# Cable transition joint

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

## Symbol convention

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

A joint connecting two different cable types, such as paper-insulated to polymeric or land cable to submarine cable.

## In plain English

### What does Cable transition joint mean?

A transition joint joins cables of different construction, for example a legacy paper-insulated lead-sheathed cable to a modern XLPE cable, or a submarine cable to a land cable at a landfall. The drawing distinguishes it from an ordinary joint because the two sides have different ratings, impedances and maintenance requirements.

### A simple example

The symbol does not tell you the rating of each side. The circuit rating is set by the weaker section, so readers should check the cable data on both sides of the transition. Screen and sheath bonding at transitions often changes arrangement and should be read from the bonding diagram.

### What the drawings help you do

Compare cable types and ratings on both sides of the transition. Check bonding changes at the transition. A transition joint joins dissimilar cables; a straight-through joint joins two lengths of the same type.

### This particular reference

A joint connecting two different cable types, such as paper-insulated to polymeric or land cable to submarine cable. A transition joint joins dissimilar cables; a straight-through joint joins two lengths of the same type.

### 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

A transition joint joins cables of different construction, for example a legacy paper-insulated lead-sheathed cable to a modern XLPE cable, or a submarine cable to a land cable at a landfall. The drawing distinguishes it from an ordinary joint because the two sides have different ratings, impedances and maintenance requirements.
The symbol does not tell you the rating of each side. The circuit rating is set by the weaker section, so readers should check the cable data on both sides of the transition. Screen and sheath bonding at transitions often changes arrangement and should be read from the bonding diagram.

## How to read it

- Compare cable types and ratings on both sides of the transition.
- Check bonding changes at the transition.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify both cable types at the joint.
- Rate the circuit on the weaker section.
- Show screen and sheath bonding at the transition.

## Important distinction

A transition joint joins dissimilar cables; a straight-through joint joins two lengths of the same type.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Joint mark with differing line styles either side
- Typical use: Legacy cable replacements and submarine landfalls
- 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 and transitions.
- [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.