{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"iec-removable-earth-test-link","name":"Removable earth test link","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"E","aliases":["earth disconnecting link","earth electrode test link","earthing test joint"],"category":"connections-wiring","drawingTypes":["SLD","Schematic"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC"],"summary":"A removable link between the main earthing terminal and the earth electrode, opened to measure electrode resistance.","description":["The earth test link sits in the earthing conductor between the main earthing terminal and the earth electrode. Removing it isolates the electrode so its resistance can be measured on its own. Installation guidance describes it as part of the earthing arrangement at the main earthing terminal.","The link must be replaced after testing, and the installation is not adequately earthed while it is open. The symbol does not tell you whether other earth paths exist in parallel, such as the supply earth, which would affect test readings and safety during the test."],"readingNotes":["Check for parallel earth paths that affect electrode testing.","Confirm the link is restored after testing."],"drawingChecklist":["Show the link between MET and electrode.","Label it for testing.","Note any parallel earth paths."],"distinction":"An earth test link is removed only for electrode testing; a neutral-to-earth link bonds neutral and earth in service.","facts":[{"label":"Graphic cue","value":"Link in an earthing conductor above an electrode symbol"},{"label":"Purpose","value":"Isolate the electrode for resistance testing"},{"label":"Preview","value":"Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"s28-eig-earthing-connections","relevance":"Public installation-guide definition of the removable link used to check earth-electrode resistance."},{"sourceId":"pub-symbol-earthing-surge","relevance":"Public IEC-oriented earth forms."}],"related":["iec-main-earthing-terminal","iec-earth-electrode","earth-connection"],"artwork":"s28-iec-removable-earth-test-link","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","symbolVariant":{"convention":"IEC","form":"Removable earthing link","reference":"Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry."},"plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Removable earth test link mean?","introduction":"The earth test link sits in the earthing conductor between the main earthing terminal and the earth electrode. Removing it isolates the electrode so its resistance can be measured on its own. Installation guidance describes it as part of the earthing arrangement at the main earthing terminal.","example":"The link must be replaced after testing, and the installation is not adequately earthed while it is open. The symbol does not tell you whether other earth paths exist in parallel, such as the supply earth, which would affect test readings and safety during the test.","drawings":"Check for parallel earth paths that affect electrode testing. Confirm the link is restored after testing. An earth test link is removed only for electrode testing; a neutral-to-earth link bonds neutral and earth in service.","terms":[{"name":"Terminal","meaning":"An identified point where a conductor connects."},{"name":"Schematic","meaning":"A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"Earthing connections","url":"https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections"},{"label":"AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection","url":"https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm"}],"detail":"A removable link between the main earthing terminal and the earth electrode, opened to measure electrode resistance. An earth test link is removed only for electrode testing; a neutral-to-earth link bonds neutral and earth in service.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-removable-earth-test-link","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/iec-removable-earth-test-link.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"s28-eig-earthing-connections","title":"Earthing connections","publisher":"Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide","url":"https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Definitions of earth electrode, main earthing terminal, removable test link and bonding conductors in an installation earthing arrangement.","checkedOn":"2026-10-28","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public installation-guide definition of the removable link used to check earth-electrode resistance."},{"id":"pub-symbol-earthing-surge","title":"AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection","publisher":"Autodesk","url":"https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm","type":"cad-reference","scope":"Public vendor catalogue naming and functional variants. Vendor block names are not IEC identifiers. Linked for reference; no graphics or CAD files are redistributed.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public IEC-oriented earth forms."}]}