# Cable screen cross-bonding

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-cable-screen-cross-bonding
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: CB
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Cross-bonded cable screen arrangement
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

Screens of three single-core cables transposed at joints so that induced sheath voltages cancel over a major section.

## In plain English

### What does Cable screen cross-bonding mean?

On long high voltage single-core circuits, the cable screens are cut at joints and reconnected in rotation so that each screen runs alongside each phase for one third of the section. This cancels most of the induced sheath voltage and circulating current. Bonding diagrams show the screen connections crossing at each joint, with link boxes and sheath voltage limiters.

### A simple example

The symbol shows the circuit arrangement, not the link box arrangement or sheath voltage limiter rating. Errors in cross-bonding connections cause large circulating currents and overheating, so phase-to-screen allocation at each joint should be read carefully against the cable drawings.

### What the drawings help you do

Check screen rotation order at each joint. Locate link boxes and sheath voltage limiters. Cross-bonding transposes screens between phases; conductor interchange transposes the phase conductors themselves.

### This particular reference

Screens of three single-core cables transposed at joints so that induced sheath voltages cancel over a major section. Cross-bonding transposes screens between phases; conductor interchange transposes the phase conductors themselves.

### Terms

- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.

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.

- [Elastimold underground cable accessories](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/cable-accessories-connectors/underground/elastimold/underground)
- [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

On long high voltage single-core circuits, the cable screens are cut at joints and reconnected in rotation so that each screen runs alongside each phase for one third of the section. This cancels most of the induced sheath voltage and circulating current. Bonding diagrams show the screen connections crossing at each joint, with link boxes and sheath voltage limiters.
The symbol shows the topology, not the link box arrangement or sheath voltage limiter rating. Errors in cross-bonding connections cause large circulating currents and overheating, so phase-to-screen allocation at each joint should be read carefully against the cable drawings.

## How to read it

- Check screen rotation order at each joint.
- Locate link boxes and sheath voltage limiters.

## Information to show or reference

- Show screen rotation at each joint.
- Identify link boxes.
- Show solid bonding at section ends.

## Important distinction

Cross-bonding transposes screens between phases; conductor interchange transposes the phase conductors themselves.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Three screen lines crossing in rotation at joints
- Purpose: Cancel induced sheath voltage and circulating current
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Elastimold underground cable accessories](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/cable-accessories-connectors/underground/elastimold/underground) — ABB. Manufacturer context for cable joints and accessories.
- [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.