BS 376-1 2012

BS 376-1:2012
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BSI Standards Publication
Railway signalling symbols

Part 1: Specification for schematic
symbols
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BS 376-1:2012 BRITISH STANDARD
Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document
was last issued.
© The British Standards Institution 2012
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2012
ISBN 978 0 580 74977 3
ICS 01.080.20; 45.020
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Committee reference GEL/9/1
Draft for comment 11/30244342 DC
Publication history
First published July 1951
Second (present) edition, July 2012
Amendments issued since publication

Date Text affected
BRITISH STANDARD BS 376-1:2012
Contents
1 Scope 1
2 Terms and definitions 1
3 Signals 1
4 Points 15
5 Track details 18
6 Apparatus 22
7 Level crossings 25
8 Buildings 30
Annexes
Annex A (normative) Proportions for semaphore arms 31
Bibliography 32
List of figures
Figure 1 – Colours of signal aspects and indicators 1
Figure A.1 – Semaphore arms 31
List of tables
Table 1 – Colour light signals 2
Table 2 – Semaphore signals 3
Table 3 – Miscellaneous 4
Table 4 – Subsidiary and shunting signals 5
Table 5 – Indicators 6
Table 6 – Ancillary features 8
Table 7 – Signs 10
Table 8 – Signal structures 14
Table 9 – Points symbols 15
Table 10 – Train detection 18
Table 11 – Track features 21
Table 12 – Train warning and protection 22
Table 13 – Miscellaneous 23
Table 14 – Block and release apparatus 24
Table 15 – Level crossing 25
Table 16 – Traction 29
Table 17 – Building symbols 30
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to ii,
pages 1 to 32, an inside back cover and a back cover.
© The British Standards Institution 2012 • i

Foreword
Publishing information
This part of BS 376 is published by BSI and came into effect on 31 July 2012. It
was prepared by Subcommittee GEL/9/1, Signalling and communications, under
the authority of Technical Committee GEL/9, Railway electrotechnical
applications. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
Supersession
This part of BS 376 supersedes BS 376-1:1951 (incorporating
Amendment No.1:1951), which is withdrawn.
Relationship with other publications

BS 376 is issued in two parts, namely:
• BS 376-1, Schematic symbols
Part 1 is for use on general plans, showing signalling requirements; it does
not show the component parts of the apparatus to be used.
• BS 367-2, Wiring symbols and written circuits
Part 2 represents:
a) the actual apparatus used, with its electrical connections; and

b) simplified wiring diagrams.
Information about this document

This is a full revision of the standard, updated to current practice.
Presentational conventions
The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its
requirements are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is
“shall”.
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in
smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.
Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal
obligations.
ii • © The British Standards Institution 2012

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies the symbols to be used on railway signalling plans
but does not provide guidance on their application.
This British Standard does not apply to tramways operated on line of sight or
using highway signals. It does not include proprietary systems and specialized
applications.
NOTE 1 The symbols in this British Standard provide for apparatus in general use.
They have been designed so that they can be combined together where one does
not represent the complete device. In this British Standard, where certain elements
are added for illustrative purposes, they are shown by dashed lines. If additional
information is required to support the symbol, a “#” may be used to reference a
note on the plan.
NOTE 2 The symbols are shown relative to the driver’s point of view; on actual
plans the symbols are rotated.
NOTE 3 The size of symbols are drawn in proportion but are not necessarily relative
to one another nor give specific size to use.
2 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this part of BS 376, the following terms and definitions
apply.
2.1 normal
display or position of a piece of apparatus in its quiescent state
3 Signals
The colours of signal aspects used in the symbols given in Table 1 shall conform
to Figure 1. Where other colours are used, it shall be defined on the plan.
Figure 1 Colours of signal aspects and indicators
a) Red (R) b) Yellow (Y)
c) Green (G) d) White (W)
If other aspects than these are required, they shall be specified.

