# Optical beam smoke detector plan symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-optical-beam-detector-plan-symbol
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: BD
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

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

Plan symbol for a linear optical beam smoke detector, showing transmitter, receiver or reflector and the beam path.

## In plain English

### What does Optical beam smoke detector plan mean?

Optical beam detectors protect large open spaces such as warehouses and atriums by projecting an infrared beam across the space. Plans show a transmitter and receiver, or a combined unit and reflector, linked by a dashed beam line drawn to length.

### A simple example

The beam path must remain clear of obstructions, and mounting surfaces must be stable so the beam stays aligned. The plan helps coordinate with racking, cranes and structure. The symbol does not state beam length limits or alignment tolerance. Product data sets these.

### What the drawings help you do

Check the beam path is clear. Identify transmitter, receiver or reflector ends. A point smoke detector covers a radius; a beam detector covers a line across a space.

### This particular reference

Plan symbol for a linear optical beam smoke detector, showing transmitter, receiver or reflector and the beam path. A point smoke detector covers a radius; a beam detector covers a line across a space.

### 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: Radiation qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-EABC81B4-549D-49C9-A0F5-086DD204A689.htm)


## What it represents

Optical beam detectors protect large open spaces such as warehouses and atriums by projecting an infrared beam across the space. Plans show a transmitter and receiver, or a combined unit and reflector, linked by a dashed beam line drawn to length.
The beam path must remain clear of obstructions, and mounting surfaces must be stable so the beam stays aligned. The plan helps coordinate with racking, cranes and structure. The symbol does not state beam length limits or alignment tolerance. Product data sets these.

## How to read it

- Check the beam path is clear.
- Identify transmitter, receiver or reflector ends.

## Information to show or reference

- Show both ends and beam line.
- State beam length.
- Check mounting stability.

## Important distinction

A point smoke detector covers a radius; a beam detector covers a line across a space.

## Facts

- Coverage: Line of sight across open space
- Components: Transmitter and receiver, or unit and reflector
- 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 graphical symbol context for installation plans; independently drawn here.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Radiation qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-EABC81B4-549D-49C9-A0F5-086DD204A689.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented radiation qualifiers relevant to optical and infrared detection 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.