VRIOGS 012.0.4 RevA - Public Transport Victoria

Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards 

VRIOGS 012.0.4 

Standard Rail Signalling Naming & Symbol 

Conventions 

Revision: 

A 

Issue Date: 12/10/2009

ii 

VRIOGS 012.0.4 Revision A 

VRIOGS 012.0.4 Standard Rail Signalling Naming & Symbol Conventions 

Revision A 

Issue Date: 12/10/2009 

APPROVAL STATUS 

APPROVER STATUS DATE QUALIFICATIONS 

Document Developer 

VRIOG Steering 

Committee 

Approved 

All Sections 

Accredited Rail Operator 

Metropolitan Train 

(Metro Trains 

Melbourne) 

Intrastate Train 

(V/Line) 

Interstate Train 

(ARTC) 

Tram 

(Yarra Trams) 

For any queries please contact vriogs@transport.vic.gov.au. 

NOTE: This document is controlled only when viewed on the DOT Engineering Standards website. 

Any other copy of this document is uncontrolled, and the content may be inaccurate.


iii 

PURPOSE OF THE STANDARD 

The Standard has been created through the collaboration of members of the 

Victorian Rail Industry Operators’ Group (VRIOG) for the purpose of establishing 

standards which, if implemented throughout the Victorian Rail Network, will facilitate 

the interoperability of infrastructure. 

The use of the Standard is not prescribed by law but, if adopted, conformity with the 

provisions of the Standard is mandatory in order that the purpose of the Standard be 

achieved. 

DISCLAIMER 

The Standard is published by the Director of Public Transport for information 

purposes only and does not amount to any kind of advice. 

Each person is responsible for making his or her own assessment of all such 

information and for verifying such information. The content of this publication is not a 

substitute for professional advice. 

The Director of Public Transport and VRIOG accept no liability for any loss or 

damage to any person, howsoever caused, for information contained in this 

publication, or any purported reliance thereon. 

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 

© Director of Public Transport 2005. 

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in 

accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act. 

Where information or material is so used, it should be used accurately and the 

Standard should be acknowledged as the source of the information. 



iv 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

SECTION 1.0 CONVENTIONS ...............................................................................1 

SECTION 2.0 DEFINITIONS...................................................................................2 

SECTION 3.0 SCOPE AND GENERAL ..................................................................3 

3.1 Scope ......................................................................................................3 

3.2 Application...............................................................................................3 

3.3 Background .............................................................................................3 

SECTION 4.0 FIELD OBJECT NUMBERING .........................................................4 

4.1 Definition..................................................................................................4 

4.2 Metropolitan Areas ..................................................................................4 

4.3 Metropolitan Inner Area Numbering ........................................................5 

4.4 Metropolitan Outer Area Numbering........................................................6 

4.5 Country Area Numbering.........................................................................7 

4.6 Control Lever Numbering ........................................................................7 

4.7 Points Track Circuit Numbering...............................................................7 

SECTION 5.0 SECTIONAL SIGNAL PREFIXES ....................................................9 

SECTION 6.0 CIRCUIT NOMENCLATURE AND WRITTEN CIRCUITS ..............11 

SECTION 7.0 NUMBERING OF ELECTRICALLY OPERATED UNITS................12 

7.1 Meaning of Letters.................................................................................13 

7.2 Examples of Common Combinations used to designate an Operated 

Unit or Wire ............................................................................................................14 

