# ANSI special-purpose outlet plan symbol

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

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Special-purpose outlet
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.

US plan symbol for a special-purpose outlet or connection serving a specific appliance, keyed to a schedule.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI special-purpose outlet plan mean?

Special-purpose outlets are drawn as a circle or triangle with a letter or number keyed to a schedule rather than with receptacle lines. They mark connections for ranges, dryers, water heaters, equipment and other loads with unusual voltage, current or configuration.

### A simple example

The key tells the reader to look up the schedule for voltage, phase, NEMA configuration or hard-wired connection. Without the schedule the symbol is incomplete, which is why it is usually paired with a detailed equipment connection table. The form does not say whether the connection is a receptacle or a hard-wired junction box. The schedule decides.

### What the drawings help you do

Always read the key letter against the schedule. Check voltage and phase, which often differ from convenience outlets. A duplex receptacle is a general convenience outlet; a special-purpose outlet is keyed to one appliance.

### This particular reference

US plan symbol for a special-purpose outlet or connection serving a specific appliance, keyed to a schedule. A duplex receptacle is a general convenience outlet; a special-purpose outlet is keyed to one appliance.

### Terms

- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- 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/)
- [Electrical installation design methodology and references](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design)


## What it represents

Special-purpose outlets are drawn as a circle or triangle with a letter or number keyed to a schedule rather than with receptacle lines. They mark connections for ranges, dryers, water heaters, equipment and other loads with unusual voltage, current or configuration.
The key tells the reader to look up the schedule for voltage, phase, NEMA configuration or hard-wired connection. Without the schedule the symbol is incomplete, which is why it is usually paired with a detailed equipment connection table. The form does not say whether the connection is a receptacle or a hard-wired junction box. The schedule decides.

## How to read it

- Always read the key letter against the schedule.
- Check voltage and phase, which often differ from convenience outlets.

## Information to show or reference

- Key the symbol to the equipment connection schedule.
- State hard-wired or receptacle connection.
- Tag panel and circuit.

## Important distinction

A duplex receptacle is a general convenience outlet; a special-purpose outlet is keyed to one appliance.

## Facts

- Graphic form: Circle on the wall with a key letter
- Required companion: Equipment connection schedule
- 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.
- [Electrical installation design methodology and references](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design) — Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide. Installation design methodology context: circuits, outlets and final distribution are planned before symbols are placed.

## 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.