# Multi-pole plug and socket

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-multi-pole-plug-and-socket
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Multi-pole plug and socket, multi-line form
Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes; vendor family reference, not certified IEC geometry.
Related representation: [Plug and socket connector pair](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/plug-and-socket-connector-pair)

A plug and socket pair drawn with several poles side by side, showing a multi-way connector carrying several conductors.

## In plain English

### What does Multi-pole plug and socket mean?

The multi-pole form draws each contact of a connector as a pin and socket pair, grouped together and tied by a common outline or mechanical link to show they belong to one connector body. It is used for machine harness connectors, removable control modules and multi-pin field connectors on instruments.

### A simple example

The multi-line form shows every pin, which makes it suitable for wiring diagrams where pin numbers matter. It does not show keying, coding or the connector series, which prevent mismating and must be stated in text. Unused pins are often omitted, so the pin count drawn may be less than the connector size.

### What the drawings help you do

Match pin numbers on the drawing to the connector insert layout. Check whether unused pins are omitted. A multi-pole plug and socket draws each pin; the one-line connector representation shows the whole connector as one mark.

### This particular reference

A plug and socket pair drawn with several poles side by side, showing a multi-way connector carrying several conductors. A multi-pole plug and socket draws each pin; the one-line connector representation shows the whole connector as one mark.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- 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.

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.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 multi-pole form draws each contact of a connector as a pin and socket pair, grouped together and tied by a common outline or mechanical link to show they belong to one connector body. It is used for machine harness connectors, removable control modules and multi-pin field connectors on instruments.
The multi-line form shows every pin, which makes it suitable for wiring diagrams where pin numbers matter. It does not show keying, coding or the connector series, which prevent mismating and must be stated in text. Unused pins are often omitted, so the pin count drawn may be less than the connector size.

## How to read it

- Match pin numbers on the drawing to the connector insert layout.
- Check whether unused pins are omitted.

## Information to show or reference

- Number every pin drawn.
- State connector series and keying.
- Identify which half is fixed and which is free.

## Important distinction

A multi-pole plug and socket draws each pin; the one-line connector representation shows the whole connector as one mark.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Several pin and socket pairs grouped by a common outline
- Publisher family: Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes (Autodesk IEC-60617 preview)
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
- [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.