# Single-phase synchronous generator

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/single-phase-synchronous-generator
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: G 1~
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A synchronous alternator delivering a single-phase output, common on small portable and standby generating sets.

## In plain English

### What does Single-phase synchronous generator mean?

This symbol identifies a synchronous generator with a single-phase output, usually two terminals or a split winding giving 120/240 V. Small standby and portable sets, and some hybrid off-grid systems, use this type because their loads are single-phase.

### A simple example

The generator circle carries G with a single-phase AC mark. Where a centre-tapped or split winding is used, two output leads plus a neutral are drawn, and a bonding link between neutral and earth may be shown at the set or at the main switchboard.

### What the drawings help you do

The symbol does not tell you the voltage regulation method, whether the winding is reconnectable or where the neutral is bonded. Those are critical for safe earthing, so they need explicit notes on the drawing.

### This particular reference

A synchronous alternator delivering a single-phase output, common on small portable and standby generating sets. A single-phase generator has one output phase; a three-phase synchronous generator has three phase outputs and often a star neutral.

### Terms

- AC: Alternating current: electricity whose direction changes periodically.
- Winding: A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.

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.

- [Generator symbol variants](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-09BE3BB5-9118-4302-8061-3888692E538F.htm)
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)


## What it represents

This symbol identifies a synchronous generator with a single-phase output, usually two terminals or a split winding giving 120/240 V. Small standby and portable sets, and some hybrid off-grid systems, use this type because their loads are single-phase.
The generator circle carries G with a single-phase AC mark. Where a centre-tapped or split winding is used, two output leads plus a neutral are drawn, and a bonding link between neutral and earth may be shown at the set or at the main switchboard.
The symbol does not tell you the voltage regulation method, whether the winding is reconnectable or where the neutral is bonded. Those are critical for safe earthing, so they need explicit notes on the drawing.

## How to read it

- Count output conductors to tell a plain two-wire output from a split-phase winding.
- Locate the neutral-earth bond; it should exist in one place only.

## Information to show or reference

- State voltage, frequency and kVA.
- Show neutral bonding location.
- Reference the transfer arrangement to the installation.

## Important distinction

A single-phase generator has one output phase; a three-phase synchronous generator has three phase outputs and often a star neutral.

## Facts

- Output: Single-phase AC
- Typical use: Small standby and portable sets
- Earthing detail: Neutral bond location must be shown
- Preview: Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Generator symbol variants](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-09BE3BB5-9118-4302-8061-3888692E538F.htm) — Autodesk. Public generator symbol family context.
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC graphical symbol context for AC qualifiers; no reproduced artwork.

## 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.