Where the normal aspect is required to be shown, the normal aspect shall be
indicated by double lines.
Colour light signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in
Table 1.
© The British Standards Institution 2012 • 1

Table 1 Colour light signals
Signal type Symbol

Normal red Normal yellow Normal double Normal green
yellow
1.1 Two aspect:
Multi-unit
Single-unit
searchlight
1.2 Three aspect:

Multi-unit
Single-unit
searchlight
1.3 Four aspect:

Multi-unit
Fourth aspect used in

conjunction with
single-unit searchlight
1.4 Example of
approach lighting
1.5 Aspect capable of

flashing, e.g. double
yellow
1.6 Aspect not used,

e.g. green not in use
1.7 Splitting distant

advance warning of
junction:
a) Divergence to left
b) Equal speed routes
c) Divergence to right
a) b)
c)
2 • © The British Standards Institution 2012

Table 1 Colour light signals
1.8 Auxiliary light
Any aspect, also
acting as an auxiliary
1.9 Slotted signals,

colour light
Semaphore signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 2. Proportions for semaphore arms shall be in accordance with Annex A.
Table 2 Semaphore signals
Signal type Stop signal Distant signal

2.1 Mechanical ordinary
2.2 Power (all types)
2.3 Fixed arm
2.4 Slot
2.5 Junction signal,

e.g. divergence to left

Miscellaneous signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 3.
Table 3 Miscellaneous
Signal type Symbol

3.1 Reflectorized stop
board, # is
supplementary legend
to be shown
3.2 Reflectorized
distant board
3.3 Internally
illuminated sign, # is
to be shown
3.4 Traction rail dead
section:
a) Indicator
a) b)
b) Repeater
3.5 Banner signal
3.6 Banner repeating

signal:
a) Repeating stop
signal (2 states)
b) Repeating stop a) b)
signal (3 states, capable
of showing green)
c) Repeating distant
signal
d) Repeating stop
signal (2 states),
normally off c) d)
e) Repeating stop
signal (3 states, capable
of showing green),
normally caution
f) Repeating stop signal
(3 states, capable of
showing green), e) f)
normally clear
3.7 Banner repeating
signal, splitting, e.g.
left-hand divergence
(2 states)

3.8 Fog repeater
3.9 Semaphore signal

lamp-intensified light
Subsidiary and shunting signals shall be indicated on schematics with the
symbols given in Table 4.
Table 4 Subsidiary and shunting signals
Signal type Symbol

4.1 Position light, used with
a main aspect, normally out:
a) Subsidiary signal, steady
aspect
b) Subsidiary signal, capable
of flashing, e.g. proceed on
sight authority (PoSA) a) b)
4.2 Subsidiary signal:
a) Miniature arm A), B)
b) Disc A)
C)
c) Offset miniature arm
a) b) c)
4.3 Shunting signals,
miniature arm:
C)
a) Dwarf signal
b) e.g. three arms, bottom
a)
arm shown normally off C)
b)
4.4 Shunting signals, disc:
a) Single (red)
b) Single (yellow)
c) Double a) b) c)
d) Power operated
e) External lighting
f) Internal lighting
d) e) f)
4.5 Shunting signals,
position light:
a) Normally on (red)
b) Normally on (yellow)
a) b) c)
c) Normally off

Table 4 Subsidiary and shunting signals
4.6 Shunting signals, slotted:

a) Disc
b) Position light
a) b)
4.7 Limit of shunt
a) Indicator
b) Position light a) b)
4.8 Shunting, set back
indicator, normally out,
displays white when off,
e.g. elevated head
A)
Where required, letter to be added to the symbol to identify route class is C for call on, S for shunt ahead and
W for warning.
B)
The miniature arm has a horizontal band.
C)
The miniature arm has a vertical band.
Indicator signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 5.
Table 5 Indicators
Signal type Symbol

5.1 Point indicator:
a) Mechanical
b) Colour light
a) b) c)
c) Position indicator
5.2 Route indicator:
a) Standard, # is number of
indications
b) Miniature, # is number of
indications
a)
b)
5.3 Preliminary route
indicator (PRI), example shows
indicator capable of showing
straight route and divergence
to right
5.4 Alphanumeric indicator A):
a) Example shows single-sided
right away indicator
b) Example shows a) b)
double-sided off indicator

Table 5 Indicators
5.5 Junction indicator for use

with colour light:
a) Example shows three
divergences to the left
b) Example shows divergences
to the left and right a) b)
5.6 Junction indicator
repeater
5.7 Loading/unloading
indicator
5.8 Driver’s level crossing

indicator
5.9 Signal passed at danger

(SPAD) indicator
5.10 Carriage depot indicator

with plunger, # is
5.11 Train protection and

warning system (TPWS)
lineside status indicator for
radio electronic token block
(RETB) lines
5.12 Combined stop
board/TPWS indicator, # is
A)
This can indicate: TT - tripcock test, OFF - off, BT - brake test, BU - barriers up, RA - right away and CD - closed
doors.

