# Combined sounder and visual alarm device plan symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-combined-sounder-visual-alarm-device
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: SVAD
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Sounder with visual alarm device
IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

Plan symbol for a fire alarm device combining an audible sounder with a flashing visual alarm.

## In plain English

### What does Combined sounder and visual alarm device plan mean?

Combined sounder and visual alarm devices give both a tone and a flashing light, for areas where people may be hard of hearing, wear ear protection or work in high noise. Plans draw the sounder form with radiating light marks.

### A simple example

Visual devices have a coverage volume defined by product category and mounting, so placement is checked against the coverage data. The plan should tag the category or coverage code. The symbol does not show flash rate or colour. Product data and the applicable standard define these.

### What the drawings help you do

Check coverage volume for the visual element. Check where deaf or hard-of-hearing occupants are expected. A flashing beacon in a control system gives an equipment status signal; this device is a life-safety alarm.

### This particular reference

Plan symbol for a fire alarm device combining an audible sounder with a flashing visual alarm. A flashing beacon in a control system gives an equipment status signal; this device is a life-safety alarm.

### Terms

- 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: Electroacoustic annunciation forms](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-4602FA60-BECA-4C77-A435-73C8C05E41F7.htm)
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Flashing beacons](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-386067DE-60EA-4653-B9B9-3F88948B35C0.htm)


## What it represents

Combined sounder and visual alarm devices give both a tone and a flashing light, for areas where people may be hard of hearing, wear ear protection or work in high noise. Plans draw the sounder form with radiating light marks.
Visual devices have a coverage volume defined by product category and mounting, so placement is checked against the coverage data. The plan should tag the category or coverage code. The symbol does not show flash rate or colour. Product data and the applicable standard define these.

## How to read it

- Check coverage volume for the visual element.
- Check where deaf or hard-of-hearing occupants are expected.

## Information to show or reference

- Tag coverage category.
- Tag circuit or loop address.
- Confirm synchronisation of flashes.

## Important distinction

A flashing beacon in a control system gives an equipment status signal; this device is a life-safety alarm.

## Facts

- Outputs: Audible tone plus flashing light
- Coverage: Defined by visual alarm category
- 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 for installation plans; independently drawn here.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Electroacoustic annunciation forms](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-4602FA60-BECA-4C77-A435-73C8C05E41F7.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented electroacoustic annunciation family for comparing audible output marks.
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Flashing beacons](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-386067DE-60EA-4653-B9B9-3F88948B35C0.htm) — Autodesk. Public flashing beacon family for comparing the visual element.

## 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.