# Underground cable

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-underground-cable
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: UGC
Drawing use: SLD, GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Underground cable route form
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

A cable route marked as buried in the ground, distinguishing direct-buried or ducted sections from overhead lines.

## In plain English

### What does Underground cable mean?

The underground cable form marks a circuit section that is buried, either directly in soil or in buried ducts. Network diagrams use it to separate cable sections from overhead sections, since cables have higher capacitance, lower reactance and are generally not suited to repeated auto-reclose onto a fault.

### A simple example

The mark does not show burial depth, duct arrangement, bedding or the thermal resistivity assumed for rating. Those appear on trench sections and the cable schedule. Joints along the route are separate symbols, and a reader should expect them on long sections even if the single-line diagram omits them.

### What the drawings help you do

Check trench sections for depth and grouping with other cables. Look for joint bay locations on long routes. An underground cable is buried; a conductor in conduit may be above ground and carries different derating.

### This particular reference

A cable route marked as buried in the ground, distinguishing direct-buried or ducted sections from overhead lines. An underground cable is buried; a conductor in conduit may be above ground and carries different derating.

### Terms

- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- 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-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm)
- [Elastimold underground cable accessories](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/cable-accessories-connectors/underground/elastimold/underground)


## What it represents

The underground cable form marks a circuit section that is buried, either directly in soil or in buried ducts. Network diagrams use it to separate cable sections from overhead sections, since cables have higher capacitance, lower reactance and are generally not suited to repeated auto-reclose onto a fault.
The mark does not show burial depth, duct arrangement, bedding or the thermal resistivity assumed for rating. Those appear on trench sections and the cable schedule. Joints along the route are separate symbols, and a reader should expect them on long sections even if the single-line diagram omits them.

## How to read it

- Check trench sections for depth and grouping with other cables.
- Look for joint bay locations on long routes.

## Information to show or reference

- Reference the cable type and route length.
- Show joints and sealing ends at their locations.
- Link to the trench or duct-bank section drawing.

## Important distinction

An underground cable is buried; a conductor in conduit may be above ground and carries different derating.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Cable line with ground hatch or buried marks below it
- Rating input: Soil thermal resistivity and depth of burial
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [IEC-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm) — Autodesk. Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
- [Elastimold underground cable accessories](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/cable-accessories-connectors/underground/elastimold/underground) — ABB. Manufacturer context for underground cable accessories.

## 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.