Basic Signalling Principles and

Associated Circuitry
By Roy Thompsett

2HHR 2HR 2DR

2 HHEPR 2 (M)HHE

2 (A)HHE

2HR 2DR

2 ECR 2 DEPR 2 (M)DE

2 (A)DE

2DR

2 HEPR 2 (M)HE

2 (A)HE

2HR

2 REPR 2 (M)RE

2 (A)RE

Book Two: Signalling Diagrams, Sketches

and Plans
Ebook 2 CONTENTS

The Basic Symbol………………………….2

Relays……………………………………….5
Slow Acting Relays………………………..16
Thumb Switches…………………………...17
Levers……………………………………… 20
Buttons and Switches……………………..22
Points………………………………………..23
Diagrams – misc………………………… .24
Power Supplies……………………… ……25
Signal Plans and Sketches/Signals…..….26
Plungers………………………..………… ..30
Track Circuits…………………… …………30
Signal Plans – misc……………… ……….31
Automatic Warning System……… ………32
Routes……………………………… ……...33
Self Assessment Questions……… ………34
Self Assessment Answers………… …….37
Conclusion ………………….38

Signalling Diagrams, Sketches and Plans Roy

Thompsett

Page | 1
 Symbols for circuit diagrams,
3 Hours signalling plans and sketches
What you should be able to do

At the end of this session you should be able to:

 Recognise the most common symbols used in railway signalling diagrams and plans.

Having a basic understanding of railway signalling, the next stage is to

understand the symbols that are used and how they are used in signalling
diagrams, plans and sketches.

Basic Symbols

There is no easy way of learning all of these symbols quickly. The more that you use
diagrams and plans the more you will get used to symbols. Obviously the ones that
are used frequently will be remembered more easily. There are some however that
are used rarely and may not be encountered at all throughout your service on the
NetworkRail infrastructure. In this section you will discover the more common
symbols met and as such will give you a working knowledge to enable the reading of
diagrams, plans and sketches. These symbols are contained within the NetworkRail
Track Signalling Design Handbook and NetworkRail Signalling Installation
Handbook which, depending upon which of these functions you will be involved,
should be available for reference and used as and where required. These are
controlled documents that require updating to meet current standards. Let's look first
at symbols found in Signalling Diagrams.

All Railway Signalling Diagrams are "written circuits". That is to say they are straight
line diagrams with component parts joined together as in writing and is written in the
order in which it is, or is to be, joined together. The basic symbol used is shown
below.

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Inside the basic symbol will be letters and possibly numbers that form a code. These
letters/numbers are divided into three parts:

i) The first letter(s) or number that relates to the lever, signal, points or track
circuit concerned. If letters are used they are normally hyphenated e.g.
"AB".

ii) The remaining letters with the exception of the last letter (known as the
prefix) designates the general purpose of the unit.

iii) The last letter denotes the type of apparatus.

The full list of the meanings of each letter, whether prefix or last, is shown on the
following page. To give an example to check against, study the following diagram.

The three elements read as follows:

i) 10, Number of the signal, track cct, etc.

ii) TAS, (preceding letters) T -Track
A - Approach
S - Stick
iii) R, (last letter) Relay

Put the three together and the basic symbol now becomes a unit called "10 Track
Approach Stick Relay).

Having discussed the code we can now look at the most common written circuit
symbols.

Page | 3
 Description Term (Prefix Letter) Apparatus (Last Letter)

A Approach Locking; Automatic

A
B Block. Bolt B Block Instrument

C Checking or Proving; Coding C Contact

D Clear (Green); Decoding

D
E Light; Heat (externally applied). Emergency; Earth E Electric Lamp (illuminating); Earth

F Fog F Fogging Apparatus (e.g. Detonator Placer)

f Fuse

G Signal G Signal Apparatus (including Light Signals)

g Lightning Arrester

H Caution (yellow) H Capacitor

HH Preliminary Caution (double yellow)

I Inductor
I
J Time (delayed action) J Rectifier

K Indicating or Detecting K Indicator (visual)

