Wiktor Wise
The symbol for Earth electric, also known as the grounding symbol, is a topic of confusion due to its varying interpretations in different applications and fields. In electronics and electrical engineering, the Earth ground symbol can have different meanings for different people, causing misunderstandings and safety concerns. Various symbols have been used to represent Earth, including hieroglyphics, alchemical symbols, and IEC symbols like 5017, 5018, 5019, and 5020, as well as symbols for ground terminals and electrical connections to Earth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Egyptian hieroglyph for "earth, land" | Depicts a stretch of flat alluvial land with grains of sand (Gardiner N16: 𓇾) |
| Sumerian cuneiform sign for "earth, place" | KI (ð’† ) |
| Chinese character | 土 |
| Classical element "Earth" in Chinese mysticism | Trigram of three broken lines in the I Ching (☷) |
| Western (early modern) alchemical symbol for earth | Downward-pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line (🜃) |
| Other symbols in alchemy or mysticism | Square and the serpent |
| Symbol during the Roman period | Globe |
| Symbol in the medieval period | T-and-O figure |
| IEC symbol for earth (ground) terminal | 5017 |
| IEC symbol for noiseless (clean) earth (ground) terminal | 5018 |
| IEC symbol for protective earth (ground) terminal | 5019 |
| Symbol for frame or chassis terminal | 5020 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Earth ground symbol is used in electrical engineering but has different meanings for different people, causing confusion
- The symbol for a noiseless (clean) earth (ground) terminal is 5018
- The symbol for a protective earth (ground) terminal is 5019
- The Western alchemical symbol for earth is a downward-pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line
- The Roman symbol for Earth was the globe, representing the spherical Earth
The Earth ground symbol is used in electrical engineering but has different meanings for different people, causing confusion
The Earth ground symbol is intended to represent a specific meaning in electrical engineering. However, due to its use in multiple contexts, it has become a source of ambiguity. The symbol is meant to denote the Earth ground terminal, which serves as a connection point to Earth ground. This connection provides a reference point for equipment grounding and helps eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD).
However, the symbol is often misused, even by experienced professionals, leading to incorrect assumptions about its meaning. The misuse of the symbol can be attributed to its generic nature, which may lead people to assume it can be applied to any circuit reference. This is incorrect, as the symbol specifically represents Earth Ground.
To address this confusion, it is recommended to refrain from using the generic symbol and instead refer to the specific standards and symbols outlined by organizations such as ISO and IEC. These organizations have developed a carefully defined set of rules for creating symbols, ensuring consistency and clarity. By adhering to these standards, we can reduce misunderstandings and improve safety in electrical engineering practices.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that the Earth ground symbol may have different interpretations in different countries or cultures. For example, the use of letters or words as symbols can lose their intended meaning when translated into other languages. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a completely symbolic language for identifying components, as it ensures a universal understanding of safety protocols and procedures.
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The symbol for a noiseless (clean) earth (ground) terminal is 5018
There are various markings and symbols available to identify ground terminals, and it is important to know which symbol to use in different contexts. The IEC 60417 standard, for instance, provides a set of graphical symbols to be used on equipment. The ISO and IEC committees have also developed a carefully defined set of rules for drawing various types of symbols, including safety symbols, function/control symbols, and ground symbols.
The symbol 5018 is specifically used when neither the symbol 5017 (Earth/Ground) nor 5019 (Protective Earth/Ground) is explicitly stated. The number 5017 Earth (ground) symbol is used to identify an earth (ground) terminal. On the other hand, the number 5019 Protective Earth (ground) symbol is used to identify any terminal intended for connection to an external conductor for protection against electrical shock in case of a fault, or the terminal of a protective earth (ground) electrode.
It is important to note that the use of these symbols may vary depending on international standards and specific applications.
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The symbol for a protective earth (ground) terminal is 5019
The symbol 5019 is part of the IEC 60417 standard, which includes graphical symbols for use on equipment. IEC and ISO have developed a set of rules for drawing various types of symbols, ensuring standardised symbols are designed with common principles and consistent visual weight for legibility and readability. The graphical symbol 5019 is preferred over the letters "PE" to maintain a completely symbolic language for identifying components, as letters may not translate well into other languages.
