Electric generator is an energy transducer that transforms non-electric energy (mechanical, chemical, solar, nuclear etc.) into electric energy. DC and AC generators are distinguished.
The term generator has a broader meaning. The term means any system or device that can produce or generate any output signal.
After extensive analysis of relevant standards (IEC and IEEE) I have prepared a complete list of electrical generator symbols, which you can read below.
See also: electric motor symbols ►
| Symbol | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Name: Electric generator, rotating, general Source: IEC 60417-2020 | – |
 | Name: Electric generator, general Source: IEC 60617-2019 | – |
 | Name: Static generator, general symbol Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | A1 |
 | Name: Generator, DC, compound excited (short shunt) Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | A2 |
 | Name: Synchronous generator, three-phase with permanent magnet Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | A2 |
 | Name: Synchronous generator, three-phase, star connected, neutral brought out Source: IEC 60617-2019 | A2 |
 | Name: Synchronous generator, three-phase, both ends of each phase winding brought out Source: IEC 60617-2019 | A2 |
 | Name: Thermoelectric generator, with combustion heat source Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Thermoelectric generator with non-ionizing radiation heat source Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Thermoelectric generator with radio-isotope heat source Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Thermionic diode generator with non-ionizing radiation heat source Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Thermionic diode generator with radioisotope heat source Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Photovoltaic generator Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Laser used as a generator Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | A3 |
 | Name: Signal generator, general symbol Alternative name: Waveform generator Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | A4 |
 | Name: Sine-wave generator, 500 Hz Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Saw-tooth generator, 500 Hz Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Pulse generator Source: IEC 60617-2019, ANSI/IEEE Std 315A-1986 | – |
 | Name: Sine-wave generator with adjustable frequency Source: IEC 60617-2019 | – |
 | Name: Hall generator with four connections Source: IEC 60617-2019 | – |
 | Name: Magneto Alternative name: Hand generator Source: IEEE Std 315-1993 | – |
 | Name: Tachometer generator Source: IEC 60417-2020 | – |
 | Name: Generator, direct-current Alternative names: Dynamo, DC generator Source: IEEE Std 315-1993 | – |
 | Name: Generator, alternating-current Alternative names: AC generator Source: IEEE Std 315-1993 | – |
Notes
A1:
For a rotary generator, use symbol 
.
A2:
The symbols 
and 
may be added, as shown in many of the examples.
A3:
The symbol, consisting of a downwards pointing vertical arrow between two horizontal lines, represents the transition from one energy level to a lower one. It should be drawn in the lower left-hand corner of the square.
A4:
Suitable symbols or legends shall be inserted in or added to the symbol outline to indicate the type of object.
