# Cable straight-through joint

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-cable-straight-through-joint
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: J
Drawing use: SLD, GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Straight-through cable joint
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

A joint connecting two lengths of the same cable in line, drawn as a mark on the cable route.

## In plain English

### What does Cable straight-through joint mean?

The straight-through joint connects two cable lengths end to end, restoring insulation, screen and sheath continuity. It is shown on cable route drawings and network diagrams at joint bay positions, because joints are the most common failure points on long underground circuits and their locations are needed for fault finding.

### A simple example

The symbol does not show whether screens are cross-bonded at the joint, which is common on high voltage single-core circuits. Cross-bonding links and sheath voltage limiters are separate items on the bonding diagram. It also does not distinguish a joint made between identical cables from one between different types, which is a transition joint.

### What the drawings help you do

Note joint locations for fault-location records. Check for screen cross-bonding at the joint. A straight-through joint links two lengths of the same cable; a branch joint takes off a second cable.

### This particular reference

A joint connecting two lengths of the same cable in line, drawn as a mark on the cable route. A straight-through joint links two lengths of the same cable; a branch joint takes off a second cable.

### Terms

- 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.

- [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

The straight-through joint connects two cable lengths end to end, restoring insulation, screen and sheath continuity. It is shown on cable route drawings and network diagrams at joint bay positions, because joints are the most common failure points on long underground circuits and their locations are needed for fault finding.
The symbol does not show whether screens are cross-bonded at the joint, which is common on high voltage single-core circuits. Cross-bonding links and sheath voltage limiters are separate items on the bonding diagram. It also does not distinguish a joint made between identical cables from one between different types, which is a transition joint.

## How to read it

- Note joint locations for fault-location records.
- Check for screen cross-bonding at the joint.

## Information to show or reference

- Show each joint at its route chainage.
- Identify joint type and kit.
- Reference the screen bonding diagram.

## Important distinction

A straight-through joint links two lengths of the same cable; a branch joint takes off a second cable.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Bulge or box mark on the cable line
- Field relevance: Joint bays are key fault-location points
- 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 underground cable joints.
- [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.