SECTION 8.0 UNITS AND WIRING......................................................................16 

8.1 Units relating to Train Detection Circuits ...............................................16 

8.2 Train Detection Circuit Wires.................................................................17 

8.3 Units relating to Signals.........................................................................17 

8.4 Wires relating to Signals........................................................................18 

8.5 Units relating to Points...........................................................................19 

8.6 Wires relating to Points..........................................................................20 

8.7 Units relating to Locks, Indicators and Repeaters .................................20 

8.8 Units relating to Level Crossing Warning Signals..................................21 

8.9 Units relating to Approach Annunciating of Trains ................................21 

8.10 Units relating to Processor Based Systems ..........................................22 

8.11 Units relating to Air Distribution .............................................................22 

8.12 Standard Naming of Repeat and Repeating Functions .........................23 

8.13 Miscellaneous Units...............................................................................23 

SECTION 9.0 RAILWAY SIGNALLING SYMBOLS...............................................24 

9.1 General..................................................................................................24 

9.2 Explanation of Terms.............................................................................24 

9.3 Two Position Signalling .........................................................................24 

9.4 Three Position Signalling.......................................................................24 

9.5 Automatic Signal....................................................................................25 

9.6 Non-Automatic Signal............................................................................25 

9.7 Semi-Automatic Signal ..........................................................................25 

9.7.1 Stick ............................................................................................... 25 

9.7.2 Semi-stick ............................................................................................. 25 

9.7.3 Non-stick............................................................................................... 25 

9.8 Slotted Signal ........................................................................................26 

9.9 Symbols used in Signalling Diagrams ...................................................26 

SECTION 10.0 REFERENCES ...............................................................................50 



VRIOGS 012.0.4 Revision A 1 

SECTION 1.0 CONVENTIONS 

1) Words or phrases that appear capitalised out of context are defined within the 

Definitions section of this VRIOG Standard. 

2) The word “Shall” is to be understood as mandatory. 

3) The word “Should” is to be understood as non-mandatory i.e. advisory or 

recommended. 

4) Uncontrolled Standards may not be referenced within the VRIOG Standards. 

These include former PTC Standards, Franchisee Standards, Franchisee 

Subcontractor Standards and Infrastructure Lessee Standards. 

5) Controlled Standards, including Australian Standards and other VRIOG 

Standards, may be referenced but only if: 

• The referenced item can not be adequately explained with an amount 

of text that could not reasonably be inserted into the body of the 

Standard. 

• The reader is not referenced to another Controlled Standard 

necessary for the item to be adequately explained i.e. one document 

link only. 

• The referenced document is a Figure or table and could not 

reasonably be included in the appendices of the Standard. 

6) The format employed in the VRIOG Standards is compatible with Australian 

Standards, and will be used from this point on. 

7) The numbering system for the VRIOG Standards is chronologically 

sequential from the point of introduction, and is not based on any form of 

interpretive system. 

8) The VRIOG Standards contain engineering information necessary to operate 

a safe Railway. VRIOG Standards will not contain any information that can be 

construed as a work instruction, procedure, process or protocol. This 

information forms the basis of each individual entity’s Safety Accreditation 

Certification, and, as such, is outside the scope of VRIOG Standards. 



2 VRIOGS 012.0.4 Revision A 

SECTION 2.0 DEFINITIONS 

Terminology used and/or applied in this Standard is defined as follows:- 

ARTC 

DMS 

DOT 

Terminology 

Infrastructure 

Manager 

Nomenclature 

PTC 

PTD 

VRIOGS 

Definition 

Australian Rail Track Corporation 

VicTrack Drawing Management System 

Department of Transport 

The Manager of the rail infrastructure system and owner of 

the associated rail safety management systems 

Naming Convention 

Public Transport Corporation 

The Public Transport Division of the Department of 

Transport 

The Victorian Rail Industry Operators’ Group comprising 

the following members: 

• Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) 

• Metro Trains Melbourne 

• VicTrack 

• V/Line Passenger 

• Yarra Trams 

• Public Transport Division of the Department of 

Transport (PTD) 

Table 1 - Terminology 




SECTION 3.0 SCOPE AND GENERAL 

3.1 Scope 

This Standard sets out the signal naming conventions for use within the Victorian 

Railway Network. 

3.2 Application 

This is the Standard that is used for all Railway Signalling naming Convention, for 

use on railway signal and communication plans, and documents that make reference 

to plans. 

3.3 Background 

This Standard replaces all previous versions of Railway Signal Nomenclature and 

naming conventions documents, such as and not limited to; 

• Victorian Railways Symbols and Designations for use on signal and 

communications plans 

• Public Transport Corporation (PTC) Symbols and Designations for use on 

signal and communications plans 




SECTION 4.0 

FIELD OBJECT NUMBERING 

4.1 Definition 

Field objects are defined as signals, points, track circuits, end of route, intermediate 

route point, ground frames, boom barriers, platform indicators etc. 

