What does the Direct current (DC) symbol look like?

A solid horizontal line above a line of three equal dashes. It is also called “DC”, “DC output”, “DC symbol”, “direct current” and “solid and dashed line”.

Which standard defines the Direct current (DC) symbol?

It is listed as IEC 60417-5031.

Direct current (DC) symbol: a solid horizontal line above a line of three equal dashes — IEC 60417-5031

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Chargers and power adapters Consumer electronics

Direct current (DC)

A solid horizontal line above a line of three equal dashes. · also called “DC”, “DC output”, “DC symbol”, “direct current”, “solid and dashed line”

What the Direct current (DC) symbol means

Direct current rating or connection

Shows that a voltage, current or connection is direct current. On chargers, adapters and devices it usually sits next to the DC side: the adapter output and the device's DC input socket (for example 15 V with this symbol and 1.5 A), or a USB port's supply (5 V, 1 A). The mains side is marked with the wave (~) for alternating current instead.

Source · Manufacturer manual Medion micro audio system with voice assistant, operating instructions (English section) · checked Nov 11, 2026

Where it appears

Chargers and power adapters

IEC 60417
—This meaning

Questions about the Direct current (DC) symbol

What does the Direct current (DC) symbol mean?: Shows that a voltage, current or connection is direct current. On chargers, adapters and devices it usually sits next to the DC side: the adapter output and the device's DC input socket (for example 15 V with this symbol and 1.5 A), or a USB port's supply (5 V, 1 A). The mains side is marked with the wave (~) for alternating current instead.
What does the Direct current (DC) symbol look like?: A solid horizontal line above a line of three equal dashes. It is also called “DC”, “DC output”, “DC symbol”, “direct current” and “solid and dashed line”.
Which standard defines the Direct current (DC) symbol?: It is listed as IEC 60417-5031.

Checked against the source · Nov 11, 2026 · How we verify

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