HomeTechnical notes › Distribution Box System Diagram Symbols: 32 Graphical Symbols Quick Reference

05 Informational content / Technical articles 2026-09-11 Published ~ 11 min read GB/T 6988.1 · GB 4728

Distribution Box System Diagram Symbols
32 Graphical Symbols Quick Reference

System diagram symbols are the "alphabet" of reading electrical drawings. This article compiles per GB/T 6988 and GB 472832 high-frequency graphical and letter symbolsQuick reference table covering 4 categories: switching devices, protection, measurement, and busbars. Suitable for beginners as a quick reference. Zhejiang Golden Unicorn is ISO 9001 certified.

1. Switching Device Symbols (8 items)

SymbolMeaningSymbolMeaning
QSIsolating switchQFCircuit breaker
QLLoad-break switchQAField-discharge switch
KMContactorKARelay
KTTime relayFRThermal overload relay

2. Protection and Measurement Symbols (8 items)

SymbolMeaningSymbolMeaning
FUFuseSPDSurge protective device
RCD/RCGround fault protectionTACurrent transformer
TVVoltage transformerPAAmmeter
PVVoltmeterPJElectricity meter
SCHEMATICBusbarsTerminal blocksMain circuit breakerControl & protection devicesTerminal block outgoing cables
Figure — 2. Protection and Measurement SymbolsCabinet structure diagram · photo pending

3. Busbar and Conductor Symbols (8 items)

SymbolMeaningSymbolMeaning
WBBusbarWLLine
L1/L2/L3Three-phaseNNeutral conductor
PEProtective groundPENProtective neutral
+/-DC~AC

4. Control and Signal Symbols (8 items)

SymbolMeaningSymbolMeaning
SBPushbuttonSASelector switch
HLIndicator lightHAAudible alarm
HGGreen lightHRRed light
HYYellow lightHWWhite light

5. Symbol Mnemonics (3 sentences)

mnemonic

Q-prefixed devices are all switches(QS/QF/QM);K-prefixed devices are all controls(KM/KA/KT);T-prefixed devices are all transformers(TA/TV/T). Memorize these three rules and you have covered more than half of the symbols.

FAQ FAQ

Do I have to memorize the symbol table?

The 32 high-frequency ones are worth memorizing; look up the rest in GB/T 6988.

What is the difference between QS and QF?

QS = disconnector (isolation only, cannot be operated under load); QF = circuit breaker (switching under load + protection).

How do I read the TA ratio?

For example, 600/5 means 600A primary and 5A secondary; multiply the meter reading by 120 to get the actual current.

What is SPD?

Surge Protective Device — protects against lightning-induced overvoltage and must be installed on the incoming side of a distribution box.

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