# Bolted connecting link, closed

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/bolted-link-closed
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A bolted bar link providing a removable connection, shown closed, that can only be opened with tools and no load.

## In plain English

### What does Bolted connecting link, closed mean?

A bolted connecting link is a short removable bar between two conductors. It appears in switchboards to separate sections for testing or maintenance, as the generator neutral link, and in CT and VT circuits for isolation. The closed form shows the normal service state.

### A simple example

Unlike a disconnector, a link has no operating mechanism or rated breaking or making capacity. It must only be removed with the circuit dead. The symbol does not show the bolt torque or contact rating, which should match the conductor it bridges.

### What the drawings help you do

Treat the link as a dead-only isolation point. Check its rating matches the bridged conductor. A bolted link is opened only when dead and with tools; a disconnector has an operating mechanism and defined isolating rating.

### This particular reference

A bolted bar link providing a removable connection, shown closed, that can only be opened with tools and no load. A bolted link is opened only when dead and with tools; a disconnector has an operating mechanism and defined isolating rating.

### 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.

- [IEC-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm)
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)


## What it represents

A bolted connecting link is a short removable bar between two conductors. It appears in switchboards to separate sections for testing or maintenance, as the generator neutral link, and in CT and VT circuits for isolation. The closed form shows the normal service state.
Unlike a disconnector, a link has no operating mechanism or rated breaking or making capacity. It must only be removed with the circuit dead. The symbol does not show the bolt torque or contact rating, which should match the conductor it bridges.

## How to read it

- Treat the link as a dead-only isolation point.
- Check its rating matches the bridged conductor.

## Information to show or reference

- Tag the link and show its normal state.
- State current rating.
- Reference the procedure for removing it.

## Important distinction

A bolted link is opened only when dead and with tools; a disconnector has an operating mechanism and defined isolating rating.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Short bar bridging two terminal points
- Operation: Tools required; no load
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [IEC-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm) — Autodesk. Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/) — IEEE Standards Association. Standards context for link and connection graphics.

## 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.