# Direct neutral earthing connection

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/direct-neutral-earthing-connection
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: -
Drawing use: SLD
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A transformer or generator star point connected straight to earth with no intentional impedance, as in a solidly earthed system.

## In plain English

### What does Direct neutral earthing connection mean?

This representation shows a star point connected directly to an earth symbol. It marks a solidly earthed system, which gives high earth fault current and allows ordinary overcurrent devices to clear earth faults quickly. It is standard on most low voltage distribution systems and common on transmission networks.

### A simple example

The symbol does not tell you whether there are several earthing points on the network or the earth electrode arrangement. It also excludes resistance, reactance and resonant earthing, which are shown with impedance symbols between the star point and earth. Earth fault protection settings depend heavily on this choice.

### What the drawings help you do

Confirm there is no earthing impedance between star point and earth. Check earth fault protection is suited to high fault current. A direct neutral earthing connection has no impedance; resistance earthing inserts a resistor to limit fault current.

### This particular reference

A transformer or generator star point connected straight to earth with no intentional impedance, as in a solidly earthed system. A direct neutral earthing connection has no impedance; resistance earthing inserts a resistor to limit fault current.

### Terms

- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- 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.

- [Definition of standardised earthing schemes](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Definition_of_standardised_earthing_schemes)
- [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 representation shows a star point connected directly to an earth symbol. It marks a solidly earthed system, which gives high earth fault current and allows ordinary overcurrent devices to clear earth faults quickly. It is standard on most low voltage distribution systems and common on transmission networks.
The symbol does not tell you whether there are several earthing points on the network or the earth electrode arrangement. It also excludes resistance, reactance and resonant earthing, which are shown with impedance symbols between the star point and earth. Earth fault protection settings depend heavily on this choice.

## How to read it

- Confirm there is no earthing impedance between star point and earth.
- Check earth fault protection is suited to high fault current.

## Information to show or reference

- Show the star point and earth connection.
- State the earthing conductor size.
- Record the earthing arrangement in the system notes.

## Important distinction

A direct neutral earthing connection has no impedance; resistance earthing inserts a resistor to limit fault current.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Star point line ending directly in an earth symbol
- Fault current: High; limited mainly by source and return impedance
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Definition of standardised earthing schemes](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Definition_of_standardised_earthing_schemes) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public installation-guide definitions of system earthing arrangements.
- [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 earth forms.

## 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.