DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE

LAMP PROVING OF LED SIGNALS

L1-NAM-INS-018 Version: 1 Effective from: 13th December 2013

Approval

Amendment Record

Approval Date Version Description

13/12/2013 1 Initial Issue under MTM

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 13/12/2013 Next Review Date: 13/12/2015
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
LAMP PROVING OF LED SIGNALS
L1-NAM-INS-018 Version: 1 Effective from: 13th December 2013

Table of Contents

1. Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 3

2. Scope .............................................................................................................................. 3

3. Abbreviations and Acronyms........................................................................................ 3

4. Background .................................................................................................................... 3

5. The Issue ........................................................................................................................ 3

6. The Requirement ............................................................................................................ 3

7. Responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 4

8. References and Legislation........................................................................................... 4

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 13/12/2013 Next Review Date: 13/12/2015
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
LAMP PROVING OF LED SIGNALS
L1-NAM-INS-018 Version: 1 Effective from: 13th December 2013

1. Purpose
To provide clarification and a clear and definitive direction to contractors, design
consultants and CBI suppliers in regard to lamp proving and the associated requirements
within Metropolitan Train Infrastructure Lease (MTM Network), including the treatment of
the signal in rear and indications and alarms to signaller workstations. Lamp proving is a
function within the signalling system to indicate and protect against the event of a lamp
failure.

2. Scope
All incandescent and LED signals shall be lamp proved and for all new and altered
signalling works.

3. Abbreviations and Acronyms

CBI Computer Based Interlocking
LED Light Emitting Diode
MTBF Mean Time Between Failures
MTM Metro Trains Melbourne
SPAD Signal Passed At Danger
VRIOGS Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards

4. Background
The application of principles for lamp proving of signals varies across the MTM network
and in particular, from one CBI contractor to another. Many of the design practices are
attributable to legacy practices and products prior to the introduction of VRIOGS and the
continued use of these practices. In addition, the varied application of some signalling
principles results in: operational restrictions under some fault scenarios; non-conformances
to VRIOGS; and highlights omissions, ambiguities and contradictions within the VRIOGS.

5. The Issue
The principles relating to signal lamp proving within the MTM network are unclear.

6. The Requirement
The following requirements for lamp proving replace the requirements of VRIOGS 012.1
Section 6.10.9 c) and are derived from a MTM risk assessment held on 11th September
2013.
All incandescent and LED signals shall be lamp proved and for all new and altered
signalling works.
i. That all aspects on “A” arm signals be lamp proved.
ii. That all aspects on “B” arm signals be lamp proved.

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 13/12/2013 Next Review Date: 13/12/2015
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
LAMP PROVING OF LED SIGNALS
L1-NAM-INS-018 Version: 1 Effective from: 13th December 2013

iii. That lamp proving shall be performed to only capture the “ON” state or the “OFF”
state.
iv. That the signal in “the rear” of a signal with a “failed lamp” (imperfectly displayed) shall
display a warning aspect.
v. That a “lamp out” indication be displayed and alarmed on both the signaller’s train
control panels/workstations and signal maintainers workstation/ terminals, and also to
MTM signal fault centre. Signals may be grouped together for proving purposes.
Individual proving indications for each signal shall be provided in the equipment room.
Exceptions
i. If “A” arm or “B” arm is a fixed red (including marker lights) and directly fed from a local
supply then there is no need for lamp proving.
ii. There is no requirement for lamp proving for Low speed “C” light, dwarf signal,
Automatic “A” Light, Speed Indicator, Route Indication, Arrow Indicator, banner
indicator, co-acting signal, theatre type indicators

7. Responsibilities
Project managers, Network Asset Management and Infrastructure Delivery to ensure their
contractors, design consultants and CBI suppliers are aware of this requirement.

8. References and Legislation

VRIOGS 012.1 Signal Design and Documentation

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 13/12/2013 Next Review Date: 13/12/2015
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