealing end
- Standards context: IEEE/ANSI 315-1975 covers diagram graphics; IEEE lists this edition as Inactive-Reserved.
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [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.
- [Elastimold underground cable accessories](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/cable-accessories-connectors/underground/elastimold/underground) — ABB. Manufacturer context for cable terminations.

## 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.