Bell code

This article is about the guard-driver communication codes. For bell codes used between signal boxes, see Railway block code. For the electronic codes used by teletype machines, computer terminals and terminal emulators, see Bell character.

Bell codes, buzzer codes or Communication Signal Appliance codes entail a series of bells or buzzers used on passenger trains for communication between the driver and guard.

Great Britain and India

Signal Meaning in Great Britain[1] Meaning in India[2]
1 Stop Stop train
1—1 Zone of speed restriction over, resume prescribed speed
1—2 Close doors
2 Ready to start Start train
2—2 Do not open doors Passing automatic signal at 'on'
3 Set Back Guard required by driver
3—1 Lock central door locking
3—2—1 Testing doors
3—3 Guard required by driver, or guard or driver to speak on the telephone Guard's warning when the motorman exceeds the speed prescribed
3—3—1 Release central door locking
4 Slow down Protect train in rear
5 Driver/Guard leaving the train
6 Draw forward
9 Police assistance required

All codes, except 3—2—1, must be acknowledged by repeating the code received.

Japan

In Japan, these are known as In-Car Communication Signals (Japanese: 車内連絡合図, romanized: Shanai renraku aizu). Each code must be acknowledged by the receiver. Examples of common railway bell codes are:

Signal Meaning
• • — • • Buzzer Test
• Buzzer is OK
— Am I clear to proceed?
• • • The indicator light does not illuminate
• • Prepare to stop at the next station
• Acknowledgement for • •
• • — Please correct your stopping position
• — There is a problem
• — • Secure the train and track
— • • • — Driver and conductor to confer
— • — Power outage
Fast Tapping Cancel the last message sent

United States

In the United States, these are known as Communication Signal Appliance codes.

Signal Meaning[3]
_ When running, stop at once.
_ When standing, apply or release brakes.
o o When standing, start.
o o o When standing or running backward, back up two car lengths.
o o o When running forward, stop at next passenger station.
o o o o When standing, brakes have applied and released on rear car. Brake test completed.
o When spotting, switching, or making up trains, prepare to stop.

See also

  • Whistle codes - used by locomotives to communicate with signal boxes

References

  1. ^ "Preparation and movement of trains on ERTMS lines" (PDF). Rail Safety and Standards Board. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  2. ^ "Chapter IV F. Duties of Staff Working Trains during Journey" (PDF). Indian Railways General Rules. South Eastern Railway. 2011. 4.51. Bell signals between Driver and Guard. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Communicating Signal Appliance" (PDF). Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee. 2008. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
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