Ancillary features shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 6.
Table 6 Ancillary features
Signal type Symbol

6.1 Signal not in use
6.2 Signal, where the
lever is electrically
locked

lever is released by
block at “line clear”

lever is released by
token

lever is interlocked with
a key
6.6 Arm electrically

indicated in signal box
6.7 Light electrically

6.8 Slot indicated in

signal box
6.9 Arm and slot,

6.10 Telephone:
a) Direct to signaller
b) Direct to signaller,
two-way ringing
c) Other, # is purpose, a) b) c)
e.g. electrification
control room (ECR)

Table 6 Ancillary features
6.11 Signallers’
facilities:
a) Automatic signal,
with replacement
facilities from the
signal box
b) Controlled signal, a) b) c)
with automatic
working facility
c) Single button
controlled signal
6.12 Signal notes:
a) Last wheel
replacement
b) Controlled by level
crossing gate box but a) b)
supervised by main
signal box
6.14 Plunger or switch,
# is function
6.15 Pull cords or trip
wires, # is length

Signs shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in Table 7.

NOTE Signage on metro/light rail lines can be specific to local system requirements
and therefore Table 7 might not apply.
Table 7 Signs
Signal type Symbol
7.1 Signal post signs relating
to driver-signaller
communication
a) Diamond sign
b) D sign (call plunger)
a) b) c)
c) Telephone sign
d) Automatic sign
e) Semi-automatic sign
f) Combined diamond and
X sign (limited clearance)
d) e) f)
7.2 Intermediate block (IB)
home signal
7.3 Level crossing, special

speed restriction board,
miniature, repeating,
# is the speed
7.4 Distant signal sign
7.5 Notice board, # is

wording to be stated:
a) Reflective
b) Externally illuminated
a) b) c)
c) Internally illuminated
A)
7.6 Block section markers :
a) Fixed, European train
control system (ETCS)
b) Fixed (non-ETCS) c)
a) b)
c) Shunt
7.7 Stop and proceed plate

Table 7 Signs
7.8 Auxiliary signal:

a) Capable of flashing
b) Not capable of flashing
a) b)
7.9 Hidden block section
marker with red aspect,
# refers to note identifying
marker as illuminated
7.10 Platform markers:
a) Train stop marker, # is no.
of cars
b) Mid-platform train berth a) b)
marker
7.11 Position markers:
a) RETB loop clear marker
b) Rear clear marker,
e.g. neutral section a) b)
7.12 Automatic warning
system (AWS) signs:
a) AWS cancelling indicator
a)
b) AWS gap:
1) Commencement
2) Termination
b) 1) 2)
c) AWS special working
1) Commencement
2) Termination
c) 1) 2)
7.13 Cab signalling:
a) Warning
b) Commencement
b) c)
c) Termination a)
7.14 Change of applicable
operating rules, e.g. from
NR to CTRL
7.15 Radio system signs, # is

channel number:
a) Cab secure radio (CSR)
b) National radio network
(NRN) a) b)

Table 7 Signs
c) GSM-R equipped area:

1) Commencement
2) Termination
c) 1) 2)
3) Interim Voice Radio
System (IVRS)
commencement
4) IVRS termination 3) 4)
d) RETB
d)
7.16 Permissible speed
warning indicator,
# is speed:
A)
a) Directional arrow
b) Standard differential
speeds
c) Non-standard differential d)
a) b) c)
speeds, to be designated on
plan
d) Miniature, for limited
clearance or as repeater
7.17 Permissible speed
indicator, # is speed:
A)
a) With directional arrow
b) Standard differential
speeds
c) Non-standard differential
speeds, to be designated on a) b) d)
c)
plan
d) Miniature, for limited
clearance or as repeater
7.18 Enhanced permissible
speed (EPS) warning
indicator, # is speed
7.19 EPS indicator, # is speed

