# Interchange of conductors

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-conductor-interchange
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Conductor interchange form
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

A crossing mark showing that two or more conductors swap position, such as a phase transposition or deliberate phase swap.

## In plain English

### What does Interchange of conductors mean?

The interchange form shows conductors crossing over so that their positions change along the run. On transmission lines it represents transposition, used to balance phase impedances. On motor and generator circuits it may show a deliberate swap of two phases to reverse rotation or to correct phase sequence.

### A simple example

The symbol must be read with the phase labels on both sides, because the purpose differs. An unlabelled crossing may be mistaken for a drafting artefact. Where the interchange changes phase sequence, any synchronising or phase-sequence-sensitive equipment downstream must be checked.

### What the drawings help you do

Read phase labels either side of the interchange. Check whether rotation or phase sequence downstream depends on it. Interchanged conductors change position or phase; an unconnected crossing just passes over another conductor with no change.

### This particular reference

A crossing mark showing that two or more conductors swap position, such as a phase transposition or deliberate phase swap. Interchanged conductors change position or phase; an unconnected crossing just passes over another conductor with no change.

### Terms

- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- 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.

- [Wire connection dots, crossing gaps and loops](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-936BB8A9-9C01-4AC6-B833-CB97700A7203.htm)
- [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 interchange form shows conductors crossing over so that their positions change along the run. On transmission lines it represents transposition, used to balance phase impedances. On motor and generator circuits it may show a deliberate swap of two phases to reverse rotation or to correct phase sequence.
The symbol must be read with the phase labels on both sides, because the purpose differs. An unlabelled crossing may be mistaken for a drafting artefact. Where the interchange changes phase sequence, any synchronising or phase-sequence-sensitive equipment downstream must be checked.

## How to read it

- Read phase labels either side of the interchange.
- Check whether rotation or phase sequence downstream depends on it.

## Information to show or reference

- Label phases on both sides of the interchange.
- State the reason for the swap where it changes rotation.
- Check synchronising and metering connections downstream.

## Important distinction

Interchanged conductors change position or phase; an unconnected crossing just passes over another conductor with no change.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Two conductor lines crossing to swap positions
- Typical use: Line transposition and rotation reversal
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Wire connection dots, crossing gaps and loops](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-936BB8A9-9C01-4AC6-B833-CB97700A7203.htm) — Autodesk. Public guidance on wire crossings and connection display in drawings.
- [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.