Free AutoCAD electrical symbols, ANSI/IEEE 315 style (DWG): contacts, pushbuttons, coils, breakers, transformers, motors

About IEEE 315 and what we claim

IEEE Std 315-1975 (ANSI Y32.2-1975), Graphic Symbols for Electrical and Electronics Diagrams, is the US standard for these symbols. It shows several forms for most items, so two drawings that both follow the standard can still look different.

The symbols are our own drawings after the symbol tables of the standard, not copies, and the library is not certified against it. The pilot light and the protective device number circles follow common US practice rather than a table of 315. Check your company or client standard before you rely on a shape.

Frequently asked questions

Do these symbols follow ANSI/IEEE 315?

They are drawn after its symbol tables, using one form for each item, but the library is not certified. The standard allows several forms for most items, so check which one your client requires.

Are these IEC or ANSI symbols?

They are in the US style of IEEE Std 315, also published as ANSI Y32.2: parallel-line contacts, circles for motors and so on. For the European style see our IEC 60617 library.

Can I use the symbols in commercial projects?

Yes. They are free to use and modify in your own projects, including commercial ones. They are provided as is, without warranty.

How do I build a device list from the diagrams?

Export the blocks of all diagrams to Excel with BlockSync: one row per block with its DEVICE tag, rating and part number. Sort and check the list there, and write corrections back in one run, with preview and backup.

Can I change a symbol or add attributes?

Yes. Open the DWG, edit a block with BEDIT to change it or add attributes, and save. To update drawings that already contain the block, run ATTSYNC or replace the block. Make a backup first: attribute values can be lost if ATTSYNC is used carelessly.

Where do I find a ready-made set of these symbols for AutoCAD?

AutoCAD itself ships only a small set of sample blocks, so a full symbol set has to come from a library. Download the ZIP on this page and open the DWG: every symbol is a block. Insert one with INSERT (Blocks palette, Libraries tab, then pick the DWG) or drag it from DesignCenter (ADCENTER). You can also download a single symbol on its own.