{
  "schemaVersion": "1.0",
  "id": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/lamp-symbol/",
  "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/lamp-symbol/",
  "markdownUrl": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/lamp-symbol/index.md",
  "jsonUrl": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/lamp-symbol/index.json",
  "language": "en",
  "title": "Lamp Symbol: Indicator, Load & Lighting Plans",
  "description": "Read the circle-with-a-cross lamp symbol as a circuit load, and distinguish it from an indicator lamp, a lighting outlet or a luminaire on a plan.",
  "kind": "reference-guide",
  "safetyNotice": "Learning reference only: electrical codes, permits, inspection bodies, and licensing rules differ by region. This course is not a substitute for local code, licensed training, permits, or authority requirements. Before any hands-on work, de-energize, verify absence of voltage, and follow local regulators/AHJ and employer procedures.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "id": "direct-answer",
      "heading": "What does this symbol mean?",
      "paragraphs": [
        "In basic circuit and schematic drawings a lamp is commonly a circle with a cross or X inside, connected in the conductor path. It represents a load that converts electrical energy into light and heat; it does not identify a lamp type, wattage or fitting.",
        "On a building plan, lighting is usually shown with different notation: a circle with a cross, a small circle with a tail, or a symbol plus a fixture tag that refers to a lighting schedule. Identify the drawing type and legend before assigning a device."
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "symbol-figure",
      "heading": "See the symbol",
      "figure": {
        "src": "https://elect-learn.org/images/reference/lamp.svg",
        "alt": "Teaching drawing of a lamp symbol: a circle with a cross inside, with a conductor entering each side.",
        "caption": "A common lamp or indicator load symbol in basic circuit drawings. Building-plan lighting notation uses a project legend and fixture tags.",
        "width": 160,
        "height": 100
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "read-the-drawing",
      "heading": "How to read it in context",
      "items": [
        "Confirm whether the sheet is a basic circuit, a schematic or a building plan, then locate the legend note for that symbol.",
        "Read the designator or tag beside the symbol and any wattage, lamp type or luminaire callout.",
        "Trace the circuit to see whether the lamp is the main load or an indicator in a control circuit."
      ],
      "ordered": true
    },
    {
      "id": "common-confusions",
      "heading": "Common look-alikes and mistakes",
      "items": [
        "A circle with a cross can mean a lamp, an indicator or a lighting outlet depending on the drawing convention; the legend decides.",
        "Lamp and luminaire are not interchangeable in every document; the fixture schedule controls the actual product.",
        "The symbol states no voltage, wattage, colour temperature or driver type.",
        "A schematic lamp symbol is a function on paper, not a wiring or installation instruction."
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "reading-check",
      "heading": "Try the symbol-reading check",
      "question": "A basic circuit shows a circle with an X, connected in series with a cell and a switch. What does the symbol represent?",
      "answer": "It represents the lamp as the circuit load in this drawing. It does not establish the physical fitting, voltage or wattage; check the legend, notes and schedule before identifying the real device."
    },
    {
      "id": "sources-and-next",
      "heading": "Standards, sources and related symbols",
      "paragraphs": [
        "These are independently drawn teaching diagrams. They help you read a drawing, but the project legend, applicable standard and equipment documentation control the actual meaning. Editorial source check: 29 October 2026."
      ],
      "links": [
        {
          "title": "IEC 60617 — graphical symbols for diagrams",
          "url": "https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/2723"
        },
        {
          "title": "IEC 60617 — graphical symbols for diagrams",
          "url": "https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/2723"
        },
        {
          "title": "US Department of Energy — Engineering Symbology, Prints, and Drawings",
          "url": "https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/DOE-HDBK-1016-93_VOL2.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Electrical Drawing Symbols: 4 Core Diagram Types",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/electrical-drawing-symbols/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Battery Symbol: Cells, Multi-Cell Notation & Polarity",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/battery-symbol/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Switch Symbol in Electrical Schematics & Floor Plans",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/switch-symbol/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Outlet Symbol (Receptacle) in Electrical Drawings",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/outlet-symbol/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Content responsibility and review status",
          "url": "https://elect-learn.org/en/methodology/"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "dateModified": "2026-10-29",
  "datePublished": "2026-10-29",
  "publisher": {
    "name": "Elect Learn",
    "url": "https://elect-learn.org"
  },
  "review": {
    "status": "not-independently-reviewed",
    "statement": "No independent professional review is recorded. Cited sources do not imply review or endorsement by those organizations.",
    "policyUrl": "https://elect-learn.org/en/methodology/"
  }
}