# Conductors within one cable

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

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Cable core grouping form
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

An outline or loop drawn across several conductor lines to show that they are cores of the same cable.

## In plain English

### What does Conductors within one cable mean?

On multi-line schematics each core is drawn as a separate line, which hides the fact that several of them share one sheath. A grouping outline drawn across those lines tells the reader they are cores of one cable. It is typically paired with a cable tag so that the cores can be traced to the cable schedule.

### A simple example

The outline implies no screen and no particular core count beyond the lines it crosses. Spare cores are often not drawn, so the cable may have more cores than the outline encloses. Cores from one cable may also be split across several sheets, each with its own grouping mark and the same cable tag.

### What the drawings help you do

Read the cable tag beside the grouping outline. Expect spare cores that are not drawn. A grouping outline shows shared sheath only; a screen outline shows a conductive shield around the cores.

### This particular reference

An outline or loop drawn across several conductor lines to show that they are cores of the same cable. A grouping outline shows shared sheath only; a screen outline shows a conductive shield around the cores.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- 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.

- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Cable identification and twisted-pair annotation](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-37A08C35-43A3-484D-B0EB-0BBCBC4BE709.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

On multi-line schematics each core is drawn as a separate line, which hides the fact that several of them share one sheath. A grouping outline drawn across those lines tells the reader they are cores of one cable. It is typically paired with a cable tag so that the cores can be traced to the cable schedule.
The outline implies no screen and no particular core count beyond the lines it crosses. Spare cores are often not drawn, so the cable may have more cores than the outline encloses. Cores from one cable may also be split across several sheets, each with its own grouping mark and the same cable tag.

## How to read it

- Read the cable tag beside the grouping outline.
- Expect spare cores that are not drawn.

## Information to show or reference

- Tag every grouping outline with the cable number.
- Use the same tag on every sheet the cable appears on.
- Record spare cores in the cable schedule.

## Important distinction

A grouping outline shows shared sheath only; a screen outline shows a conductive shield around the cores.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Ellipse or loop crossing several parallel conductors
- Does not show: Screening, spare cores or core colours
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Cable identification and twisted-pair annotation](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-37A08C35-43A3-484D-B0EB-0BBCBC4BE709.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-60617 preview family for cable markers used with core groupings.
- [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.