# Recording ammeter

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/recording-ammeter
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: A
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

Recording instrument that keeps a time record of current, drawn as a square marked A.

## In plain English

### What does Recording ammeter mean?

A recording ammeter logs current against time and is used to study load profiles, motor starting and feeder loading. It is connected in a CT secondary circuit, so like any CT-fed instrument its input forms part of a loop that must never be opened under load.

### A simple example

The record is only as useful as its interval and range. The symbol does not show whether peaks are captured or averaged, and a recorder sized for normal load may clip during starting or fault current.

### What the drawings help you do

Treat the input as part of the CT secondary loop. Check whether peaks or averages are recorded. A recording ammeter logs current over time; a maximum-demand indicator keeps only the highest averaged value.

### This particular reference

Recording instrument that keeps a time record of current, drawn as a square marked A. A recording ammeter logs current over time; a maximum-demand indicator keeps only the highest averaged value.

### 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.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)


## What it represents

A recording ammeter logs current against time and is used to study load profiles, motor starting and feeder loading. It is connected in a CT secondary circuit, so like any CT-fed instrument its input forms part of a loop that must never be opened under load.
The record is only as useful as its interval and range. The symbol does not show whether peaks are captured or averaged, and a recorder sized for normal load may clip during starting or fault current.

## How to read it

- Treat the input as part of the CT secondary loop.
- Check whether peaks or averages are recorded.

## Information to show or reference

- Show CT ratio
- State range and interval
- Provide CT shorting point

## Important distinction

A recording ammeter logs current over time; a maximum-demand indicator keeps only the highest averaged value.

## Facts

- Recorded quantity: Current
- Input: Usually a CT secondary
- 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.

## 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.