SLDResources / SLD symbols / Sources and machinesUpdated 29 Oct 2026

Motor symbol

Also called Induction motor

An electric motor converts electrical power into mechanical power. On a one-line it is a load, drawn at the bottom of its feeder with its rating in kW or hp.

ANSI / IEEE
IEC 60617 · S00819

What the motor symbol means

An electric motor converts electrical power into mechanical power. On a one-line it is a load, drawn at the bottom of its feeder with its rating in kW or hp.

ANSI and IEC symbols

ANSI / IEEE 315

A circle with M, with the horsepower or kW written beside it.

ANSI SVG
IEC 60617S00819

Machine, general symbol. The machine circle with M and a tilde for an AC motor.

IEC SVG

Where you see it

Pumps, compressors, fans and every other driven load, fed from a motor control centre, a contactor or a drive.

What is written next to it

On a one-line, the motor carries its tag and its ratings: rating in kW or hp, voltage, full load current and the starting method.

What gets checked at commissioning

Before the motor is energised, the test records usually cover: insulation resistance, winding resistance, direction of rotation with a bump test, then a no-load run with current and vibration readings. Each check is recorded against the tag, so the system can be handed over with its evidence. See commissioning software.

ANSI device numbers

Protective functions you will often find with a motor:

  • 49 thermal
  • 50/51 overcurrent
  • 46 current unbalance
  • 66 starts per hour

See the full list of ANSI device numbers with their IEC equivalents.

Frequently asked questions

What does the motor symbol look like?

On ANSI drawings: A circle with M, with the horsepower or kW written beside it. In IEC 60617: The machine circle with M and a tilde for an AC motor.

Is the motor symbol the same in IEC and ANSI?

No. The machine circle with M and a tilde for an AC motor. The IEC 60617 number is S00819.

Where is a motor used?

Pumps, compressors, fans and every other driven load, fed from a motor control centre, a contactor or a drive.

Which ANSI device numbers go with a motor?

49 thermal, 50/51 overcurrent, 46 current unbalance, 66 starts per hour.

Every motor on your one-line, tracked to energisation.Deskely holds the tag register, test records and punch items for every electrical tag on your project, through to handover.
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