# ANSI duplex receptacle outlet plan symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-duplex-receptacle-outlet
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: DR
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Duplex receptacle plan symbol
US architectural electrical plan practice in the ANSI Y32.9 lineage, read alongside IEEE 315 context; independently drawn, not a certified IEEE or ANSI graphic.
Related representation: [Duplex power receptacle](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-duplex-power-receptacle)

US-style plan symbol for the standard duplex receptacle: a wall-mounted circle crossed by two parallel lines.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI duplex receptacle outlet plan mean?

The duplex receptacle is the default convenience outlet in US buildings and is drawn as a circle against the wall with two parallel lines through it. Because it is the most common device on a power plan, legends then modify it with letters for special types rather than inventing new shapes.

### A simple example

Designers use the symbol to show spacing along walls, counter receptacles and circuit groupings. Circuit numbers are written beside the symbol with home-run arrows back to the panel, and mounting heights other than standard are noted with a subscript.

### What the drawings help you do

The symbol does not show whether one half is switch-controlled, whether the receptacle is GFCI or AFCI protected, or its NEMA configuration. Those are added by letters or notes.

### This particular reference

US-style plan symbol for the standard duplex receptacle: a wall-mounted circle crossed by two parallel lines. The IEC duplex receptacle form shows two outlet shapes; the US plan form uses one circle with two lines.

### Terms

- 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/)
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Single and duplex power-receptacle forms](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7DAEDB03-74FC-47A2-9C50-9164297AA5A3.htm)


## What it represents

The duplex receptacle is the default convenience outlet in US buildings and is drawn as a circle against the wall with two parallel lines through it. Because it is the most common device on a power plan, legends then modify it with letters for special types rather than inventing new shapes.
Designers use the symbol to show spacing along walls, counter receptacles and circuit groupings. Circuit numbers are written beside the symbol with home-run arrows back to the panel, and mounting heights other than standard are noted with a subscript.
The symbol does not show whether one half is switch-controlled, whether the receptacle is GFCI or AFCI protected, or its NEMA configuration. Those are added by letters or notes.

## How to read it

- Two lines through the circle mean duplex; one line means single.
- Follow the home-run arrow and circuit number to the panel schedule.

## Information to show or reference

- Tag panel and circuit.
- Note any split-wired or switched half.
- Add GFCI, WP or USB qualifiers where required.

## Important distinction

The IEC duplex receptacle form shows two outlet shapes; the US plan form uses one circle with two lines.

## Facts

- Graphic form: Circle with two parallel through-lines
- Typical rating: 15 A or 20 A, 125 V convenience outlet
- Artwork scope: Original educational illustration; the exact ANSI or IEEE graphic and compliance are not certified

## 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.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Single and duplex power-receptacle forms](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7DAEDB03-74FC-47A2-9C50-9164297AA5A3.htm) — Autodesk. Public receptacle family in an IEC-oriented CAD library, useful for comparing schematic receptacle forms with plan marks.

## 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.