# Inline cable coupler

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/inline-cable-coupler
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A connector joining two cables without either half being mounted on equipment, such as an extension lead coupling.

## In plain English

### What does Inline cable coupler mean?

An inline coupler joins two free cables, with neither half fixed to a panel or device. Typical uses are extension leads, portable equipment feeds and sensor cables with a disconnect point partway along the run. Drawings show both halves floating on the cable line, sometimes with a note that the coupling is located in a particular area.

### A simple example

Because the coupler is free, its location is not fixed by the equipment, so the drawing should state where it is. The symbol does not show ingress protection, latching or whether the coupling may be separated under load. For power couplers, the live side should be the socket half so exposed pins are not supplied with operating power.

### What the drawings help you do

Identify which side is supplied with operating power and confirm it is the socket half. Look for a location note for the coupler. An inline coupler joins two free cables; a panel plug and socket has one half fixed to equipment.

### This particular reference

A connector joining two cables without either half being mounted on equipment, such as an extension lead coupling. An inline coupler joins two free cables; a panel plug and socket has one half fixed to equipment.

### Terms

- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- 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.

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm)
- [Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-0B14FEAB-110A-4DD3-884E-0A2F8F9E76F7.htm)


## What it represents

An inline coupler joins two free cables, with neither half fixed to a panel or device. Typical uses are extension leads, portable equipment feeds and sensor cables with a disconnect point partway along the run. Drawings show both halves floating on the cable line, sometimes with a note that the coupling is located in a particular area.
Because the coupler is free, its location is not fixed by the equipment, so the drawing should state where it is. The symbol does not show ingress protection, latching or whether the coupling may be separated under load. For power couplers, the live side should be the socket half so exposed pins are not energised.

## How to read it

- Identify which side is energised and confirm it is the socket half.
- Look for a location note for the coupler.

## Information to show or reference

- Show which half is on the supply side.
- State IP rating where outdoors.
- Locate the coupler on the layout.

## Important distinction

An inline coupler joins two free cables; a panel plug and socket has one half fixed to equipment.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Plug and socket halves on a cable line with no panel outline
- Safety practice: Supply side on the socket half
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
- [Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Connectors - No Wirenumber Changes](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-0B14FEAB-110A-4DD3-884E-0A2F8F9E76F7.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEEE-oriented preview of connector 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.