L Locking; Left L Lock

M Marker; Magnetic M Motor

N Normal N Release; Hand Operated Switch; Push Button or Key

O Retarder O Resistor

P Repeating P Lever Latch or Trigger Contact

Q Treadle or Bar Q Local Coil of Double-Element Relay

R Reverse; Right; Danger (Red) R Relay or Contactor (Line or Track Element of Double-Element Relay

S Stick
S
T Track Circuit T Transformer; Transmitter

T Terminal

U Route (Aspect displayed to be shownIn brackets) U Train Description Apparatus (for route indicating)

V Trainstop. TPWS V Trainstop Apparatus

W Points W Points Operating Apparatus

X Audible Indicator (such as bell, buzzer, horn) Level or Highway Crossing X Audible Indicator (such as bell, buzzer, horn)

Y Slotting or Disengaging Y Disengaging Apparatus

Z Special (to be explained on plan) Z Special Unit (to be explained on plan)

UP Up (direction of traffic)

DN Down (direction of traffic)

Page | 4
Relays

The letter "R" being the last letter within the basic symbol makes the unit a relay.
However there are many styles of relay with different functions and operations. Such
is the importance of the relay that some time and effort will be required to fully
familiarise yourself with the workings of and the different styles of relay in use today.

Older style
relay still found
in use today

Note

This session on relays, and in particular the contacts of relays, is extremely important and you should not
progress further with these ebooks until you are completely satisfied that you have mastered the
information. Past experience in a classroom environment has found approximately 50% of participants
have trouble mastering the concept of relay contacts. With this in mind the explanations accompanying this
session have been simplified. You may find them over simplified in which case apologies are made.
However, because of the importance of this subject in relation to future ebooks and to ensure that all
participants can attain the knowledge required we will keep it simple.

What is a relay?

A relay is an electro-magnetic device. That is to say that it consists of a coil of wire

wound round a soft iron core.
Soft iron c ore

Page | 5
If we apply a power source (say a battery) to the coil such that the current flows
through the iron coil the iron core becomes a magnet
Soft
Softiron
ironcore
core

If we remove the supply the iron core loses its magnetism

Soft iron core

If we add a switch to the circuit we can energise the relay by switching on. The red
line shows the flow of current

Or de-energise the relay by switching off

Page | 6
On railway diagrams the relay is shown as the “basic symbol”. This diagram
includes all of the elements of the last diagram, the battery, switch, wiring and relay.
If we look at it with the switch closed the current flow, shown in red, will energise the
relay.

+ _
Relay

And when the switch is open the current is stopped at the switch and the relay de-
energises and drops.

Switch
off

+ _
Relay

Diagrams are hard copies and are therefore not interactive. When you look at a
diagram you will need to look at the components and work out what should happen.
All of the information is there. If the switch is closed then the current will flow through
the switch to the relay. The return to the negative is shown, thus the circuit is
complete, We have a positive and a negative either side of the relay and therefore
the relay will energise. The relay is used to prove a situation or situations. In the
case of our relay it proves the position of the switch. If the switch is closed the relay
is energised. If the switch is open the relay is de-energised.

Switc h
off

+ _
Relay

Page | 7
The next stage is to examine the relay contacts. We saw from our initial look at the
operation of the relay that it is an electro-magnet. When it became energised the
soft iron core became a magnet and picked up the tacks. When it was de-energised
it lost its magnetic properties and the tacks dropped. In the next two diagrams study
the movement of what is known as the armature and how it is used to operate a set
of contacts.

Armature

When the relay is energised these contacts make. When the relay becomes de-
energised the contacts break. They can therefore be used in other circuits to prove
the position of the relay. See the following diagram. This shows the contact of Relay
“A”, when made completes the circuit to operate Relay “B”.

Page | 8
These contacts (circled in the previous diagram) which make when a relay becomes
energised are known as front contacts and are shown on diagrams as follows:

Front contact

The official term for this contact is “Contact of non polarised relay made when the
relay is energised”. Non polarised means that the relay will become energised
whichever way round the power supply is connected to its coils. See following
diagram

The following diagram shows how the two relay situation, that is Relay “A” being
energised by the switch and Relay “B” being energised by the front contact of Relay
“A” is shown on straight line diagrams”.

