RS522 Iss 2

Uncontrolled When Printed
Document comes into force 07/06/2014

Supersedes RS522 Iss 1 on 07/06/2014
Superseded by RS522 Iss 3 on 05/12/2015
AWS and TPWS

Handbook
RS/522 Issue 2 June 2014

Published by:
RSSB
Block 2 Angel Square
1 Torrens Street
London EC1V 1NY
Contents approved by Traffic Operation
and Management Standards Committee.
For information regarding this document,

contact:
enquirydesk@rssb.co.uk
AWS and TPWS
Handbook
RS/522 First issued June 2012
Issue 2, June 2014
Copyright 2014
Rail Safety and Standards Board

You will need this AWS and TPWS

handbook if you carry out the duties
of a:
driver
signaller.
This symbol indicates extra information

or guidance regarding the instructions.

Contents
Automatic warning system

1.1
General information
1.2
Track equipment
1.3
Train equipment
1.4
AWS indications and their meanings
1.5
Areas where AWS is not provided
1.6
AWS suppression and AWS cancelling indicators
Train protection and warning system

2.1
General information
2.2
Track equipment
2.3
Train equipment
2.4
Signal box equipment
Failures and irregularities
Document comes
into force 07/06/2014
Automatic
warning
system
1.1
General information
1.1.1
Background
The Automatic Warning System (AWS) has been implemented as

the national warning system on the UK main line passenger
railway network since the 1950s.
1.1.2
The purpose of AWS
The original concept of AWS was to provide the driver with an

audible and visual indication of whether the distant signal was
clear or at caution.
Should the driver fail to respond to a warning indication, an
emergency brake application will be initiated.
Since the introduction of multi-aspect signalling, the majority of
signals are fitted with AWS.
It should be noted that AWS does not relieve the driver of the
responsibility of observing and obeying lineside signals and
indicators.
1.1.3
Provision of AWS
AWS consists of track and train equipment. The track equipment

consists of an AWS magnet that is normally provided 180 metres
(approximately 200 yards) on the approach to a signal. The AWS
magnet may be positioned at a greater distance from the signal on
high-speed lines or at a lesser distance from the signal on lower
speed and platform lines.
This system works by the train detecting sequences and polarities
of magnetic fields passing between the track equipment and the
train equipment via a receiver under the train.
At through stations where the permitted speed is 30 mph or less
and the layout is complex, AWStrack equipment need not be
provided. Where this occurs, these are called AWS gap areas.
Document comes into force

07/06/2014
Automatic
warning
system
AWS magnets are not provided at semaphore stop signals. Where

a distant signal is mounted on the same post as a semaphore stop
signal then AWS is provided for the distant signal.
Where a line is not fitted with AWS, this is shown in the Sectional
Appendix.
Where a reduction in permissible speed is provided with a warning
indicator (i.e. the permissible speed on the approach is 60 mph or
more and the reduction in the permissible speed is at least one
third) an AWS permanent magnet is provided 180 metres
(approximately 200 yards) on the approach to the warning
indicator. These are sometimes referred to as Morpeth magnets.
AWS magnets are also used to alert the driver to the following.
Level crossing warning boards or indicators.
Temporary speed restriction warning boards.
Emergency speed restriction warning boards and emergency
indicators.
1.2
Track equipment
The AWS track equipment comprises various components mounted

in the centre of the four-foot.
Permanent magnet
The train will first encounter a permanent magnet. Following the
train passing over a permanent magnet where an electromagnet is
either not provided or not energised, the AWS gives a warning
indication to the driver.
Electromagnet
An energised electromagnet, when presented after the permanent
magnet, gives the driver a clear indication when approaching a
green signal or a semaphore distant signal showing clear.
Document comes
Automatic
warning
system
electromagnet
permanent magnet
Direction of travel
An example of AWS track equipment
Suppressor magnet
Suppressor magnets are used to suppress permanent magnets
when they are not required to apply to a train movement (for
example, magnets applicable to the opposite direction on a single
or bi-directional line).
Depot test magnet
A permanent magnet, used to test the operation of a trains AWS
equipment, may be provided at the exit of certain maintenance
depots.
Portable magnet
Portable AWS magnets are provided to give a warning to the
driver, on the approach to temporary and emergency speed
restrictions.
An example of a portable magnet
1
1.3

07/06/2014
Automatic
warning
system
Train equipment
The following equipment is provided on each fitted traction unit.

