# Directional measuring element qualifier

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/directional-measuring-element-qualifier
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: →
Drawing use: Schematic, SLD
Reference families: IEC

Arrow qualifier on a measuring relay showing that it operates only for power or current in the marked direction.

## In plain English

### What does Directional measuring element qualifier mean?

A directional additional drawing mark is an arrow added to a measuring relay symbol, showing that the element responds only when the measured quantity flows in the indicated direction. On single-line diagrams the arrow usually points away from or towards the busbar, which tells the reader which faults the element is meant to see.

### A simple example

The arrow depends on correct CT and VT polarity to mean anything in practice. The symbol does not show the characteristic angle or the polarising quantity, so the drawing direction must be confirmed against the relay settings and commissioning tests.

### What the drawings help you do

Note whether the arrow points towards or away from the busbar. Check CT and VT polarity supports the shown direction. A directional additional drawing mark restricts operation to one direction; a non-directional element operates for either direction.

### This particular reference

Arrow additional drawing mark on a measuring relay showing that it operates only for power or current in the marked direction. A directional additional drawing mark restricts operation to one direction; a non-directional element operates for either direction.

### Terms

- Coil: A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- 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.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Energy-flow qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-2039C5DD-1C01-4D77-AD97-584052C53D75.htm)


## What it represents

A directional qualifier is an arrow added to a measuring relay symbol, showing that the element responds only when the measured quantity flows in the indicated direction. On single-line diagrams the arrow usually points away from or towards the busbar, which tells the reader which faults the element is meant to see.
The arrow depends on correct CT and VT polarity to mean anything in practice. The symbol does not show the characteristic angle or the polarising quantity, so the drawing direction must be confirmed against the relay settings and commissioning tests.

## How to read it

- Note whether the arrow points towards or away from the busbar.
- Check CT and VT polarity supports the shown direction.

## Information to show or reference

- Show arrow relative to the busbar
- State characteristic angle
- Reference polarity checks

## Important distinction

A directional qualifier restricts operation to one direction; a non-directional element operates for either direction.

## Facts

- Meaning: Operation in the arrow direction only
- Depends on: CT and VT polarity
- Preview: Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Energy-flow qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-2039C5DD-1C01-4D77-AD97-584052C53D75.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-context energy-flow qualifier family showing direction arrows.

## 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.