# Integrating instrument general symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/integrating-instrument-general-symbol
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: *
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

General rectangle-with-band form for instruments that totalise a quantity over time, such as energy meters.

## In plain English

### What does Integrating instrument general mean?

Integrating instruments add up a quantity over time, and IEC-style diagrams draw them as a rectangle with a narrow band across the top. The unit inside, such as kWh, kvarh or Ah, tells the reader what is being totalised, and extra marks in the band can show multi-rate or demand features.

### A simple example

The general symbol does not tell you whether the meter is a billing meter or a check meter, its accuracy class, or the direction of energy that each register records. Those are often contractual requirements and must be stated in the metering schedule.

### What the drawings help you do

Read the unit to find the integrated quantity. Look for marks in the band that add tariff or demand features. The integrating form totalises; the indicating circle shows an instantaneous value.

### This particular reference

General rectangle-with-band form for instruments that totalise a quantity over time, such as energy meters. The integrating form totalises; the indicating circle shows an instantaneous value.

### 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 graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)
- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/)


## What it represents

Integrating instruments add up a quantity over time, and IEC-style diagrams draw them as a rectangle with a narrow band across the top. The unit inside, such as kWh, kvarh or Ah, tells the reader what is being totalised, and extra marks in the band can show multi-rate or demand features.
The general symbol does not tell you whether the meter is a billing meter or a check meter, its accuracy class, or the direction of energy that each register records. Those are often contractual requirements and must be stated in the metering schedule.

## How to read it

- Read the unit to find the integrated quantity.
- Look for marks in the band that add tariff or demand features.

## Information to show or reference

- State integrated quantity
- Give accuracy class
- Define register direction

## Important distinction

The integrating form totalises; the indicating circle shows an instantaneous value.

## Facts

- Shape convention: Rectangle with band across the top
- Family: Integrating instruments and meters
- Preview: Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/) — Schneider Electric. Public explanation of power and energy measurement quantities.

## 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.