4.2 Metropolitan Areas 

a) The Melbourne Metropolitan area is divided into two, the Inner and Outer 

Electrified Areas. All other areas are considered Country areas; however the 

Infrastructure Manager may designate them as Metropolitan areas for the 

purposes of signal numbering. 

b) The Inner Area is defined as covering the electrified area from the centre of 

North Melbourne Platforms, including the Main Goods Line at No. 2 Signal Box 

Spencer Street, to the centre of Jolimont Platforms and Richmond Platforms. 

Beyond these limits to the end of the electrification, is defined as the Outer 

Area. 

c) The boundary of the Outer Area and Country lines is: 

• Down side of Craigieburn 

• Down side of Sydenham 

• Down side of Sunshine (Ballarat line) 

• Down side of Werribee 

• Down side of Frankston 

• Down side of Cranbourne 

• Down side of Pakenham 

d) In the Inner Area all field objects must be designated by a three digit numeral, 

e.g. 123. In the Outer Area a six character designation shall be used. This 

designation is made up from an alpha character, two alpha/numeric characters 

and three numeric characters, e.g. AAA 123, AAI 234, or A12 345. 

e) In the Metropolitan area covered by the Metrol Train Control System it is 

required that the numbering of field objects be unique within each pool. The 

same number can be used in different pools. The pools are as follows: 

i) The first pool contains controlled signals, automatic signals, dwarf 

signals, selection symbols, buffer stops, phantom signals at border 

crossings and dummy signals. 

ii) 

iii) 

iv) 

The second pool contains points, catches, level crossings, and special 

releases. 

The third pool is for track circuits 

The fourth pool is for special objects e.g. telephones, alarms 




4.3 Metropolitan Inner Area Numbering 

a) The Inner Area controlled signals, i.e. home, controlled automatic or dwarf 

signals have a three digit designation starting with an odd number. Each group 

shall have its own distinctive number as shown below. In addition some 

locations may also have a redundant three alpha character abbreviation of the 

location. 

The Clifton Hill Group Lines 100 to 199 

The Burnley Group Lines 300 to 399 

The Northern Group Lines 500 to 599 

The Caulfield Group Lines 700 to 799 

The Sandringham Group Lines 900 to 999 

b) Automatic signals and points shall be numbered as follows: 

The Clifton Hill Group Lines 000 to 099 

The Burnley Group Lines 200 to 299 

The Northern Group Lines 400 to 499 

The Caulfield Group Lines 600 to 699 

The Sandringham Group Lines 800 to 899 

c) Points are numbered one hundred less than the nearest signal reading through 

those points, e.g. the points in advance of signal 304 would be numbered 204. 

The points naming conventions are further defined as follows: 

i) If the signal covering the facing point move is a similar distance from the 

signals covering the trailing moves, the points shall be numbered 100 

less than the signal covering the facing point move. 

ii) 

If the signals covering the trailing move are located closer to the toe of 

the points than the signal covering the facing move, the points shall be 

numbered 100 less than the signal covering the trailing move for the 

normal lie. 

d) Track circuits shall follow the signal numbers as much as possible, but where 

additional tracks are in the block because of points, the point number or other 

spare numbers in the series shall be used. This is to avoid using such numbers 

as A302T, B302T, C302T, etc. The Train Describer computers are 

programmed to accept 3 digit numbers only and therefore the prefixes A, B, C 

etc. are unacceptable data. The track circuit naming conventions are further 

defined as follows: 

i) If a home signal opposes a dwarf signal over the same track circuit, 

the track circuit shall be named after the home signal. 

ii) If a home signal opposes another home signal over the same track 

circuit, the track circuit shall be named after the up direction signal. 

iii) If signals read through a set of points the track circuit shall be named 

after the points number. 

iv) If the track in advance of the signal has already been allocated due to 

any of the above conventions, the berth track for the signal may be 

named after the signal. 

v) Track circuits in the block, which after following the above conventions 

have not been named, shall be named using sequential numbering; 




ascending as far as practical in an east bound direction. However both 

signal series numbers and point numbers may be included. Example, 

523, 423, 524, etc. It is also usual to have individual series for each 

parallel track, example being, 500 – 509 for one track, 510 – 519 for the 

next, etc 

e) In order to achieve some consistency, all east bound signals from North 

Melbourne to Richmond are even numbers, while odd numbers are for west 

bound signals out of Richmond and around the loops. 

