Bell code

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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 or Buzzer codes (US Communication Signal Appliance codes) are 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.

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[]

  • Railway block code - bell codes used between manually operated signal boxes
  • 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. ^ "F. Duties of Staff Working Trains during Journey". Indian Government Railways General Rules. South Eastern Railway. 1999. 4.51. Bell signals between Driver and Guard. Retrieved 16 February 2010.[permanent dead link]
  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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