# Neutral link, open

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

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Neutral link, open
Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Fuses (Neutral Link - Open); vendor family reference, not certified IEC geometry.

A neutral link drawn removed or open, showing the neutral conductor disconnected at that point.

## In plain English

### What does Neutral link, open mean?

The open neutral link shows the link withdrawn so that the neutral is disconnected. Drawings use it where a circuit is normally run with the neutral open, for example to isolate a spare or to segregate a neutral during a changeover, and on test procedures that show the link removed.

### A simple example

An open neutral on a live four-wire circuit can cause severe overvoltage on single-phase loads, so an open link in normal service needs a clear reason on the drawing. The symbol says nothing about the phase conductors, which may still be supplied with operating power.

### What the drawings help you do

Ask why the neutral is shown open in service. Check that phases are also isolated before working. An open neutral link is disconnected; the closed form shows normal continuity.

### This particular reference

A neutral link drawn removed or open, showing the neutral conductor disconnected at that point. An open neutral link is disconnected; the closed form shows normal continuity.

### Terms

- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.

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.

- [Fuse and neutral-link symbols](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-E540AE83-CEE1-4CA9-B43C-B19004025EAA.htm)
- [Definition of standardised earthing schemes](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Definition_of_standardised_earthing_schemes)


## What it represents

The open neutral link shows the link withdrawn so that the neutral is disconnected. Drawings use it where a circuit is normally run with the neutral open, for example to isolate a spare or to segregate a neutral during a changeover, and on test procedures that show the link removed.
An open neutral on a live four-wire circuit can cause severe overvoltage on single-phase loads, so an open link in normal service needs a clear reason on the drawing. The symbol says nothing about the phase conductors, which may still be energised.

## How to read it

- Ask why the neutral is shown open in service.
- Check that phases are also isolated before working.

## Information to show or reference

- Note the reason the link is open.
- Show phase isolation state alongside.
- Label the link with its circuit number.

## Important distinction

An open neutral link is disconnected; the closed form shows normal continuity.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Fuse-carrier style link with the bridge missing
- Publisher form: Neutral Link - Open (HFU1NLO Autodesk identifier)
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Fuse and neutral-link symbols](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-E540AE83-CEE1-4CA9-B43C-B19004025EAA.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented preview listing neutral link closed and open forms.
- [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 the neutral's role in earthing schemes.

## 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.