Free AutoCAD electrical symbols (DWG) for schematics and motor control, IEC 60617 style

About IEC 60617

IEC 60617 is the international standard for graphical symbols in electrical diagrams. It is published in Europe as EN 60617, in Japan as JIS C 0617 and in China as GB/T 4728, so the basic shapes are the same in most countries. Low-voltage and high-voltage diagrams use the same symbol set.

These symbols are drawn after the common forms of the standard. They are not copied from the IEC database, which is licensed, and the library is not certified against any standard. If your client or company requires strict conformance, check each shape against your copy of the standard.

Frequently asked questions

Are these symbols in accordance with IEC 60617?

They are drawn after the common IEC 60617 forms, but they were not checked clause by clause and are not certified. The standard and its symbol database are paid products that we have not copied. Compare a shape with your own copy of the standard if you need strict conformance.

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. Please do not redistribute or resell the library; see the library terms.

Why are the terminals on a 5 mm grid?

So that symbols connect without gaps. With the snap set to 5 mm, the terminal ends of any two symbols meet on the same grid point, and the wires between them can be drawn with simple snaps. The insertion point of every block is terminal 1.

Which programs open the file?

The DWG is saved in AutoCAD 2018 format and was tested in AutoCAD. Other programs that read the DWG 2018 format should open it, because the blocks use only standard objects, but we have not tested them.

Can I add my own symbols or 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.

What is IEC 60617, and what does it cover?

IEC 60617 is the international standard for graphical symbols used in electrical diagrams, published by the IEC and adopted in Europe as EN 60617 (DIN EN 60617, CEI EN 60617, UNE-EN 60617, NF EN 60617). It is sometimes written ISO 60617 by mistake. It covers conductors and connections, passive components, semiconductors, machines and transformers, switchgear and contacts, relays, measuring instruments and symbol elements. The standard itself is a paid database; this library is drawn in the same style and is not a copy of it.

Does the library have a MOSFET, converter, inverter, rectifier or soft starter symbol?

Yes for semiconductors: N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs, NPN and PNP transistors, thyristors, GTOs and diodes are in the components section, and the contactors, relays, breakers and push-buttons are in the switching section. Machines, rectifiers, inverters, DC/DC and frequency converters, motors and generators are in the Pro edition. Every symbol can be downloaded on its own.

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.