4.4 Metropolitan Outer Area Numbering 

a) In the Outer Area, each station or relay room is addressed by a three alpha 

character abbreviation of that location which will be supplied by the 

Infrastructure Manager. 

The controlled objects at the station are then addressed by a 3 object numeric 

code. This code shall follow the pattern as set out in the Inner Area, i.e. all 

controlled signals in the Caulfield Group shall be numbered in the 700 series and 

points in the 600 series per location. Examples: 

• The arrival home signals at Caulfield would be CFD 702 and the points CFD 

610, while the arrival home at Brighton Beach is BBH 915 and the points 

BBH 809. 

For automatic (non-controlled) objects the numeric code represents distance 

from Melbourne in hundreds of feet. 

b) At new interlockings, that may be controlled by Metrol now or in the future, the 

existing system of Inner Area Numbering shall continue to be used , i.e. even 

numbers for east bound and odd numbers for west bound The numbers shall be 

in ascending order “east bound” as far as possible within an interlocking. The 

western extremities are Upfield to Williamstown; the eastern extremities are 

Sandringham to Epping. 

c) Automatic signals within an interlocked area use the three letter location code 

of the interlocking as the prefix. 

The numbering of the automatic signal is derived from the home signal 

numbering but taken from a group of numbers 100 lower. 

• For example, the automatic signal in advance of the home signal usually 

will be numbered 100 less than the home signal. 

d) In order to limit the amount of re-numbering of field objects at existing 

interlockings, the three digit number shall be made up by adding an additional 

number to the beginning of the present number, e.g. if the present signal number 

is 21, say at Caulfield, then it would become 721, whereas if the points were 

number 8 then they would become 608. If an interlocking is being renumbered 

the standard numbering as per above shall be used. 

e) The automatic signals in the Outer Area can generally retain their existing 

number which represents their distance from Melbourne in hundreds of feet, but 

a signal such as L135 would be addressed by the Train Describer system as L00 

135, a signal on the Frankston line such as F1359 would be addressed as F01 

359. The first non-controlled automatic signal on the departure side of the 

interlocking shall have the location prefix and an automatic signal series number, 




usually 100 less than the controlled signal leading to it. 

f) Where a co-acting signal is provided this is numbered as per the main signal with 

a “P” suffix. 

g) Controlled Automatic signals are numbered identically to Home signals. 

h) Boom Barriers shall be given an automatic signal number, e.g. the Booms at 

Ripponlea would be B00 277, indicating that the boom barrier location was 

27,700 feet from Flinders Street and the level crossing relay box was on the west 

side. 

4.5 Country Area Numbering 

a) The specific numbering scheme to be used is subject to agreement with the 


b) The numbering of home signals, signals dressed as home signals, controlled 

signals, points and derailers shall use a three character location code plus the 

number for the signal or points object. The location code will be as per the 

location codes defined in VRIOGS 007.2 unless advised otherwise by the 


c) Automatic signals shall use an alpha code for the line plus a number which 

represents the distance from the datum in Melbourne in hundreds of metres. 

Exceptions to this are the Geelong line automatic signals between Melbourne 

and Geelong and the North East Standard Gauge line which are numbered in 

accordance with the scheme for the outer metropolitan area. Automatic signals in 

a down direction shall use an odd number and up direction signals an even 

number. 

d) It is necessary for purposes of identification and record that each signal post 

be designated by a distinctive name or number, and further, for the 

requirements of circuit nomenclature, where there are two or more lights or 

arms on the same post, that the individual lights or arms should be distinctly 

designated. 

e) Where a co-acting signal is provided this is numbered as per the main signal 

with a “P” suffix. 

f) Controlled Automatic signals are numbered identically to Home signals. 