Table 7 Signs
7.20 Temporary speed

restriction warning board,
# is speed:
A)
b) Differential speeds
a)
b) c)
c) Repeater
7.21 Emergency speed
restriction warning indicator
7.22 Temporary speed
restriction indicator,
# is speed:
A)
a) b)
b) Differential speeds
c) Spate indicator (indicates
published temporary speed
restriction has been
withdrawn)
c) d)
d) Termination
7.23 Advanced warning
board for AOCL, ABCL, OC
level crossings
7.24 Whistle board
7.25 Open level crossing,

combined speed
restriction/whistle board,
# is speed
7.26 Automatic level
crossing, speed restriction
board, # is speed:
a) Special (AOCL or ABCL)
b) Differential speeds c)
a)
c) Wrong direction b)
7.27 Countdown markers
7.28 Signal reminder board,

# is supplementary wording
to be indicated on plan
A)
The arrow points towards the applicable line.

Signal structures shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 8.
Table 8 Signal structures
Symbol Symbol
8.1 Semaphore:
a) Left-hand location
b) Right-hand location
a) b)
8.2 Colour light:
a) Left-hand location
b) Right-hand location a) b)
8.3 Colour light signal mounted
on gantry spanning tracks:
a) Suspended below
b) Mounted above
a) b)
8.4 Side fixing
8.5 Suspended fixing:

a) Vertical
b) Horizontal
a)
b)
8.6 Cantilever:
a) Combined straight post and
cantilever
b) Two-track cantilever
a) b)
8.7 Ground mounted

4 Points
Points shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in Table 9.
Where any function is operated by double wire, it shall be shown as “D/W”.
Where worked from signal box or control point, controlling number shall be
shown adjacent to the points.
Table 9 Points symbols
Point Symbol
Single line Double line
9.1 Normal lie of points where
required to be shown:
a) Right-hand switch normally
a)
closed
b) Left-hand switch normally
closed
b)
9.2 Points:
a) Hand worked
a)
b) Spring 1-way
b)
c) Spring 2-way
c)
9.3 Hydro-pneumatic
self-restoring, train operated
9.4 Worked by ground frame,
ground panel or shunting
frame A), B)
9.5 Clipped and padlocked “out
of use”
9.6 Mechanically operated
points, locks and bars B):
a) Without lock with bar
(1-lever)
a) b)
b) Without lock with bar
(2-levers)
c) With lock and bar (1-lever)
d) With lock and bar (2-levers)
c) d)
e) With lock without bar
(1-lever)
f) With lock without bar
e) f)
(2-levers)
9.7 Clearance bar operated from
signal box

9.8 Slotted joint control
9.9 Electrical detection of

mechanically operated points
9.10 Ground track lock
9.11 Scotch block
C)
9.12 Derailer
9.13 Trap:
a) Single switch:
1) Without guard rail 1)
2) With guard rail a)
2)
b) Double switch:
1) Without crossing
1)
2) With crossing
b)
2)
c) Wide to gauge:
1) With straight through
c) 1)
route
2) Diverging points used as
B)
wide to gauge
c) 2)
9.14 Track circuit interrupter at
trap or catch points
9.15 Switch diamond
9.16 Swing nose crossing
9.17 Slip:
a) Single
b) Double
a) b)
9.18 Point releases by:
a) Token
b) Key on token
a) b)


B)
c) Key from signal box
d) Key lock
d)
c)
9.19 Point operating mechanism:
a) Power
b) Lever/power dual control
a) b)
c) Trailable
c)
9.20 Cabinet housing operating
handle for manual operation
A)
A number shall be enclosed in a symbol specific to the control point (not a square or rectangle).
B)
The number shows the controlling lever.
C)
Arrows show direction of derailment.

