# Flexible conductor Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/flexible-conductor Publisher: Elora Grid Updated: 2026-10-28 Lookup label: W Drawing use: Schematic, SLD Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI A wavy conductor line showing a connection that must flex, such as a lead to moving equipment or a vibration break. ## In plain English ### What does Flexible conductor mean? The flexible conductor mark replaces a straight run of conductor with a wave or loop to show that the connection is intended to bend in service. Typical uses are leads to hinged doors, pendant control stations, crane festoons, motor terminal boxes on resilient mounts and short links that absorb thermal movement between busbars and equipment. ### A simple example On a schematic the wave says nothing about the cable construction. Stranding class, insulation type, bending radius and the number of operating cycles must come from the cable schedule or equipment specification. A drafter should not use the wave simply to make a long wire look tidy, because a reader will assume a moving or vibrating part exists at that point. ### What the drawings help you do Look for the moving or vibrating item at one end of the wavy section. Check the cable schedule for a flexible stranding class and any drag-chain or festoon rating. A flexible conductor bends in service; a twisted-pair mark shows conductors twisted together for noise rejection and implies nothing about movement. ### This particular reference A wavy conductor line showing a connection that must flex, such as a lead to moving equipment or a vibration break. A flexible conductor bends in service; a twisted-pair mark shows conductors twisted together for noise rejection and implies nothing about movement. ### 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. - [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 The flexible conductor mark replaces a straight run of conductor with a wave or loop to show that the connection is intended to bend in service. Typical uses are leads to hinged doors, pendant control stations, crane festoons, motor terminal boxes on resilient mounts and short links that absorb thermal movement between busbars and equipment. On a schematic the wave says nothing about the cable construction. Stranding class, insulation type, bending radius and the number of operating cycles must come from the cable schedule or equipment specification. A drafter should not use the wave simply to make a long wire look tidy, because a reader will assume a moving or vibrating part exists at that point. ## How to read it - Look for the moving or vibrating item at one end of the wavy section. - Check the cable schedule for a flexible stranding class and any drag-chain or festoon rating. ## Information to show or reference - Identify the moving part the flexible section serves. - Reference a cable type suited to repeated flexing. - Show strain relief or termination details where the lead leaves the moving part. ## Important distinction A flexible conductor bends in service; a twisted-pair mark shows conductors twisted together for noise rejection and implies nothing about movement. ## Facts - Graphic cue: Wave or loop drawn in an otherwise straight conductor - Typical use: Door leads, festoons, motor terminal links and thermal expansion links - 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 IEC-60617 symbol preview directory used to locate conductor and connection families. - [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/) — IEEE Standards Association. Graphic-symbol standards context for conductor forms; not a source of reproduced artwork. ## 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.