Page | 9
We are strictly discussing basic circuitry at this moment in time. Later we will see
that relays consist of not just one set of contacts but many sets. How each set is
identified will be discussed later. Also the power supply and how it is indicated will
be discussed later.

So far we have seen how we prove that a relay is energised by using a “front”
contact of that relay. In circuitry however we may also wish to prove that a relay is
de-energised. In our example Relay “B” de-energised will prove that the switch is
open. This is achieved by using a “Back” contact. In the following diagram we can
see that with the relay de-energised the pair of contacts shown are made.

When the relay becomes energised this “back” contact will break. See the following
diagram.

The “back” contact made when the relay is de-energised is shown on a wiring
diagram as follows

Page | 10
 Back contact

The official term for this “back” contact is “Contact of non polarised relay made when
the relay is de-energised”.

Let us look at how this back contact is used in circuitry. We will do this by
introducing a third relay, Relay “C” which will become energised when the switch is
open and Relay “A” is de-energised (or what is commonly known as down)

When the switch is closed Relay “A” becomes energised, its back contacts break
and Relay “C” de-energises (or drops).

Page | 11

( o gatu
co etact)
Let us examine how that last diagram would be displayed on a straight line diagram.

+ _
Relay “A”

Relay “A”
+ _
Relay “C”

As mentioned before a relay may have many contacts and maybe a mixture of front
and back contacts. The next diagram shows in principle Relay “A” with both a front
and back contact with first the switch open…….

Page | 12
…and now closed.

Now let us re cap on the circuitry that we have built so far. Relay “A” is energised by
the switch being operated to the closed position. Relay “B” is energised when relay
“A” becomes energised. Relay “C” becomes energised when Relay “A” is de-
energised.

Let us look at what is actually being proved.

Relay “A” when energised (up) proves the switch operated to closed.
Relay “A” when de-energised (down) proves the switch open.

Relay “B” when energised (up) proves Relay “A” energised (up) and switch
operated to closed.
Relay “B” when de-energised proves Relay “A” de-energised (down) and switch
operated to open.

Relay “C” when energised (proves Relay “A” de-energised (down) and switch
operated to open.
Relay “C” when de-energised (down) proves Relay “A” energised (up) and switch
operated to closed.

In the last two diagrams you will notice that the armature feeds both front and back
contacts. This contact arrangement is called a dependant arrangement. See
following diagram.

Page | 13
 Depe nda nt Conta c t Arra ng em ent

Bac k
Front
Arm ature

Particularly with the plug into type of relay employed at many installations
throughout the rail network separate armatures for each contact are used. This type
of contact arrangement is called “Independent”. See following diagram.

Ind ep e nd a nt Conta c t Arra ng e ment

Ba ck
Front
Arm a ture
Arm a ture

The relays that we have discussed so far are the most common found in signalling
systems. They meet most demands requiring a “yes/no” answer. Is the track circuit
occupied or clear? Is a switch closed or open? Has a relay been energised or not?
There are certain situations however where instead of requiring just two possibilities
we require three. Take a set of points for example. They may be Normal, Reverse or
neither (e.g. moving from normal to reverse). A semaphore signal may be proved
“On” or “Off” but it could be between say at 15 degrees. One method of achieving
the proving of three possibilities is to replace the non polarised relay with a
polarised relay.

Page | 14
 Arma ture

No rma l Reverse

This relay, as its name suggests is polarity dependant.

If we energise the coil of the relay the armature will move in one direction.

Arma ture

_
+

Norma l Reverse

If we energise the coil of the relay with the polarity reversed the armature will move
in the opposite direction.

Page | 15
One direction is known as normal or “N” and the opposite as reverse or “R”. If the
coil is not energised neither “N” or “R” contacts are connected to the armature.

The above shows a contact of a polarised relay required energised in its “Normal”
position to be made

Double Coil or Double Element Relay

This symbol denotes that the relay has two coils. The dotted line shows that
reference to the other circuit is required. There are a number of relays that require
two coils for their operation. Some of these will be discussed in future sessions.