The symbol 5019 is used on electrical equipment and machinery to indicate protective earth (ground) terminals. It is one of several ground symbols, including 5017 (Earth/Ground), 5018 (Noiseless/Clean Earth/Ground), and 5020 (Frame or Chassis). These symbols are important for ensuring that products can be properly used and serviced safely.
The use of ground symbols is essential in electrical systems to prevent electrical faults and protect users from electrical shocks. Symbol 5019, in particular, serves as a visual indicator of protective earth connections, contributing to the overall safety of electrical equipment and machinery.
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The Western alchemical symbol for earth is a downward-pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line
In ancient Egypt, for example, the hieroglyph for "earth, land" depicted a stretch of flat alluvial land with grains of sand, while the Sumerian cuneiform sign for "earth, place" originated as a picture of a threshing floor. In Chinese mysticism, the classical element "Earth" is represented by the trigram of three broken lines in the I Ching (☷).
During the Roman period, as the spherical shape of the Earth was recognised, the globe became the main symbol representing the concept. This depiction of the "universe" as a celestial sphere signified both the Earth and the surrounding cosmos. The globus cruciger, or the globe surmounted by a Christian cross, held significant meaning for Byzantine Emperors, symbolising the Christian ecumene and the mortal nature of mankind.
While the downward-pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line may be the Western alchemical symbol for earth, it is important to recognise that different cultures and historical periods have adopted diverse symbols to represent the earth, each with its own unique significance and context.
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The Roman symbol for Earth was the globe, representing the spherical Earth
The concept of a spherical Earth was first introduced in the 5th century BC in the writings of Greek philosophers. In the 3rd century BC, Hellenistic astronomy established the roughly spherical shape of the Earth as a physical fact and calculated the Earth's circumference. This knowledge was gradually adopted throughout the Old World during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, displacing earlier beliefs in a flat earth. The Roman symbol for Earth was the globe, representing the spherical Earth. This symbol emerged in the Roman period, replacing earlier symbols such as the Egyptian hieroglyph for "earth, land," which depicted a stretch of flat alluvial land with grains of sand.
The globus cruciger, or "cross-bearing orb," is a Christian variation of the globe symbol, featuring a cross atop a spherical orb. It has been used as a symbol of authority by Christian rulers and angels, adorning portrayals of emperors, kings, and archangels. The globus cruciger was also used as an alchemical symbol for antimony and lupus metallorum, a grey wolf believed to purify alloyed metals into pure gold.
In Roman iconography, the plain spherical globe held by the god Jupiter represented the world or the universe, signifying the dominion held by the Emperor. This symbolism extended to coins, with a 2nd-century coin from Emperor Hadrian's reign depicting the Roman goddess Salus with her foot upon a globus. The orbis terrarum, or the globe, was central to the iconography of the Tetrarchy, symbolizing the Tetrarchs' restoration of security to the Roman world.
While the globe symbol predominantly represented the Earth, it could also symbolize the entire universe, as depicted in the celestial sphere. The medieval T-and-O figure represented the known world with a simplified map of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Today, the globe continues to be a widely recognized symbol for Earth, although the International Astronomical Union (IAU) discourages the use of planetary symbols.
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Frequently asked questions
The symbol for Earth electric, also known as Earth ground, is often represented by the number and letter combination "5019". This symbol is used to identify a terminal intended for connection to an external conductor for protection against electrical shock in the event of a fault.
The use of the 5019 symbol is preferred over the letters "PE" to maintain a completely symbolic language for identifying electrical components. This is because the use of words or letters as symbols can undermine the goal of creating a universal language for safety and identification across different languages.
Yes, there are other symbols and markings used to identify ground terminals, such as the numbers 5017, 5018, and 5020. However, the specific symbol used can vary depending on the context and the standard being followed.
