Bell code

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. 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.
3. "Communicating Signal Appliance" (PDF). Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee. 2008. p. 29. Retrieved 9 April 2011.