# Ceiling pull-cord switch plan mark

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-ceiling-pull-cord-switch
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: SPC
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Pull-cord switch, building installation
IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

Plan mark for a ceiling-mounted switch operated by a hanging cord, common in bathrooms and accessible toilets.

## In plain English

### What does Ceiling pull-cord switch plan mark mean?

A ceiling pull-cord switch is a one-way or two-pole switch fixed to the ceiling and operated by a cord. The plan mark adds a short line with a small arrow or cord end to the switch symbol, telling the reader that the device sits at ceiling level and is operated from below.

### A simple example

These switches are used in bathrooms where a wall switch would be in a restricted zone, and in accessible toilets where the cord forms part of an assistance call system. The plan should distinguish a light-switching pull cord from an emergency assistance pull cord, which is a different device.

### What the drawings help you do

The plan mark does not give the cord length or ceiling fixing detail. Those come from the specification and accessibility requirements.

### This particular reference

Plan mark for a ceiling-mounted switch operated by a hanging cord, common in bathrooms and accessible toilets. The schematic pull-cord switch in control circuits is a machine emergency device; this plan mark is a building lighting accessory.

### 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.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Operating-device and function qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-3598E18D-9F8A-48CE-83D0-4CEBA0AE869C.htm)


## What it represents

A ceiling pull-cord switch is a one-way or two-pole switch fixed to the ceiling and operated by a cord. The plan mark adds a short line with a small arrow or cord end to the switch symbol, telling the reader that the device sits at ceiling level and is operated from below.
These switches are used in bathrooms where a wall switch would be in a restricted zone, and in accessible toilets where the cord forms part of an assistance call system. The plan should distinguish a light-switching pull cord from an emergency assistance pull cord, which is a different device.
The plan mark does not give the cord length or ceiling fixing detail. Those come from the specification and accessibility requirements.

## How to read it

- Check whether the cord switches lights, a fan or an assistance call.
- Note that this is a building plan mark; schematic pull-cord switches in machine controls are a different device.

## Information to show or reference

- State switch rating and pole count.
- Distinguish from assistance-call pull cords.
- Give cord length or end height.

## Important distinction

The schematic pull-cord switch in control circuits is a machine emergency device; this plan mark is a building lighting accessory.

## Facts

- Mounting: Ceiling, operated by cord from below
- Typical rooms: Bathrooms and toilets
- Exact standard graphic: Not reproduced here; confirm the form against IEC 60617 and the project legend

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC graphical symbol context; independently drawn here.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Operating-device and function qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-3598E18D-9F8A-48CE-83D0-4CEBA0AE869C.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented family showing operating-device qualifiers such as pull operation.

## 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.