# ANSI/IEEE twisted pair symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-twisted-pair
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: TW
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Twisted pair crossing form
Independent illustration in IEEE drafting context; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Related representation: [Twisted-pair indication](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-twisted-pair-indication)

IEEE-oriented representation of two conductors twisted together, used to identify noise-rejecting signal pairs.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI/IEEE twisted pair mean?

IEEE-style schematics show a twisted pair with the two conductor lines crossing repeatedly over a short length. It identifies conductors that must be kept as a pair in one cable, such as differential signal lines, current transformer secondary pairs run in instrument cables, or communication buses.

### A simple example

The illustration here explains the convention and is not the IEEE graphic. The twist mark does not imply a shield. When a pair is also shielded the drawing should add the shield enclosure; when it is part of a multipair cable, the pair number should be given.

### What the drawings help you do

Keep both conductors of the pair on the same circuit. Look for a separate shield mark if a shield exists. A twisted pair is twisted only; a shielded conductor has a screen and may not be twisted.

### This particular reference

IEEE-oriented representation of two conductors twisted together, used to identify noise-rejecting signal pairs. A twisted pair is twisted only; a shielded conductor has a screen and may not be twisted.

### Terms

- Winding: A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- 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

IEEE-style schematics show a twisted pair with the two conductor lines crossing repeatedly over a short length. It identifies conductors that must be kept as a pair in one cable, such as differential signal lines, current transformer secondary pairs run in instrument cables, or communication buses.
The illustration here explains the convention and is not the IEEE graphic. The twist mark does not imply a shield. When a pair is also shielded the drawing should add the shield enclosure; when it is part of a multipair cable, the pair number should be given.

## How to read it

- Keep both conductors of the pair on the same circuit.
- Look for a separate shield mark if a shield exists.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify pair number within the cable.
- Add a shield mark only if shielded.
- Route pair conductors together on wiring diagrams.

## Important distinction

A twisted pair is twisted only; a shielded conductor has a screen and may not be twisted.

## Facts

- Convention evidence: IEEE 315 graphic conventions for twisted conductors (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 listing a twisted-pair marker 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.