# ANSI/IEEE multi-conductor cable symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-multi-conductor-cable
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: W
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Multi-conductor cable grouping
Independent illustration in IEEE drafting context; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.

IEEE-oriented outline or bracket grouping several conductors to show they belong to one multi-conductor cable.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI/IEEE multi-conductor cable mean?

US-practice schematics group conductors of one cable with an enclosing outline, a bracket or an oval drawn across the conductor lines, usually with the cable number beside it. It lets the reader see which wires travel together between enclosures.

### A simple example

This illustration explains the convention rather than reproducing the IEEE graphic. The grouping implies no shield. Cable conductor count, gauge and insulation rating come from the cable schedule, and spare conductors are often not drawn.

### What the drawings help you do

Read the cable number next to the grouping. Expect undrawn spare conductors. A cable grouping shows shared jacket only; a shielded cable form adds a conductive shield.

### This particular reference

IEEE-oriented outline or bracket grouping several conductors to show they belong to one multi-conductor cable. A cable grouping shows shared jacket only; a shielded cable form adds a conductive shield.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.

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: Cable identification and twisted-pair annotation](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-37A08C35-43A3-484D-B0EB-0BBCBC4BE709.htm)


## What it represents

US-practice schematics group conductors of one cable with an enclosing outline, a bracket or an oval drawn across the conductor lines, usually with the cable number beside it. It lets the reader see which wires travel together between enclosures.
This illustration explains the convention rather than reproducing the IEEE graphic. The grouping implies no shield. Cable conductor count, gauge and insulation rating come from the cable schedule, and spare conductors are often not drawn.

## How to read it

- Read the cable number next to the grouping.
- Expect undrawn spare conductors.

## Information to show or reference

- Tag every grouping with the cable number.
- Use the same tag across sheets.
- Record gauge and spares in the schedule.

## Important distinction

A cable grouping shows shared jacket only; a shielded cable form adds a conductive shield.

## Facts

- Convention evidence: IEEE 315 graphic conventions for multiple-conductor cable (standards context only)
- 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.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Cable identification and twisted-pair annotation](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-37A08C35-43A3-484D-B0EB-0BBCBC4BE709.htm) — Autodesk. Public publisher family for cable markers in the companion IEC library.

## 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.