# Removable earth test link

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-removable-earth-test-link
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: E
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Removable earthing link
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

A removable link between the main earthing terminal and the earth electrode, opened to measure electrode resistance.

## In plain English

### What does Removable earth test link mean?

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.

### A simple 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.

### What the drawings help you do

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.

### This particular reference

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.

### 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.

- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections)
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm)


## What it represents

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.

## How to read it

- Check for parallel earth paths that affect electrode testing.
- Confirm the link is restored after testing.

## Information to show or reference

- Show the link between MET and electrode.
- Label it for testing.
- Note any parallel earth paths.

## Important distinction

An earth test link is removed only for electrode testing; a neutral-to-earth link bonds neutral and earth in service.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Link in an earthing conductor above an electrode symbol
- Purpose: Isolate the electrode for resistance testing
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public installation-guide definition of the removable link used to check earth-electrode resistance.
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented earth forms.

## 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.