Slow Acting Relays

Relays (slow to drop)

This symbol denotes there is a delay between the removal of the operating current
and the release of the relay. Commonly known as slow to drop. The time lapse
between the current being removed and the relay dropping varies considerably
between milli-seconds and several seconds. We will encounter a number of slow to
drop relays in ebook 3, Circuitry, and the reasons for the delay will be explained
then.

Page | 16
 Relays (slow to pick)

This symbol denotes that there is a delay between the application of the operating
current and the energisation of the relay. Commonly known as slow to pick. We will
encounter a slow to pick relay in ebook 5 relating to Point operation, again the
reason for the delay will become apparent at that stage.

Thumb Switches

Thumb switches are used for a number of signalling functions. The required
positions of these switches are shown on the wiring diagrams. For example a two-
position thumb switch will be shown as required in either the normal position "N" or
reverse position "R".

If the circuit requires the switch in the normal position it will be shown as follows:

Page | 17
If the circuit requires the switch to be in the reverse position it will be shown as:

R
Where circuits are fed from both normal and reverse positions of the switch they will
be shown as:

N or N

R R

Photo of 3 position thumb switch

The next diagram shows an example of where a 3 position thumb switch would be
used as a point switch on a panel.

Page | 18
The standard position of a switch on a panel is in its central position. This will allow
the points to swing either to their Normal or Reverse position dependant on which
route is set.

In more modern signalling installations the signaller sets the route by pressing
buttons or by use of a pointer on a screen positioned by use of a mouse. In this case
referring the above diagram, if the signaller set a route from number 1 signal to
number 2 signal 5 points would need to be reverse. If the points were standing
normal and the switch was in its central position when the route was set then the
points would automatically move to reverse without the signaller having to move the
switch. If the points were standing reverse then they would already be in their
required position.

If a route was set from number 1 signal to number 3 signal then 5 points would be
required normal. If they were standing reverse and the switch was in its central
position when the route was set then the points would automatically move to their
normal position without the signaller having to move the point switch. Again if the
points were already normal when the route was set this way then the points are
already in their required position.

N R

If the signaller wanted to move the points without setting a route, say for unusual
moves or for testing the points, the points can be moved by setting the switch to the
required position, as above. The points will, if it is safe to do so, move to the switch
position. When the points are set to the normal or reverse position by the positioning
of the point switch the points are said to be “pegged”. When pegged the points will
not move automatically when a route is set.

Three position thumb switches are shown as being either centre "C", left "Lt" or right
"Rt". These are shown as follows:

Page | 19
Multi-position thumb switches are shown as being normal or in their relevant
positions. These are shown as follows:

Levers

There are many lever frames still in use today. In addition many remote locations
use "Ground Frames" which, by use of locally mounted levers, operate simple
layouts. Where levers are used the position of the lever needs to be proved in many
of the operating and protecting signalling circuits. Mechanical controllers that turn in
unison with the lever achieve this. Electrical bands rotate within the controller and
are set to detect the position(s) of the lever at any given time.

The following diagram shows the positions of the lever. When it is in the frame it is in
the normal position (N). When the lever is pulled fully out of the frame it is in the
reverse position (R). Between normal and reverse (through the lever ark there are
positions A, B, C, D and E respectively.

Page | 20
When a circle contains just one letter it means that the contacts are only made when
the lever is in that position. For example an "R" band would only be made when the
lever was in the reverse position. The following diagram shows an example of how
an “R” lever band is shown in circuitry. The large number above denotes the lever
and the smaller number the position of the band on the controller.

15
R
3

Page | 21
Where two letters are contained within the circle it means that the contacts would be
made at and between the two positions. An "AE" band would not be made with the
lever normal. As it is pulled towards the reverse it would make as soon as the lever
reached the "A" position and would remain connected until the lever had passed the
"E" position.

15
AE
5

Buttons and Switches

Below are the symbols used for a number of common switches and buttons used:

Push Button or Plunger "Break"

Push Button or Plunger "Make"

Push Button or Plunger "Break and Make"

Page | 22
 Switch One Way Hand Operated

Switch Two Way Operated

Points

The various types of points and their modes of operation are covered later in this
course. Below however are some of the most common symbols encountered in
wiring diagrams.

