Dimmer switch electrical symbol IEC 60617 — what it represents, where it appears in UK electrical drawings, and how it relates to the rest of the symbol library.
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Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
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01 · Symbol Reference
A switch with a variable resistor or electronic dimming module that controls light output. Specify type — leading-edge for incandescent, trailing-edge or LED-rated for modern LED drivers.
Used in: Living areas, dining rooms, bedrooms; check the dimmer is compatible with the driver type.
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02 · Symbol Reference
A switch with a variable resistor or electronic dimming module that controls light output. Specify type — leading-edge for incandescent, trailing-edge or LED-rated for modern LED drivers.
03 · Symbol Reference
Living areas, dining rooms, bedrooms; check the dimmer is compatible with the driver type.
For the full set of switch symbols, see the Switch Symbols reference page — covering every related symbol with the same level of installation context.
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04 · Symbol Reference
Other switch symbols you may need on the same drawing:
A single switch that breaks or makes the live conductor to a load from one position. The most common domestic switch — used for a single lighting circuit controlled from one location.
Used in: Most lighting circuits, fans, immersion heaters, fixed loads with single control.
A switch with two fixed contacts and one common, allowing control of the same load from two locations. Always used in pairs with a second 2-way switch (e.g. staircase, hall-and-landing).
Used in: Staircases, halls with two entries, long corridors, bedrooms with both door and bedhead switches.
A four-terminal switch wired between two 2-way switches to give control from three or more locations. The strappers cross over inside the switch.
Used in: Long corridors with three or more entries, large open-plan areas, stairs with mid-landing switch.
A switch with a variable resistor or electronic dimming module that controls light output. Specify type — leading-edge for incandescent, trailing-edge or LED-rated for modern LED drivers.
Used in: Living areas, dining rooms, bedrooms; check the dimmer is compatible with the driver type.
Two switches in one plate, each controlling a separate circuit. Often shown as a single symbol with two action lines or as two adjacent switch symbols on the drawing.
Used in: Bathrooms (light + extractor fan), kitchens (main light + over-cooker light), living rooms (two zones).
A ceiling-mounted switch operated by a hanging cord. Required in zone 1 and zone 2 of bathrooms where wall switches inside the room are not permitted under BS 7671 Section 701.
Used in: Bathrooms (BS 7671 701.512.3 compliant), shower rooms, en-suites; also used for high-level switches.
A 3-pole isolating switch that disconnects live, neutral and switched-live to a bathroom extractor fan. Required for safe maintenance — must be accessible but outside the bathroom zones.
Used in: Outside bathroom door, above the fan or in an adjacent room; needed on every extractor fan installation.
A switch incorporating a passive infrared movement sensor. Turns the load on when motion is detected and off after a programmed time-out. Often combined with a manual override.
Used in: Toilets, corridors, stairwells, loft hatches, security lighting; reduces energy use in low-occupancy areas.
A switch that controls load duration — either a momentary push-to-time or a 24-hour/weekly programmable timer. Common for immersion heaters, towel rails, and outdoor lighting.
Used in: Hot water tanks, towel rails, security lights, irrigation systems, signage lighting.
A switch operated only with a key — used where unauthorised operation must be prevented. Common in schools, retail, plant rooms and emergency override circuits.
Used in: School halls, server rooms, retail shutters, emergency overrides, alarm bypass switches.
A latching push-button that immediately disconnects supply to dangerous equipment. Mushroom head, red on yellow background. Must be reset deliberately — twist-release or key-reset.
Used in: Workshops, kitchens (cooker isolation), production lines, lifts, swimming pool plant rooms.
A switching device that fully isolates a circuit or item of equipment for maintenance. Must be lockable in the OFF position per BS 7671 Section 537. Different from a functional switch.
Used in: Boilers, immersion heaters, EV chargers, solar PV DC isolators, sub-mains, plant equipment.
A 45A double-pole switch with a neon indicator, used for high-load fixed appliances. Switches both live and neutral. Often labelled with the load it controls.
Used in: Electric showers, panel heaters, immersion tanks, towel rails — anything above 13A.
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