Subject: Missing 3-pole motor protection switch symbol with thermal and current protection in IEC library (AutoCAD Electrical 2026)

[178682HPZQ7]

I am a student currently using AutoCAD Electrical 2026 – English version under an educational license.

While working with the IEC symbol libraries, I have noticed that a specific symbol I need is missing from my environment.

Here is what I currently have access to:

3-pole motor protection switches with maximum thermal and minimum voltage protection

3-pole motor protection switches with maximum thermal/current and minimum voltage protection

1-pole motor protection switch with maximum thermal and current protection

However, I do not have a 3-pole version of the motor protection switch with maximum thermal and current protection only (i.e., without any voltage indication or control).

I would like to ask:

Is this symbol part of the complete IEC library in AutoCAD Electrical 2026?

Do I possibly have an incomplete IEC symbol installation?

Should I download additional symbol packs or manufacturer libraries to access this symbol?

Any guidance or download links would be greatly appreciated, as I need this specific symbol to complete my schematic properly.

Best regards,

[arshdeepsingh404]

Hi @178682HPZQ7 

I don't think you have an incomplete library.

Here is snip of the AutoCAD Electrical 2026 3 pole circuit breakers.

If you don't find the symbol that are looking for in the icon menu than it doesn't exist and it's very unlikely that you would be able to download it from online somewhere.

The icon menu is just a very good starting point for the basic symbols you would need and most of the user start creating their own catalogs from these symbols.
If you hover over any icon, it will tell you the name of the block and the dwg for the block could be found under:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade 2026\Libs\iec2

I would recommend using symbol builder to create new symbols. You can find some good tutorials online on how to create new symbols if you haven't used symbol builder yet.

I am not sure what your missing symbol is supposed to look like, if you want to quickly draw and share it here, i can help you convert it into an AutoCAD Electrical symbol.

[178682HPZQ7]

I would like to use a symbol for a 3-pole motor protection switch like the one shown on the left side of the image. On the right side, I see 3-pole versions with additional voltage inputs, but I am not interested in those. The only symbol that matches what I need is the single-pole version, but I need it as a 3-pole version.

[caddude1]

Symbol buider is your only option to create a symbol you need. I have been creating my own library for fifteen years. I do not really use the default symbology in many areas, as our engineers prefer a certain style, which does not often align with Autodesk. A basic tutorial session when you are ready to create symbols is suggested. The symbol you build today, if done well, will be a base for future ones, so attention to detail is important. Consistency in symbol design will produce a quality drawing. I recommend that you establish a shared server location for your custom symbols, and all users have their pathing set to it in their profiles.

If you want any suggestions on this, let me know. I have learned the hard way that it is important to start right. My library currently has 300 plus symbols in it.

[arshdeepsingh404 · Accepted solution]

So according to your image, you want a symbol like this:

Try following this video tutorial:

[rhesusminus · Accepted solution]

Or.. You can add it to the icon menu:

The command is:

wd_3unit VCB11Q21 VCB21THI

And, as always... 

This is a standard symbol that everyone else has in their IEC symbol library by default, like Eplan:

[arshdeepsingh404]

Hi @178682HPZQ7 

Were you able to resolve the issue using one of the video walkthroughs, or would you like some additional support?

[achateacher]

It sounds like the specific 3-pole motor protection switch symbol you're looking for isn't included in the standard IEC library by default in AutoCAD Electrical 2026.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Check for Complete Installation – Make sure your IEC library is fully installed (IEC4 or similar path).
2. Create a Custom Symbol – You can use the Symbol Builder to quickly make a custom version based on similar symbols.
3. Download Additional Libraries – Autodesk and manufacturers like Siemens or Schneider may offer extra symbol libraries. Check the Autodesk Electrical Content Portal.

[rhesusminus]

AI nonsense?