# Protective conductor mark

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-protective-conductor-mark
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: PE
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Protective conductor identification on a conductor group
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

A mark on one stroke of a conductor group identifying the protective earth conductor carried with the circuit.

## In plain English

### What does Protective conductor mark mean?

This mark identifies the protective conductor within a group of conductors drawn as one line. It shows that the circuit carries its own PE conductor to the load, which is how the fault return path for automatic disconnection is provided in TN systems. The letters PE are often written beside the mark.

### A simple example

The mark does not tell you whether the PE is a separate core, the cable armour or a parallel earth continuity conductor. Each option affects earth fault loop impedance differently, so the cable schedule must say which is used. The mark is also distinct from the protective earth terminal symbol, which shows a connection point rather than a conductor in a run.

### What the drawings help you do

Confirm what physically forms the PE: a core, armour or separate conductor. Check that the PE size meets the protective conductor sizing rule used. The PE conductor mark identifies a conductor in a run; the protective earth symbol identifies a connection point to the earthing system.

### This particular reference

A mark on one stroke of a conductor group identifying the protective earth conductor carried with the circuit. The PE conductor mark identifies a conductor in a run; the protective earth symbol identifies a connection point to the earthing system.

### 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.

- [Definition of standardised earthing schemes](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Definition_of_standardised_earthing_schemes)
- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections)


## What it represents

This mark identifies the protective conductor within a group of conductors drawn as one line. It shows that the circuit carries its own PE conductor to the load, which is how the fault return path for automatic disconnection is provided in TN systems. The letters PE are often written beside the mark.
The mark does not tell you whether the PE is a separate core, the cable armour or a parallel earth continuity conductor. Each option affects earth fault loop impedance differently, so the cable schedule must say which is used. The mark is also distinct from the protective earth terminal symbol, which shows a connection point rather than a conductor in a run.

## How to read it

- Confirm what physically forms the PE: a core, armour or separate conductor.
- Check that the PE size meets the protective conductor sizing rule used.

## Information to show or reference

- Mark the PE on every circuit that carries one.
- Identify whether armour is used as the PE.
- Show PE terminations at both ends.

## Important distinction

The PE conductor mark identifies a conductor in a run; the protective earth symbol identifies a connection point to the earthing system.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Distinct mark on one stroke of a conductor group
- Letter code: PE
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [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 TN, TT and IT schemes and protective conductors.
- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public guide to earthing connection elements.

## 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.