AWS receiver
The AWS receiver is located under a traction unit and detects the
sequences and polarities of magnetic fields from the AWS track
magnets.
AWS audible indicator
The audible indicator gives a warning or a clear indication that
is distinguishable from all other audible cab indications. The
audible indication is either:
a clear indication (bell or electronic equivalent), or
a warning indication (horn or electronic equivalent).
AWS visual indicators
The visual indications are as follows.
The black indication advises the driver that the
associated signal is showing a green aspect or
all clear. It also advises the driver that the
audible warning has not been acknowledged
and, if not acknowledged, the brakes will be
applied.
The yellow and black indication advises the
driver that a warning indication has been
acknowledged.
Document comes
Automatic
warning
system
AWS/TPWS acknowledgement button

The AWS/TPWS acknowledgement button is used to acknowledge
an AWS audible warning. If an AWS audible warning is not
acknowledged within two to three seconds an emergency brake
application will occur.
1.4
AWS indications and their meanings
1.4.1
Warning indication
The driver will receive a warning indication in the driving cab on

the approach to a:
colour light signal displaying a single or double yellow (steady or
flashing) or a red aspect
semaphore distant signal displaying a caution indication
warning indicator provided for some permissible speed
reductions
warning board provided for an automatic barrier crossing locally
monitored (ABCL), an automatic open crossing locally monitored
(AOCL) or an open crossing (OC)
warning board or emergency indicator for a temporary or
emergency speed restriction
cancelling indicator for an AWS warning which does not apply
to the train.
The driver will also receive a warning indication when passing over
an AWS depot test magnet.
AWS is not capable of distinguishing between a red, double yellow
or single yellow aspect.
1
1.4.2

07/06/2014
Automatic
warning
system
Clear indication
The driver will receive a clear indication in the driving cab when
approaching:
a colour light signal showing a green aspect, or
a semaphore distant signal displaying a clear indication.
The driver does not have to acknowledge a clear indication.
1.5
Areas where AWS is not provided
In some AWS fitted areas AWS equipment is not provided

throughout. These areas are identified with the following signs.
Where AWS is not
provided at a station
on a line equipped
with AWS.
Start of AWS gap
End of AWS gap
Where AWS is not

provided in the wrong
direction on a
bi-directional line (if a
wrong-direction movement
approaches a temporary
or emergency speed
restriction, AWS will be
provided).
Start of relevant
section of line
concerned
End of the section

normal arrangements
resume
1
1.6
Document comes
Automatic
warning
system
AWS suppression and AWS

cancelling indicators
On single and bi-directional lines, the AWS magnet is normally

suppressed for movements for which it does not apply and the
AWS will not operate.
However, where the AWS magnet is not suppressed, a cancelling
indicator is provided to advise the driver that the AWS warning
indication does not apply to trains travelling in that direction.
The following signs are used:
Where the AWS magnet is permanently installed.
Where the AWS magnet is provided in connection with

a temporary or emergency speed restriction.
The cancelling indicator is normally positioned 180

metres (approximately 200 yards) after passing over the AWS
magnet.
Cancelling
indicator
Normally 180 metres
(approximately 200 yards)
but minimum of 45 metres
Portable
AWS magnet
180 metres
Warning
board
Braking
distance
Single and bi-directional lines
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Train
protection
and warning
system
2.1
General information
2.1.1
Background
Widespread fitment of the Train Protection and Warning System

(TPWS) began in early 2000, in order to meet the requirements of
the Railway Safety Regulations 1999.
2.1.2
The purpose of TPWS
The purpose of TPWS is to stop the train by automatically initiating

a brake demand, if the train has:
passed a signal at danger without authority
approached a signal at danger too fast
approached a reduction in permissible speed too fast
approached buffer stops too fast.
TPWS is not designed to prevent SPADs but to mitigate against
the consequences of a SPAD, by preventing a train that has had a
SPAD from reaching a conflict point ahead of the signal.
TPWS does not relieve the driver of responsibility for observing
signals and speed restrictions.
10
2
2.1.3

