# Network switch symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-network-switch-plan-symbol
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: SW
Drawing use: Schematic, GA
Reference families: IEC

Network symbol for an Ethernet switch, a box with crossing arrows, used on electrical and communication drawings.

## In plain English

### What does Network switch mean?

Ethernet switches are drawn on network and control drawings as a box with opposed arrows, indicating forwarding between ports. Electrical drawings show them in control panels and communication cabinets with their power supply and port connections.

### A simple example

The drawing should tag managed or unmanaged, port count and any PoE capability, since PoE switches power cameras and access points. Ring or redundancy protocols are noted where the network is resilient. The symbol does not show VLANs, IP addressing or configuration. Those belong in the network design documents.

### What the drawings help you do

Check PoE capability where powered devices connect. Read port count and redundancy notes. A router connects networks at the IP level; a switch forwards frames within a network.

### This particular reference

Network symbol for an Ethernet switch, a box with crossing arrows, used on electrical and communication drawings. A router connects networks at the IP level; a switch forwards frames within a network.

### Terms

- 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.

- [Lynx 5612-E-F4G-T8G-LV support](https://www.westermo.com/de/support/product-support/lynx-5612-e-f4g-t8g-lv)
- [Industrial PoE Ethernet switches](https://www.westermo.com/products/ethernet-switches/poe)


## What it represents

Ethernet switches are drawn on network and control drawings as a box with opposed arrows, indicating forwarding between ports. Electrical drawings show them in control panels and communication cabinets with their power supply and port connections.
The drawing should tag managed or unmanaged, port count and any PoE capability, since PoE switches power cameras and access points. Ring or redundancy protocols are noted where the network is resilient. The symbol does not show VLANs, IP addressing or configuration. Those belong in the network design documents.

## How to read it

- Check PoE capability where powered devices connect.
- Read port count and redundancy notes.

## Information to show or reference

- Tag port count and type.
- State PoE budget if used.
- Show power supply.

## Important distinction

A router connects networks at the IP level; a switch forwards frames within a network.

## Facts

- Function: Frame forwarding between ports
- Common option: Power over Ethernet
- Preview: Independent educational concept; plan symbols for this device vary between legends, so read the project key

## Public references

- [Lynx 5612-E-F4G-T8G-LV support](https://www.westermo.com/de/support/product-support/lynx-5612-e-f4g-t8g-lv) — Westermo. Public support page for a managed industrial Ethernet switch.
- [Industrial PoE Ethernet switches](https://www.westermo.com/products/ethernet-switches/poe) — Westermo. Public product family page describing Ethernet switches that power field devices over the data cable.

## 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.