5 Track details
Train detection shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in
Table 10.
Table 10 Train detection
Symbol type Symbol
10.1 Track circuit boundaries:
a) Track circuit in both directions
a)
b) Track circuit on left, none on
right
b)
c) Track circuit on right, none on
left
c)
10.2 Track circuit section:
a) Double rail section
a)
A)
b) Single rail section
b)
10.3 Short track section,
# is length
10.4 Gap, # is length
10.5 Stainless steel welded strip,

# is length
10.6 Clearance point, joint A
foul, joint B clear B)
10.7 Overlap:
a) For signal on left
b) For signal on right a) b)
c) Where applicable to several
signals, e.g. L2 and L3, and
identification is required
d) Non-standard overlap length, c) d)
# is length
10.8 Restricted overlap for
warning aspect and full overlap,
# is overlap length
10.9 Restricted and full phantom
overlaps, # is effective overlap
length

10.10 Block acceptance overlap

(clearing point), # is effective
overlap length:
a) Co-incident with track circuit
boundary a) b)
b) Not co-incident
10.11 Bi-directional line:
a) Common overlap joint for b)
a)
opposing signals
b) Dimensioned, with signal
numbers, # is overlap length
10.12 Track circuit, centre fed

10.13 Impedence bonds:
a) With external tuning
b) With internal tuning a)
b)
10.14 Cascading or cut section in
track circuit C)
10.15 Overlay rail circuit
10.16 Track circuit actuator

interference detector (TCAID):
D)
a) Directional
a) b)
b) Non-directional E)
10.17 Treadle/position detector:
a) Contacts normally open
b) Contacts normally closed a) b)
c) Operational both ways,
independent contacts,
e.g. normally open
d) Operational one way,
c)
e.g. contacts normally closed, d)
both rails
10.18 Axle counter:
a) Counting in and out
b) Example with overlap
c) Arrow indicates effective a) b)
direction of operation, example c)
shows level crossing use
10.19 Level crossing predictors:
a) Shunts, # is frequency:
1) Hard wired a) 1)

2) Simulated track inductor
2)
3) Narrow band
3)
4) Wide band
4)
5) Narrow band with
inductor
5)
6) Hard wired with
directional treadle
6)
b) Joint couplers, # is frequency:
1) Tuneable
b) 1)
2) Wide band shunt
2)
c) Island track
c)
10.20 Depression bar, electrical:
a) Independent
b) Working with track circuit a) b)
A)
The insulated rail can be shown by a thicker line dependent on application.
B)
Dimensions of critical clearance points to be identified on plan.
C)
The arrow indicates the direction of control.
D)
Detects in the direction of the arrow.
E)
Detects in both directions.

Track features shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 11.
Table 11 Track features
Symbol type Symbol

11.1 Distance marker, # is nominal
distance
a) Mile post
b) Kilometre post a) b)
A)
11.2 Gradient posts
11.3 Token apparatus:

a) Receiver
b) Deliverer
c) Exchanger
a) b) c)
11.4 Wagon retarder
11.5 Turntable
11.6 Traverser over 3 tracks
11.7 Buffer stop:

a) No light
b) White light a) b)
c) Red light
d) Friction with track circuit
interrupter c) d)
11.8 Sand drag, # is length:
a) Sanded track a)
b) With buffer stop

b)
c) Sand hump
c)
d) With red light

d)
A)
Upper figures show lengths for unit rise or fall. Alternatively, the lower figures, which show percentage values,
might be used.

6 Apparatus
Train warning and protection shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols
given in Table 12.
Table 12 Train warning and protection
Symbol type Symbol
12.1 Automatic warning system
(AWS):
a) Magnet, effective for
direction of line only
b) Permanent magnet only
c) Depot test magnet a) b) c)
d) Effective for movement in
direction shown, suppressed
for opposing moves
e) Non-standard distance,
# is distance to signal
f) Selected suppression for
d) e) f)
normal direction of traffic
g) One installation on
bi-directional line effective in
both directions, non-standard
distances, # is signal number(s)
and distance(s) as necessary g) h)
h) Portable magnet
12.2 Track-train data
transmitter:
a) Arrow indicates direction of
travel a) b)
b) Infill transmission limits
12.3 ATP A):
a) Remote beacon, # is distance
to signal
a) b)
b) Beacon at signal
c) Loop, short, # is length
d) Loop, long, # is length
c) d)
12.4 TPWS:
a) Overspeed sensor, arming
and trigger loops
b) Trainstop, arming and a) b)
trigger loops at signal
12.5 ETCS type balise on
uni-directional line, + is
identification number and # is
application code
a) Travelling to right a) b)
b) Travelling to left

