# Conductor branching from a group

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/conductor-branch-from-group
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: W
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

One conductor drawn leaving a single-line conductor group at an angle, showing where it splits from the bundle.

## In plain English

### What does Conductor branching from a group mean?

When conductors are drawn as a single line or bundle, a breakout shows the point where one conductor leaves the group to go elsewhere. The leaving conductor is normally drawn at an angle or with a short curve and carries its own identifier, so that the group line beyond the breakout has one less conductor.

### A simple example

The breakout is a drawing convention, not a physical joint. No splice or terminal exists at the point unless a separate symbol is placed there. Readers should track the conductor count on each side of the breakout and confirm the identifiers match on both.

### What the drawings help you do

Track conductor count either side of the breakout. Do not read the breakout as a splice. A breakout is a drawing convention for a conductor leaving a bundle; a wire splice is a physical joint.

### This particular reference

One conductor drawn leaving a single-line conductor group at an angle, showing where it splits from the bundle. A breakout is a drawing convention for a conductor leaving a bundle; a wire splice is a physical joint.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

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.

- [Wire connection dots, crossing gaps and loops](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-936BB8A9-9C01-4AC6-B833-CB97700A7203.htm)
- [IEC-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm)


## What it represents

When conductors are drawn as a single line or bundle, a breakout shows the point where one conductor leaves the group to go elsewhere. The leaving conductor is normally drawn at an angle or with a short curve and carries its own identifier, so that the group line beyond the breakout has one less conductor.
The breakout is a drawing convention, not a physical joint. No splice or terminal exists at the point unless a separate symbol is placed there. Readers should track the conductor count on each side of the breakout and confirm the identifiers match on both.

## How to read it

- Track conductor count either side of the breakout.
- Do not read the breakout as a splice.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the conductor that leaves the group.
- Update the count on the remaining group line.
- Add a splice symbol only where a physical joint exists.

## Important distinction

A breakout is a drawing convention for a conductor leaving a bundle; a wire splice is a physical joint.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Angled conductor leaving a thicker group line
- Physical meaning: None; drawing convention only
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Wire connection dots, crossing gaps and loops](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-936BB8A9-9C01-4AC6-B833-CB97700A7203.htm) — Autodesk. Public guidance on wire connection display in drawings.
- [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.

## 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.