Detector Contacts – Points Only Detector Contacts – Points Only

Contacts Closed – Points in “Normal” Position Contacts Closed – Points in
“Reverse” Position

Point & Bolt Numbers Point & Bolt Numbers

10/11 10/11

Detector Contacts – Points and Bolt Detector Contacts – Points and

Contacts closed – Points in Bolt Contacts closed – Points in
“Normal” Position – Bolt in “Reverse” Position – Bolt in

Page | 23
Miscellaneous

Below is shown a selection of other common apparatus/component symbols found

in wiring diagrams:

Resistor (General Symbol) Resistor - Variable

Inductor (General Symbol) Inductor - Variable

Inductor with Iron Core Capacitor - Fixed

Capacitor - Variable Capacitor (Electrolytic)

Open Plate is Positive

Transformer Rectifier – Half Wave

Page | 24
 Rectifier Set Demarcation between Internal
and external (concave internal)

or
E

Earth Connection Terminal Block

Fuse Lightening Arrestor – Surge

Absorber

Power supplies

The type of power supply, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) and
the voltage are shown as follows:

Page | 25
 D.C. B50 B = Positive of D.C.

50 =50 volts
N50 N = Negative of D.C. Supply

A.C BX110 BX = Live of A.C. Supply

110=110 volts

Nx110 NX = Return of A.C.

Signal Plans and Sketches.

The following symbols are the most common found in signal plans and sketches:

Signals

The most common arrangement of Signal Aspects

Multi Aspect Signals

Page | 26
The normal aspect of the signal are indicated by a double line through the aspect. A
controlled signal would normally show a red aspect and, depending upon its position
with the next controlled signal, an automatic signal would show green.

Note This is no longer common practice, on new installation plans the normal
aspects are only shown where confusion may arise. Where they are still used they
are shown as follows.

A section of automatic signals leading up to a controlled signal would be shown on

the plan as follows:

Page | 27
 Yellow aspects capable of flashing are shown as follows:

Position Light Junction Indicators are shown as follows. Note that only those
numbered routes available would be shown:

Signal with Standard indicator (sometimes called theatre type) are shown as follows:

Note: Standard indicators were multi lamp rout indicators (MLRS) and are
commonly known as “Theatre” type route indicators. They are now being fast
replaced by fibre optic types as the definition is better at longer range

Page | 28

3
Shunting and Subsidiary Signals are shown as follows

Position Light Signals - Ground and elevated

Position Light - Subsidiary Signal

Common Facilities provided on panels for Signals

The “A” button on a panel indicates that the signal it applies to has the facility to be
operated as an automatic signal when pushed by the signaller. Pulling this button
returns the signal to red (controlled).

The “E” button on a panel indicates that although the signal is an automatic signal
the signaller has the facility to pull the button and place the signal to danger in the
case of an emergency.

Page | 29
Plungers

T.A. (Train Arrived)

Not a common plunger. It is used at locations remote from the signaller and is
pressed by a member of the train crew when the train has arrived complete into for
example a yard or siding.

T.R.S. (Train Ready To Start)

This is a more common plunger and is used by platform staff or train crew to inform
the signaller that the train is ready to depart. Particularly in busy areas it is important
that the signaller is aware of when trains are ready to depart as once a route has
been set it would lock up other routes. If the train did not depart immediately it could
hold up other trains which otherwise could have continued.

R.A. (Right Away)

This plunger is used where the driver may have difficulty in receiving permission to
depart. An example would be on a platform with a severe curve. The Guard of the
train presses the plunger which then gives the driver an indication when to depart.

S.R. (Shunters Release)

This is a plunger which when operated allows the shunter to make moves which
would otherwise be dangerous without the signallers knowledge. Once operated it
also ties up the signaller from making moves which are dangerous until the shunter
returns the release to the signaller.

Track Circuits
The following symbols and their explanations are in relation to track circuits.

Track Circuit - Eutectic strip

(This is a welded strip of special metal applied to the top of the rail in areas of poor
rail condition, such as terminus platforms, to ensure trains are detected)
Page | 30
 Extent of Overlap - 200 yds from Signal

180

Extent of Overlap if other than 200 yards e.g. if 180 yards.

