# Telephone set symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-telephone-set-symbol
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: TEL
Drawing use: GA, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

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

Symbol for a telephone instrument, drawn as a handset shape, used on communication layouts and schematics.

## In plain English

### What does Telephone set mean?

The telephone set symbol shows the instrument itself, usually as a stylised handset over a base or a circle with a handset. It appears on communication system diagrams, lift and emergency phone schematics and on plans where a fixed phone is supplied.

### A simple example

Where a phone is provided as part of a system, such as a lift car phone, help point or emergency phone, the symbol distinguishes the supplied device from a simple outlet. The plan then tags the device type. The symbol does not tell you whether the instrument is analogue, IP or hands-free.

### What the drawings help you do

Check whether the instrument is supplied or only the outlet. Read the device type tag. A telephone outlet is the termination; the telephone set symbol is the instrument.

### This particular reference

Symbol for a telephone instrument, drawn as a handset shape, used on communication layouts and schematics. A telephone outlet is the termination; the telephone set symbol is the instrument.

### 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: Propagation and signal-flow qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1C0C7AE2-F703-4283-BCB1-3E0B30882715.htm)


## What it represents

The telephone set symbol shows the instrument itself, usually as a stylised handset over a base or a circle with a handset. It appears on communication system diagrams, lift and emergency phone schematics and on plans where a fixed phone is supplied.
Where a phone is provided as part of a system, such as a lift car phone, help point or emergency phone, the symbol distinguishes the supplied device from a simple outlet. The plan then tags the device type. The symbol does not tell you whether the instrument is analogue, IP or hands-free.

## How to read it

- Check whether the instrument is supplied or only the outlet.
- Read the device type tag.

## Information to show or reference

- State instrument type.
- Show its outlet or line.
- Note emergency use where relevant.

## Important distinction

A telephone outlet is the termination; the telephone set symbol is the instrument.

## Facts

- Represents: Telephone instrument
- Typical system uses: Lift phones, help points, emergency phones
- 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 and communication plans; independently drawn here.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Propagation and signal-flow qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1C0C7AE2-F703-4283-BCB1-3E0B30882715.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented propagation and signal-flow qualifiers used on communication symbols.

## 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.