# Connector with protective earth contact

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/connector-with-protective-earth-contact
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A plug and socket in which one contact is the protective earth, usually making first and breaking last.

## In plain English

### What does Connector with protective earth contact mean?

This form identifies a connector where one contact carries the protective conductor. The earth contact is normally longer so it makes before and breaks after the live contacts, keeping the connected equipment earthed whenever it could be supplied with operating power. The earth pin is drawn with a protective earth mark or PE label.

### A simple example

The symbol does not prove the first-make, last-break feature exists in the selected product, so the connector type must be checked. Where a connector carries power and signals, the earth pin also often serves as the reference for screens, which should be drawn explicitly.

### What the drawings help you do

Identify the PE contact and check it is first-make, last-break. Check that the PE pin is not used as a signal return. A connector PE contact carries the protective conductor through a separable joint; a protective earth terminal is a fixed connection point.

### This particular reference

A plug and socket in which one contact is the protective earth, usually making first and breaking last. A connector PE contact carries the protective conductor through a separable joint; a protective earth terminal is a fixed connection point.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.

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.

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm)
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm)


## What it represents

This form identifies a connector where one contact carries the protective conductor. The earth contact is normally longer so it makes before and breaks after the live contacts, keeping the connected equipment earthed whenever it could be energised. The earth pin is drawn with a protective earth mark or PE label.
The symbol does not prove the first-make, last-break feature exists in the selected product, so the connector type must be checked. Where a connector carries power and signals, the earth pin also often serves as the reference for screens, which should be drawn explicitly.

## How to read it

- Identify the PE contact and check it is first-make, last-break.
- Check that the PE pin is not used as a signal return.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the PE contact clearly.
- Specify a connector with leading earth contact.
- Keep PE continuity through both connector halves.

## Important distinction

A connector PE contact carries the protective conductor through a separable joint; a protective earth terminal is a fixed connection point.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Plug and socket pair with one contact marked PE
- Contact sequence: Earth makes first and breaks last
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented protective earth form.

## 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.