Table 12 Train warning and protection
12.6 Selective door opening

beacon
12.7 Detonator placer,
emergency:
a) Normally on
a) b)
b) Normally off
12.8 Train stop apparatus:
a) Train stop
b) Trip cock tester
a) b) c)
c) Trip cock test indicator
A)
The arrows indicate the direction of travel.
Miscellaneous features shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given

in Table 13.
NOTE For cable route symbols see BS 376-2.
Symbol type Symbol

13.1 Siren
13.2 Bell:
a) Single stroke
b) Trembler a) b)
13.3 Train activated warning
system, limits of protection
13.4 Lockout system, limits of

protection A)
13.5 Hot axle box detector
13.6 Area covered by a signal

box, limit, # is signal box name
13.7 Boundary of areas covered

by interlocking, across width of
plan if possible
13.8 Access point to railway:

a) Foot
b) Vehicle
a) b)
A)
Type of protection to be defined on plan.

Block and release apparatus shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols
given in Table 14.
Table 14 Block and release apparatus
Apparatus type Symbol

14.1 Emergency replacement
switch (ERS), # is number of
protection switches
14.2 Trackside engineering zone
protection (EZP) switch
14.3 Local release of signalling

controls, # is unique
identification number
14.4 Point key switch
crank-handle release key on
electric operated point machine,
# is point number(s)
14.5 Switch lock:

a) Without indicator
b) With indicator
a) b)
14.6 Occupation key instrument
14.7 Block instrument

(permissive):
a) Non-peg
b) Peg a) b)
14.8 Block instrument (absolute
non-controlled):
a) Non-peg
a)
b) Peg b)
14.9 Block instrument (absolute
controlled):
a) Non-peg
a)
b) Peg b)
14.10 Combined block
instrument
14.11 Block switch, with control
14.12 Token instrument, # is

K - key token, S - staff,
T - tablet, MS - miniature staff,
NST - no signaller token. Token
configuration to be shown
above instrument, e.g. “A”.

Table 14 Block and release apparatus
14.13 Key release instrument
14.14 Level crossing block

indicator:
a) Single
a)
b) Double b)
7 Level crossings
Level crossings shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in
Table 15.
Table 15 Level crossing
Symbol type Symbol

A)
15.1 Road crossing
5.2 Road crossing with

tramway tracks
15.3 Interlocked lifting

barriers:
a) Worked from signal
box or gate box,
e.g. 4-barrier MCB
b) Worked from ground, a) b)
e.g. 2 full barriers
15.4 Non-interlocked
lifting barriers:
a) Worked from ground,
e.g. full barrier TOB,
UWC
b) Automatically a) b)
worked, e.g. half barrier
AHB, ABCL

15.5 Interlocked gates:

a) Worked from signal
box or gate box,
e.g. 4-gate MCG,
sympathetic, normally
across railway
b) Worked from ground,
e.g. 2 gates, a) b)
non-sympathetic,
normally across road B)
15.6 Non-interlocked
gates:
a) Worked from ground,
e.g. non-sympathetic
gates, normally across
railway, TOG
b) User worked, opening
away from railway
a)
b)
15.7 Level crossing
pedestrian gates:
a) With ordinary
angle-pen wickets
b) With spring wickets
c) With cage gates
b)
a)
c)
15.8 Wicket gate where
locked, C is controlled:
a) Ordinary angle-pen
wickets
a) b) c)
b) Spring wickets
c) Cage gates
15.9 Level crossing
audible warning,
# is type

15.10 Local control:

a) Local control unit
(LCU)
b) Local crossing clear a) b)
unit (XCU)
15.11 Miniature stop
(warning) lights:
a) Orientated toward
railway, e.g. pedestrian
b) Orientated away
from railway,
e.g. vehicular
a) b)
15.12 Barrow crossing
lights
15.13 Road traffic lights
15.14 Authorized
walkway across railway
(staff crossing)
15.15 Footpath across

railway
15.16 St Andrews cross

sign:
a) OC
b) AOCL a)
b)
15.17 Give way sign,
open crossing

15.18 Level crossing

illumination, floodlight
15.19 Closed circuit

television camera
A)
# is crossing name and type as follows:
• MCG: manually controlled gated crossing;
• MCB: manually controlled barrier crossing;
• MCB-CCTV: manually controlled barrier crossing with closed circuit television;
• MCB-OD: controlled barrier crossing with obstacle detection;
• AHB: automatic half barrier crossing;
• ABCL: automatic barrier crossing locally monitored;
• AOCL: automatic open crossing locally monitored;
• TOG: train crew operated gated crossing;
• TOB: train crew operated barrier crossing;
• OC: open crossing;
• UWC: user worked crossing;
• FP: footpath crossing;
• BW: bridleway crossing.
B)
Where provided: B is Blacks locks, C is C locks and K is key locks.

