Motor symbol
Also called Electric motor
An electric motor: a circle with the letter M. A line or wave under the M can mark DC or AC, and 3~ a three-phase motor.
What the motor symbol means
An electric motor: a circle with the letter M. A line or wave under the M can mark DC or AC, and 3~ a three-phase motor.
ANSI and IEC symbols
Where you see it
Every driven load: pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors.
What is written next to it
On a schematic, the motor usually carries its designator, power and voltage, such as M1 5.5 kW 400 V 3~.
What gets checked before energising
Before the circuit is energised, the checks on a motor usually cover insulation resistance, direction of rotation, and the overload setting against the nameplate. Each check is recorded against the tag, so the circuit can be energised and handed over with its evidence. See the ITR guide.
Related symbols
Frequently asked questions
What does the motor symbol look like?
On ANSI drawings: A circle with the letter M. In IEC 60617: The same circle with M.
Is the motor symbol the same in IEC and ANSI?
Yes, it is drawn the same way in most legends.
Where is a motor used?
Every driven load: pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors.
- In production since 2014
- Thousands of daily users
- On MODEC FPSO projects since 2016