# ANSI/IEEE thermometer symbol

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

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Autodesk IEEE-oriented Instrumentation and Sensors form: Thermometer
Autodesk publishes this block under its IEEE Symbol Preview. The counterpart is the matching functional concept in the library; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Related representation: [Temperature indicator](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/temperature-indicator)

IEEE-library thermometer instrument form for a local or panel temperature reading taken from a sensor input.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI/IEEE thermometer mean?

The thermometer form is an indicating instrument circle whose input is a temperature sensor rather than a power circuit. On control schematics it sits at the end of a thermocouple, RTD or transmitter loop, so the important connections are the sensor wiring and any compensation or lead-resistance arrangement.

### A simple example

The symbol identifies indication only. Alarm and trip set points belong to separate switch or relay contacts, and the measuring range, sensor type and accuracy class must be read from the instrument schedule because the circle carries none of that information.

### What the drawings help you do

Follow the input back to the sensor and note its type (thermocouple, RTD or transmitter). Look for separate contacts if the instrument also gives alarms. A thermometer indicates temperature; a temperature switch changes contact state at a set point and may have no display at all.

### This particular reference

IEEE-library thermometer instrument form for a local or panel temperature reading taken from a sensor input. A thermometer indicates temperature; a temperature switch changes contact state at a set point and may have no display at all.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Coil: A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- 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 — Instrumentation and Sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-F44D5059-4728-40BD-B9BA-0DE7CFDFAACF.htm)
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)


## What it represents

The thermometer form is an indicating instrument circle whose input is a temperature sensor rather than a power circuit. On control schematics it sits at the end of a thermocouple, RTD or transmitter loop, so the important connections are the sensor wiring and any compensation or lead-resistance arrangement.
The symbol identifies indication only. Alarm and trip set points belong to separate switch or relay contacts, and the measuring range, sensor type and accuracy class must be read from the instrument schedule because the circle carries none of that information.

## How to read it

- Follow the input back to the sensor and note its type (thermocouple, RTD or transmitter).
- Look for separate contacts if the instrument also gives alarms.

## Information to show or reference

- Name the sensor and its location
- State the range and units
- Reference any alarm or trip contacts

## Important distinction

A thermometer indicates temperature; a temperature switch changes contact state at a set point and may have no display at all.

## Facts

- Convention evidence: Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview, Instrumentation and Sensors
- Public vendor block name: HIN1THM / VIN1THM (Autodesk identifier; not an IEEE symbol number)
- Typical inputs: Thermocouple, RTD or 4-20 mA transmitter
- Artwork scope: Original functional illustration; exact standard glyph and compliance are not certified

## Public references

- [Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Instrumentation and Sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-F44D5059-4728-40BD-B9BA-0DE7CFDFAACF.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEEE-oriented Instrumentation and Sensors preview listing the Thermometer block and its vendor identifier.
- [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.