Train Document
protection
and warning
comes into force 07/06/2014
system
Provision of TPWS
TPWS is provided at certain signals, approaching some speed

restrictions and all buffer stops on platform lines. Not all signals are
provided with TPWS equipment as fitment is dependent on the risk
involved.
The TPWS system consists of track and train equipment. The track
equipment creates an electro-magnetic field which an aerial under
the train detects.
TPWS is provided:
on passenger lines, at all main running signals capable of
showing a stop aspect (including some stop boards) which
protect crossing or converging movements
at any signal capable of showing a stop aspect on a
non-passenger line, where that signal that protects a crossing of,
or convergence with, a passenger line
at stop signals where conflicting movements could take place
in the overlap of the next stop signal ahead
on the approach to the buffer stops at the end of passenger
platforms. These are fitted approximately 65 metres (70 yards)
from the buffer stops, and will trigger a brake application at
speeds greater than 10 mph
on the approach to permissible speed reductions, where the
permissible speed on the approach is 60 mph or more and the
reduction in the permissible speed is at least one third.
11
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Train
protection
and warning
system
2.2
Track equipment
2.2.1
Components and positioning
TPWS track equipment consists of train stop sensors (TSS) and

overspeed sensor system (OSS).
The provision and positioning of TPWS track equipment takes into
account the:
braking performance of trains
attainable speed of trains on the approach to the signal or
other location
distance from the stop signal to the point of conflict at the
crossing or convergence ahead
gradient of the line on the approach to the signal or other
location.
2.2.2
Train Stop Sensor (TSS)
The TSS is mounted in the four-foot at the associated signal. It is

energised when the signal is at danger. It is de-energised when the
signal is showing a proceed aspect or indication.
Typical TSS loops
12
2
2.2.3

Train Document
protection
and warning
system
Overspeed Sensor System (OSS)
An OSS comprises two transmitters: an arming loop and a trigger

loop. When a train passes over an arming loop, the on-train
equipment detects it and starts an internal timer. If the train passes
over a trigger loop within a designated time period, indicating that
the train is exceeding the set speed, then the on-train TPWS
equipment will initiate a brake demand.
The timer on a freight locomotive is calibrated so that the speed at
which a brake demand is initiated at an OSS is 20% lower than that
for a passenger train. This is to take into account the different
braking characteristics of passenger and freight trains.
The set speed, over which a brake demand will be initiated, is
determined by the distance between the arming loop and the trigger
loop. The set speed is based on factors such as permissible speed,
gradient, distance to conflict point and braking characteristics.
Where OSS loops are provided on the approach to stop signals,
they are only energised when the signal is at danger, whereas those
on the approach to reductions in permissible speed and buffer stops
are always energised.
OSS loops may also be provided for some temporary speed
restrictions.
Typical OSS loops
13
2
2.2.4
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Train
protection
and warning
system
TPWS fitment
Signals fitted with TPWS have a TSS and may also have an OSS.
Some signals have more than one OSS.
Arming
OSS
Trigger
Arming
Trigger
TSS
TPWS fitment
2.3
Train equipment
2.3.1 On-train TPWS equipment

The following equipment is provided on each fitted traction unit:
TPWS receiver
TPWS control panel (standard or enhanced version)
TPWS temporary isolation switch
AWS/TPWS full isolation switch.
2.3.2 TPWS receiver
The TPWS receiver is located at the front of a train. It senses the
trains passage over TPWS loops and sends this information to the
control unit.
14

Train Document
protection
and warning
system
2.3.3 TPWS control panel (standard version)
Examples of standard TPWS control panels
The TPWS control panel is found in the driving cab and has two
indicators and one illuminated button as follows.
Brake demand indicator
The red brake demand indicator gives three indications.
Off
No brake demand has been initiated.
Flashing
TPWS or AWS has initiated a brake demand that

has yet to be acknowledged by the driver.
On (steady)
The brake demand has been acknowledged by

the driver.
Temporary isolation/fault indicator

The yellow temporary isolation/fault indicator gives three indications.
Off
TPWS state is normal.
Flashing
A fault has been detected in the train

TPWS equipment.
On (steady)
The train TPWS equipment has been temporarily

isolated.
15
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Train
protection
and warning
system
Train stop override button

Where authority has been given in accordance with the rules to
pass a signal at danger, the yellow button is used to override the
brake demand from the TSS loop for approximately 20 seconds
(generally for passenger trains) or 60 seconds (generally for
slower accelerating freight trains).
Once pressed the Train Stop Override button will illuminate. It will
extinguish when the train passes over the TSS.
In driving cabs fitted with the standard TPWScontrol panel, the
AWS/TPWS acknowledgement button is used to acknowledge
TPWSbrake demands.
If the TPWS system initiates a brake demand, the TPWS brake
demand indicator will flash and the brakes will apply. Note that
there will be no audible warning.
Once the AWS/TPWS acknowledgement button is pressed and
released, the TPWS brake demand indicator will go on (steady).
The brakes will release and the indicator will clear 60 seconds
after the brake demand was initiated.
It is important to note that there is a potential for confusion over
the cause of the emergency brake demand if the AWS/TPWS
acknowledgement button is pressed 60 seconds or more after the
initial brake demand. In these circumstances the brake demand
indicator will immediately be extinguished.
16