ROL
64

Restricted Overlap Associated with Delayed Yellow Aspect e.g. if 64 yards

Extent of Overlap on Bi-Directional Lines to Indicate Direction of Traffic Applying to

Overlap

Miscellaneous signs

The following gives a number of miscellaneous signs that can be found on signalling
diagrams and plans. This is followed by a list of symbols relating to the Automatic
Warning System (AWS).

Page | 31
 30
50
60

Permanent Speed Notice Board

Restriction Board Legend Shown Mile Post Kilometre Post

Warning Horn Sign Signal Box

Level Crossing

Telephone
Limit of Shunt Ground Frame
Discreet Safety or Signalling

Misc ellaneous
Miscellaneous

AWS – Unidirectional lines.

Permanent magnet. Electro magnet
provided if signal can show a green
aspect. 200 yards from signal .
AWS Bi -Directional lines, effective only
for direction of traffic indicated by
arrows. Suppressor implicit for other
direction. Electro magnets as required
for green aspects.
AWS Cancelling
Indicator

AWS effective for both

directions.Electro magnet provided Inductor associated with 2
for green aspects as required. signals. Dimension is to the
signal to which the arrow
points. AWS Commencement of
gap

Where an inductor is other than 200

yards from signal the distance is to be AWS Termination of gap
shown e.g.180 yards.

AUTOMATIC WARNING SYSTEMS

Page | 32
Routes

As would be expected straight lines are used to indicate the routes covered together
with converging and diverging routes. The plans are drawn to include nomenclature,
e.g. "Up" and Down" together with the numeric of all signals and points. As was
mentioned in ebook one, the drawings are shown as if all the points were in their
"normal" position which is not always the straight route. Study the following
diagrams.

Diagram “A” shows that the normal route (the points in their normal position) would
be set to 1. Diagram "B" shows the normal route would be the straight route through
to 2.

It is now time to assess your progress in Self Assessment Diagrams and

Plans. This is a short self assessment as in the following ebooks you will have
many opportunities to follow diagrams.

Page | 33
 Self Assessment Questions

Diagrams and Plans

Question 1
What type of relay is this?

Question 2
What type of relay is this?

Question 3 Study the following diagram.

a) When would relay “A” become energised?

b) When would relay “B” become energised?
c) When would relay “C” become energised?

Question 4 Study diagram from question 3 again and from its equivalent straight line
diagram below write down the information that would be contained in boxes A,
B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I .

Page | 34
 A B
_50 _50
C
Relay “_”

E
Relay “_”
F
D G _50
_50 Relay “_”

H
Relay “_”
I
Relay “_”

Question 5

What type of contact is this?

Question 6 12

When would this contact be “made”?

Question 7 On a Plan what does this symbol denote?

Page | 35
Question 8

On a Plan what does this symbol denote?

Page | 36
 Self Assessment Answers

Signal Diagrams and Plans

1. Slow to drop relay

2. Slow to pick relay
3. A) When the switch is closed
B) When Relay “A” is energised (Up)
C) When Relay “A” is de-energised (Down)

4. A B

B N
C “A”
D B
E “A”
F N
G “B”
H “A”
I “C”

5. 3 Position Polarised Relay contact made when the Relay is energised in its
“Normal” position.

6. Detector Contacts – Points and Bolt Contacts closed – Points in “Reverse”

Position – Bolt in

7. Signal Box

8. A “4 aspect” colour light signal normally displaying a double yellow aspect

Page | 37
Conclusion

It is important that you are comfortable with Relay contact symbols, front and back,
polarised and non-polarised. With regards to the other symbols, these will become
more familiar as you get to work with them. What you have studied in this ebook are
the most common symbols used both in wiring diagrams and plans and sketches.
You will almost certainly come across other symbols. Refer to the relevant
instruction for explanation. One very important point here, If you are unsure about a
particular symbol seek advice.

We can now start looking at basic signalling circuitry. Now it starts to become very
interesting as we see how to achieve the lighting of signals and operation of other
equipment safely.

Page | 38