# Coaxial cable

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-coaxial-cable
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: W
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Coaxial pair form
Independent IEC-context illustration of a concentric pair; consult IEC 60617 for the exact graphic.

A centre conductor drawn within a concentric outer conductor, used for RF, video and some high-frequency measurement leads.

## In plain English

### What does Coaxial cable mean?

The coaxial cable symbol shows an inner conductor surrounded by a concentric outer conductor that forms the return path. Unlike a screened conductor, the outer conductor of a coaxial cable is part of the signal circuit and sets a defined characteristic impedance. It appears on antenna feeds, GPS time-sync leads to protection relays, video circuits and some partial-discharge sensor connections.

### A simple example

The symbol does not give the impedance, attenuation or connector type. A 50 ohm and a 75 ohm cable look identical on the drawing, so the cable schedule must identify the type. Where the outer conductor is earthed, show that separately rather than assuming the reader knows the earthing arrangement.

### What the drawings help you do

Check the cable type and impedance against the equipment at both ends. Look for connector designations at each end of the coax run. In coaxial cable the outer conductor carries return current; in a screened conductor the screen only intercepts interference.

### This particular reference

A centre conductor drawn within a concentric outer conductor, used for RF, video and some high-frequency measurement leads. In coaxial cable the outer conductor carries return current; in a screened conductor the screen only intercepts interference.

### Terms

- Coil: A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.

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 coaxial cable symbol shows an inner conductor surrounded by a concentric outer conductor that forms the return path. Unlike a screened conductor, the outer conductor of a coaxial cable is part of the signal circuit and sets a defined characteristic impedance. It appears on antenna feeds, GPS time-sync leads to protection relays, video circuits and some partial-discharge sensor connections.
The symbol does not give the impedance, attenuation or connector type. A 50 ohm and a 75 ohm cable look identical on the drawing, so the cable schedule must identify the type. Where the outer conductor is earthed, show that separately rather than assuming the reader knows the earthing arrangement.

## How to read it

- Check the cable type and impedance against the equipment at both ends.
- Look for connector designations at each end of the coax run.

## Information to show or reference

- State characteristic impedance or cable type.
- Name the connector at each end.
- Show earthing of the outer conductor where applicable.

## Important distinction

In coaxial cable the outer conductor carries return current; in a screened conductor the screen only intercepts interference.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Centre line with a concentric outer outline extended to both ends
- Typical use: GPS antenna leads, RF and video circuits
- 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 directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/) — IEEE Standards Association. Standards context for coaxial conductor graphics in IEEE forms.

## 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.