Train Document
protection
and warning
system
2.3.4 TPWS control panel (enhanced version)
Example of enhanced TPWS control panel
Some driving cabs are fitted with an enhanced version of the

TPWS control panel. This comprises the following
indicators/buttons.
Brake demand indicators
Enhanced versions of the TPWS control panel are fitted with three
illuminated brake demand indicator buttons, labelled as follows.
SPAD(red).
OVERSPEED (yellow).
AWS(yellow).
Each of these indicator buttons has three states:
Off
No brake demand has been initiated.
Flashing
A brake demand has been initiated and is

awaiting drivers acknowledgement. When the
button is pressed and released, the indicator will
go on (steady).
On (steady) The brake demand has been acknowledged

by the driver.
17
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Train
protection
and warning
system
Whenever a brake demand is initiated because of a SPAD or an

overspeed, the flashing indicator is accompanied by a spoken
message, preceded by an alert tone. This states SPADalert,
contact signaller or Overspeed, contact signaller as appropriate.
The message is repeated until the brake application has been
acknowledged.
Temporary isolation/fault indicator
The yellow temporary isolation/fault indicator gives three
indications.
Off
TPWS state is normal.
Flashing
A fault has been detected in the train

TPWS equipment.
On (steady) The train TPWS equipment has been temporarily

isolated.
Train stop override button
Where authority has been given in accordance with the rules to
pass a signal at danger, the yellow button is used to override the
brake demand from the TSS loop. This is effective for
approximately 20 seconds (generally for passenger trains) or
approximately 60 seconds (generally for slower accelerating freight
trains). Once pressed the Train Stop Override button will
illuminate. It will extinguish when the train passes over the TSS.
Brake release button
The brake release button is used in conjunction with the brake
demand indicator/button to release the brakes after acknowledging
the brake demand. The brakes are released by pressing the brake
release button at the same time as pressing the appropriate brake
demand indicator/button.
If the brake demand was initiated by both an overspeed and by
AWS, then pressing the overspeed brake demand indicator/button
with the brake release button also releases the AWS-initiated
brake demand.
18

Train Document
protection
and warning
system

In driving cabs fitted with the enhanced TPWScontrol panel, the
AWS/TPWS acknowledgement button is used solely to
acknowledge AWS warnings, and has no involvement with TPWS.
2.3.5
The TPWS temporary isolation switch is generally mounted in the

drivers cab but out of reach of the normal driving position.
The operation of the TPWS temporary isolation switch allows the

driver to perform certain operational movements, which would
otherwise cause an unintentional brake demand, such as
movements during temporary block working, propelling or within T3
possessions.
The rules and regulations detail when the TPWStemporary
isolation switch may be operated.
If the TPWS is temporarily isolated, this will not affect the AWS.
2.3.6
AWS/TPWS full isolation switch
Traction units are fitted with an AWS/TPWS full isolation switch.

This switch cannot be reached from the driving position. Some
traction units are fitted with a visual indicator to advise the driver
that the on-board AWS equipment is isolated.
19
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Train
protection
and warning
system
It may be necessary to operate the AWS/TPWS full isolation switch

when there is a fault with the AWSsystem.
If a train stops directly over an AWS magnet, then the driver will not
be able to cancel the AWS. If no other option is available (for
example, changing ends), it may be necessary for the driver to
operate the AWS/TPWS full isolation switch.
Examples of AWS/TPWS full isolation switches
In cabs fitted with the standard TPWScontrol panel, if the driver

isolates the AWS, the TPWS will be isolated automatically.
2.4
Signal box equipment
2.4.1
Power signal boxes
In recent signalling installations, TPWS track equipment faults are

indicated by a blue fault indication on the signalling panel or VDU
workstation. On other signalling panels, a TPWS track equipment
fault at a signal is indicated via a simulated lamp out fault in the
signal lamp indication repeater circuit.
During a failure of the TPWS track equipment, the signal indication
on the panel will appear blank, whilst the signal is displaying a red
aspect.
Initially the signaller will not know whether the TPWS track
equipment or the signal lamp has failed. It may be necessary to
ask the driver to confirm if the signal is lit or not.
20

