# ANSI/IEEE surge arrester symbol

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

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Autodesk IEEE-oriented surge diverter form
Autodesk publishes this block under IEEE Symbol Preview: Miscellaneous. The counterpart is the matching functional concept; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Related representation: [Surge arrester](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/surge-arrester)

IEEE-oriented surge arrester symbol connected between a line and ground to limit transient overvoltage.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI/IEEE surge arrester mean?

Single-line diagrams in US practice show the surge arrester between a phase conductor and ground, commonly at transformer terminals, cable risers and line entrances. The publisher's IEEE miscellaneous preview lists a surge diverter or lightning arrester form, the counterpart of the existing IEC page.

### A simple example

This illustration explains the connection and is not the IEEE graphic. Arrester class, rated and continuous operating voltages and energy capability come from the equipment data. Lead length between the arrester and protected equipment matters greatly and is not visible on a single-line diagram.

### What the drawings help you do

Check arrester location relative to the protected equipment. Read voltage rating against system earthing. A surge arrester limits overvoltage; a spark gap is a simpler breakdown element with no valve resistor.

### This particular reference

IEEE-oriented surge arrester symbol connected between a line and ground to limit transient overvoltage. A surge arrester limits overvoltage; a spark gap is a simpler breakdown element with no valve resistor.

### Terms

- Winding: A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- 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 — Miscellaneous](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-34282BFD-7B8E-48F3-A6ED-93ADBDDDFBD3.htm)
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)


## What it represents

Single-line diagrams in US practice show the surge arrester between a phase conductor and ground, commonly at transformer terminals, cable risers and line entrances. The publisher's IEEE miscellaneous preview lists a surge diverter or lightning arrester form, the counterpart of the existing IEC page.
This illustration explains the connection and is not the IEEE graphic. Arrester class, rated and continuous operating voltages and energy capability come from the equipment data. Lead length between the arrester and protected equipment matters greatly and is not visible on a single-line diagram.

## How to read it

- Check arrester location relative to the protected equipment.
- Read voltage rating against system earthing.

## Information to show or reference

- State arrester class and voltage rating.
- Show the ground connection.
- Keep arrester leads short in layout.

## Important distinction

A surge arrester limits overvoltage; a spark gap is a simpler breakdown element with no valve resistor.

## Facts

- Convention evidence: Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview: Miscellaneous (Surge Diverter, Lightning Arrester)
- Public vendor block name: HFU1_S00373 (Autodesk identifier; not an IEEE symbol number)
- 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

- [Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Miscellaneous](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-34282BFD-7B8E-48F3-A6ED-93ADBDDDFBD3.htm) — Autodesk. Exact public IEEE-oriented category page listing the surge diverter form.
- [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.