# Multiple socket outlet

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-multiple-socket-outlet
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: SOn
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Multiple socket outlet
IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

Plan mark for a group of socket outlets on one plate, shown by a gang number or stacked outlet strokes.

## In plain English

### What does Multiple socket outlet mean?

A multiple socket outlet groups two, three or four outlets in one accessory or box. IEC-style plans usually draw a single outlet form with the number of outlets written beside it, or with short parallel strokes on the outlet, instead of drawing each outlet separately.

### A simple example

The number is important for take-off and for load estimates. A desk position shown as a 3-gang outlet with data outlets beside it is a common office pattern; the reader should count the gang number, not the symbol, when scheduling accessories.

### What the drawings help you do

The library already lists a duplex receptacle form from a schematic CAD family. This plan mark is the architectural counting form; it does not say whether each outlet is separately switched or whether they share one circuit.

### This particular reference

Plan mark for a group of socket outlets on one plate, shown by a gang number or stacked outlet strokes. The duplex receptacle form in schematic libraries shows two outlets graphically; this plan mark counts outlets with a numeral.

### 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: Single and duplex power-receptacle forms](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7DAEDB03-74FC-47A2-9C50-9164297AA5A3.htm)


## What it represents

A multiple socket outlet groups two, three or four outlets in one accessory or box. IEC-style plans usually draw a single outlet form with the number of outlets written beside it, or with short parallel strokes on the outlet, instead of drawing each outlet separately.
The number is important for take-off and for load estimates. A desk position shown as a 3-gang outlet with data outlets beside it is a common office pattern; the reader should count the gang number, not the symbol, when scheduling accessories.
The library already lists a duplex receptacle form from a schematic CAD family. This plan mark is the architectural counting form; it does not say whether each outlet is separately switched or whether they share one circuit.

## How to read it

- Read the gang number; the symbol may look identical to a single outlet without it.
- Check whether switches are integral to each gang.

## Information to show or reference

- Write the gang number on or beside the symbol.
- State switching per gang if relevant.
- Tag the circuit.

## Important distinction

The duplex receptacle form in schematic libraries shows two outlets graphically; this plan mark counts outlets with a numeral.

## Facts

- Count method: Numeral beside the outlet form
- Take-off note: Count accessories by gang, not by symbol
- 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 committee context for graphical symbols used in diagrams and installation documents; not a source of reproduced artwork.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Single and duplex power-receptacle forms](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7DAEDB03-74FC-47A2-9C50-9164297AA5A3.htm) — Autodesk. Public receptacle family in an IEC-oriented CAD library, useful for comparing schematic receptacle forms with plan marks.

## 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.