Train Document
protection
and warning
system
In colour light areas, if there is a TPWS fault at a signal, the signal in

rear will usually be held at danger until the affected signal displays a
proceed aspect and its TPWS is no longer required to be energised.
2.4.2
Mechanical signal boxes
In mechanical signal boxes, the position of the lever in the frame

determines the operational condition of the TPWS at that signal. If
the lever is in the normal position, then the signal will be at danger
and therefore the TPWS equipment for that signal will be armed.
In mechanical signalling, it is considered too restrictive to hold the
signal in rear at danger should there be a TPWS fault and therefore
a failure indication unit (FIU) is provided to monitor the status of the
TPWS.
Example of a failure indication unit
In the event of a TPWS failure at an individual signal, an audible

alarm will sound and a blue light will flash. Once the audible alarm
has been acknowledged and cancelled, the blue light remains as a
reminder, but stops flashing.
The signaller performs a test to establish that the FIU is capable of
detecting a fault. This test is performed at least every 12 hours and
is carried out by signallers at each shift change and when the signal
box opens.
21

Failures
Document comesand
into force irregularities
07/06/2014
It is important that faults and failures of the AWS or TPWS

equipment are reported fully and promptly. This is essential as it
prevents important data about the performance of the equipment
becoming lost.
The prompt reporting of wrong-side failures allows the signaller to
advise any subsequent drivers of the defective equipment at a
specific location and enables defective on-train equipment to be
investigated without delay.
The signaller is required to carry out appropriate instructions when
any failure of TPWS occurs.
22
Uncontrolled
When Printed
Failures
and irregularities
List of fault codes to be reported

Required
Indication
Actual
Indication
Fault
Code
Clear
Horn & Bell
Horn instead of Bell
None
(Bell)
Warning
Bell & Horn
(Horn)
Bell instead of Horn
Brake without Horn
None
None
Indicator did not change to

Yellow and Black (this is not a
fault if it occurs after cancelling
the AWS indication received
when setting a driving cab into
service)
7a
Horn
Bell
Unable to cancel
10
Indicator did not change to

all black
11
AWS failed to arm
12
AWS failed to disarm
13
ATP/TVM failed to arm
14
ATP/TVM failed to disarm
15
TPWS failed to activate
16
TPWSoperated when not required
17
23
Notes
24



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Uncontrolled When Printed

Document comes into force 07/06/2014

AWS and TPWS

Uncontrolled When Printed

For information regarding this document,

AWS and TPWS

Uncontrolled When Printed

You will need this AWS and TPWS

This symbol indicates extra information

Uncontrolled When Printed

Document comes into force 07/06/2014

Superseded by RS522 Iss 3 on 05/12/2015

Automatic warning system

AWS indications and their meanings

Areas where AWS is not provided

AWS suppression and AWS cancelling indicators

Train protection and warning system

Signal box equipment

Failures and irregularities

Uncontrolled When Printed

The Automatic Warning System (AWS) has been implemented as

The purpose of AWS

The original concept of AWS was to provide the driver with an

AWS consists of track and train equipment. The track equipment

Uncontrolled When Printed

Document comes into force

AWS magnets are not provided at semaphore stop signals. Where

The AWS track equipment comprises various components mounted

Uncontrolled When Printed

An example of a portable magnet

Uncontrolled When Printed

Document comes into force

The following equipment is provided on each fitted traction unit.

Uncontrolled When Printed

AWS/TPWS acknowledgement button

AWS indications and their meanings

The driver will receive a warning indication in the driving cab on

Uncontrolled When Printed

Document comes into force

Areas where AWS is not provided

In some AWS fitted areas AWS equipment is not provided

Start of AWS gap

End of AWS gap

Where AWS is not

End of the section

Uncontrolled When Printed

AWS suppression and AWS

On single and bi-directional lines, the AWS magnet is normally

Where the AWS magnet is provided in connection with

The cancelling indicator is normally positioned 180

Single and bi-directional lines

Widespread fitment of the Train Protection and Warning System

The purpose of TPWS

The purpose of TPWS is to stop the train by automatically initiating

Uncontrolled When Printed

TPWS is provided at certain signals, approaching some speed

Components and positioning

TPWS track equipment consists of train stop sensors (TSS) and

Train Stop Sensor (TSS)

The TSS is mounted in the four-foot at the associated signal. It is