Single-line generator symbol

A circle carrying a letter G.

Also known as: G symbol electrical, Alternator symbol

Engineering & technicalStandard profile

Meanings

The single-line diagram symbol for a generator, a source of electrical power.

Officially standardisedVerified fact
Marks a generator on a single-line diagram.
Contexts: Technical drawing
Officially standardisedVerified fact
Uses a lettered circle, the same device the motor symbol the catalogue already holds uses, so source and load are distinguished only by which letter is inside.
Contexts: Technical drawing

Visual description

A circle drawn on the diagram containing a single capital letter.

Symmetry: none
Orientation: upright

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is defined by a current official standard, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams, single-line representation
International Electrotechnical Commission · retrieved 2026-08-25
The international standard for electrical diagram symbols, including the single-line forms used on power distribution drawings. Cited for a symbol's identity and meaning; the standard's own drawings are not reproduced and no record is an installation instruction.

Last reviewed 2026-08-25

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Meanings

The single-line diagram symbol for a generator, a source of electrical power.

Officially standardisedVerified fact

Marks a generator on a single-line diagram.

Contexts: Technical drawing

Officially standardisedVerified fact

Uses a lettered circle, the same device the motor symbol the catalogue already holds uses, so source and load are distinguished only by which letter is inside.

Contexts: Technical drawing

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is defined by a current official standard, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams, single-line representation
International Electrotechnical Commission · retrieved 2026-08-25
The international standard for electrical diagram symbols, including the single-line forms used on power distribution drawings. Cited for a symbol's identity and meaning; the standard's own drawings are not reproduced and no record is an installation instruction.

Last reviewed 2026-08-25