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Electrical \u00b7 United States

Electrical Symbols — US (NEC / ANSI)

US electrical installations follow the National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA 70). Drawing symbols are based on ANSI Y32.2 (IEEE 315), which has some differences from the IEC symbols used in Europe and Australia. These symbols appear on electrical plans, inspection reports, and permit drawings.

NEC (NFPA 70) / ANSI Y32.2 / IEEE 31520 symbols

Receptacles

Single Receptacle (Duplex)

Standard 120V 15/20A duplex receptacle outlet

ANSI Y32.2

GFCI Receptacle

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacle (kitchen, bath, outdoor)

NEC Article 210.8

AFCI Receptacle

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacle (bedrooms, living areas)

NEC Article 210.12

Weatherproof Receptacle

Outdoor weather-resistant receptacle with in-use cover

NEC Article 406.9

Switches

Single Pole Switch

Standard single pole light switch

ANSI Y32.2

Three-Way Switch

Three-way switch (equivalent to UK two-way)

ANSI Y32.2

Four-Way Switch

Four-way switch (equivalent to UK intermediate)

ANSI Y32.2

Dimmer Switch

Variable dimmer switch

ANSI Y32.2

Lighting

Ceiling Light Point

General luminaire / ceiling light outlet point

BS 7671 / IEC 60617

Wall Light

Wall-mounted luminaire point

BS 7671 / IEC 60617

Fluorescent Luminaire

Strip/fluorescent light fitting

BS 7671 / IEC 60617

Emergency Luminaire

Emergency lighting point (maintained or non-maintained)

BS 5266 / IEC 60617

Downlight / Spotlight

Recessed ceiling downlight or spotlight

BS 7671 / IEC 60617

Wiring

Junction Box

Cable junction or connection point

BS 7671

Earth / Ground

Protective earth connection point

IEC 60617

Safety Devices

Smoke Detector

Mains-wired smoke alarm point

BS 5839-6

Heat Detector

Mains-wired heat alarm point

BS 5839-6

CO Detector

Carbon monoxide alarm point

BS EN 50291

Extractor Fan

Mechanical ventilation extract point

BS 7671

Distribution

Electrical Panel / Load Center

Main breaker panel or sub-panel

NEC Article 408

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Frequently asked questions about electrical symbols

How do US electrical symbols differ from IEC/European symbols?
The biggest difference is in switches and receptacles. US plans use letter-based switch symbols (S, S3, S4) while IEC uses line diagrams. US receptacle symbols use a circle with parallel lines, while IEC uses a rectangle.
What is the NEC?
The National Electrical Code (NEC), also known as NFPA 70, is the US standard for electrical installations. It is adopted by most states and local jurisdictions, sometimes with amendments.
What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI?
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against electric shock from ground faults. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fires from arc faults. NEC requires GFCI in wet locations and AFCI in habitable rooms.

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