Bell code
{{Short description|Sounds used on passenger trains for communication between the driver and guard}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{about|the guard-driver communication codes|bell codes used between signal boxes|Railway block code|the electronic codes used by teletype machines, computer terminals and terminal emulators|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
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!Signal | ||
| 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 ({{langx|ja|車内連絡合図|Shanai renraku aizu}}). Each code must be acknowledged by the receiver. Examples of common railway bell codes are:
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!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.
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!Signal | |
| _ | 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