# Neutral-to-earth link

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

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Neutral to earth bonding link
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

The single link bonding the neutral bar to the earth bar at the point where a TN-C-S supply splits into N and PE.

## In plain English

### What does Neutral-to-earth link mean?

The neutral-to-earth link connects the neutral and earth bars at one point, normally the main switchboard. In Australian and New Zealand practice it is the MEN link, and in other TN-C-S schemes it is the point where the incoming PEN is split. It provides the low impedance path that lets earth faults operate overcurrent devices.

### A simple example

There must be only one such link in an installation section. A second neutral to earth bond downstream creates parallel neutral current in earthing conductors and can defeat residual current devices. The symbol does not show the conductor size of the link, which local rules set.

### What the drawings help you do

Confirm there is only one neutral to earth link in the installation section. Check RCD-protected circuits downstream for unintended bonds. The neutral-to-earth link bonds N and PE in service; the earth test link is opened only to test the electrode.

### This particular reference

The single link bonding the neutral bar to the earth bar at the point where a TN-C-S supply splits into N and PE. The neutral-to-earth link bonds N and PE in service; the earth test link is opened only to test the electrode.

### 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.

- [Definition of standardised earthing schemes](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Definition_of_standardised_earthing_schemes)
- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections)


## What it represents

The neutral-to-earth link connects the neutral and earth bars at one point, normally the main switchboard. In Australian and New Zealand practice it is the MEN link, and in other TN-C-S schemes it is the point where the incoming PEN is split. It provides the low impedance path that lets earth faults operate overcurrent devices.
There must be only one such link in an installation section. A second neutral to earth bond downstream creates parallel neutral current in earthing conductors and can defeat residual current devices. The symbol does not show the conductor size of the link, which local rules set.

## How to read it

- Confirm there is only one neutral to earth link in the installation section.
- Check RCD-protected circuits downstream for unintended bonds.

## Information to show or reference

- Show the link at the main switchboard.
- State link conductor size.
- Avoid any downstream neutral to earth bond.

## Important distinction

The neutral-to-earth link bonds N and PE in service; the earth test link is opened only to test the electrode.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Link between neutral bar and earth bar
- Scheme context: TN-C-S and MEN systems
- Rule: One link per installation section
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Definition of standardised earthing schemes](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Definition_of_standardised_earthing_schemes) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public installation-guide definitions of TN-C-S schemes and PEN separation.
- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public installation-guide earthing connection elements.

## 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.