Electric traction features shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given
in Table 16.
Table 16 Traction
Symbol type Symbol

A)
16.1 Electric traction :
a) S is sub station (d.c.)
b) FS is feeder station (a.c.)
a) b)
c) T is track paralleling hut (d.c.)
d) TSC is track sectioning cabin
(a.c.)
c)
d)
16.2 Automatic power control
magnets
16.3 Neutral section B)
B), C)
16.4 Booster transformer
16.5 Circuit breaker sign:

a) Warning, # is distance to sign
b) Open
a) b) c)
c) Close
16.6 Change of current collection
zone:
a) Warning
b) Commencement b) c)
a)
c) Termination
A)
The arrow indicates the point of return feeder.
B)
The dots indicate limits of restricted area for signal positioning.
C)
The arrow indicates the connection point to the overhead line.

8 Buildings
Buildings shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in Table 17.
Table 17 Building symbols
Building type Symbol
17.1 Station platform
17.2 Signal box:

a) Operator facing track
b) Operator with back to track
a) b) c)
c) With panel only
d) Console and diagram
e) With VDU workstation
d) e)
17.3 Crossing keeper’s hut or
gate box [unless one of
17.2a) to e) is applicable]
17.4 Equipment room, # is RR
for relay room, SER for
signalling equipment room, I for
interlocking, REB for relocatable
equipment building
17.5 Ground frame:
A)
a) Uncovered
b) Covered A) a) b)
c) Switch panel, # is number of
control functions
d) Switch panel, covered,
c) d)
# is number of control functions
A)
The number of strokes indicates the number of levers in the frame.

Annex A Proportions for semaphore arms

(normative)
Proportions for semaphore arms shall be drawn in accordance with Figure A.1,
which gives the comparative sizes of main and subsidiary signal arms.
Figure A.1 Semaphore arms
a) Main arm
b) Subsidiary arm
NOTE Both parts of this figure may be drawn to any scale.

Bibliography
The following documents are informatively referenced within this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 376-2, Railway signalling symbols – Wiring symbols and written circuits

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BS 376-1:2012

Railway signalling symbols

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raising standards worldwide™

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Amendments issued since publication

© The British Standards Institution 2012 • i

Relationship with other publications

a) the actual apparatus used, with its electrical connections; and

Information about this document

Contractual and legal considerations

ii • © The British Standards Institution 2012

2 Terms and definitions

Figure 1 Colours of signal aspects and indicators

a) Red (R) b) Yellow (Y)

c) Green (G) d) White (W)

If other aspects than these are required, they shall be specified.

© The British Standards Institution 2012 • 1

Table 1 Colour light signals

Signal type Symbol

1.2 Three aspect:

1.3 Four aspect:

Fourth aspect used in

1.5 Aspect capable of

1.6 Aspect not used,

1.7 Splitting distant

2 • © The British Standards Institution 2012

Table 1 Colour light signals

1.8 Auxiliary light

Any aspect, also

1.9 Slotted signals,

Semaphore signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 2 Semaphore signals

Signal type Stop signal Distant signal

2.2 Power (all types)

2.3 Fixed arm

2.5 Junction signal,

© The British Standards Institution 2012 • 3

Miscellaneous signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Signal type Symbol

3.6 Banner repeating

4 • © The British Standards Institution 2012

3.8 Fog repeater

3.9 Semaphore signal

Table 4 Subsidiary and shunting signals

Signal type Symbol

© The British Standards Institution 2012 • 5

Table 4 Subsidiary and shunting signals

4.6 Shunting signals, slotted:

Indicator signals shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Signal type Symbol

6 • © The British Standards Institution 2012

5.5 Junction indicator for use

5.8 Driver’s level crossing

5.9 Signal passed at danger

5.10 Carriage depot indicator

5.11 Train protection and

© The British Standards Institution 2012 • 7

Ancillary features shall be indicated on schematics with the symbols given in

Table 6 Ancillary features