4.6 Control Lever Numbering 

a) The logical numbering for a single line control lever is in the controlled signal 

series. 

Example 

If the first signal approaching an interlocking from a single line section is say 

312, then the control lever would usually be 310. Assume the control lever is 

effectively the signal behind the arrival signal. 

4.7 Points Track Circuit Numbering 

a) Track circuits applied to turnouts shall utilise a separate track relay at the end of 

each leg of the turnout and both track relays shall be combined in the track relay 

circuit. Alternatively, if agreed by the Infrastructure Manager, a series bonding 




arrangement for broken rail detection on each leg of the turnout may be 

provided. Where separate track relays are provided for each leg of the turnout, 

the track circuit naming convention shall use “A” and “B” to differentiate the 

relays, e.g. for points track 1T, the relays would be “1AT” and “1BT”. 




SECTION 5.0 SECTIONAL SIGNAL PREFIXES 

Sectional Prefixes for Automatic Signals on Railways radiating from Melbourne 

Letter 

Line Section 

A Sunshine – Ballarat – Ararat – Serviceton 

AA Bungaree Loop Line (Millbrook – Dunnstown) 

AL Elaine-Ballarat 

B Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) – Brighton – Sandringham 

C North Melbourne – Coburg – Somerton 

Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) -Dandenong – Traralgon – Maffra- 

D 

Bairnsdale 

DD Pakenham-Moe (South Line) 

DG Burnley – Darling - Glen Waverley 

Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) – Essendon – Seymour (Broad 

E 

Gauge) 

ES Broadmeadows – Wodonga (existing Standard Gauge track ) 

EES Mangalore – Wodonga (New Standard Gauge track) 

F Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) – Frankston – Stony Point 

FM Caulfield – Moorabbin (Centre line) 

G Newport – Geelong (East Line) – Warrnambool 

GG Newport – Geelong ( West Line) 

GGG Newport – North Geelong (Standard Gauge Line) 

GE North Geelong-Gheringhap-Elaine 

GV Gheringhap-Tatyoon 

Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) – Camberwell (on the centre line 

H between Richmond and Box Hill) and then Ringwood – Lilydale – 

Healesville 

K Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) – St Kilda (Closed: now light rail) 

Flinders St (from Richmond outwards) - Camberwell (on the outside lines 

L 

between Richmond and Box Hill)– Ringwood – Belgrave 

LA Camberwell - Riversdale – Alamein 

Southern Cross (Spencer St) (from North Melbourne outwards) – South 

M 

Kensington – Footscray – Sunshine – Bendigo – Echuca 

MM Sunbury-Bendigo (East Line) 

Dynon - South Kensington – Tottenham Goods and Albion - Jacana 

MG 

(Broad Gauge Goods) 

MGS West Footscray – Broadmeadows (Standard Gauge) 

MR Mornington Railways 

MW Southern Cross-Sunshine-Werribee West (proposed new RRL line0 

N Castlemaine – Maryborough – Mildura 

NA Sunshine – Deer Park West (North Line) 

P Flinders St – Port Melbourne (Closed: now Light Rail) 

R North Melbourne- Kensington and Newmarket – Flemington Racecourse 

S Prince’s Bridge – Clifton Hill – Hurstbridge 

SA Sunshine – Deer Park West (South Line) 

T Clifton Hill –Epping-South Morang (future) 

U Seymour - Mangalore – Shepparton – Tocumwal 




Letter 

V 

VD 

W 

WR 

X 

Y 

Line Section 

Ararat – Hamilton – Portland 

Tatyoon - Maroona 

Flinders St (from North Melbourne outwards) – Footscray – Williamstown 

Newport South - Altona Junction – Westona - Laverton 

Cranbourne Line (various signal items) 

Bendigo – Kerang – Yungera 

Table 2 – Sectional Signal Prefixes 

Note: 

Where double lines exist; the standard convention for naming is that one line 

will be allocated a single letter, e.g. "D" and the other line will use the same 

letter prefixed by the same letter, e.g. DD. 

If an additional line is added the convention would be to triple up the letter 

allocation. In some cases, two bidirectional double lines have been 

differentiated when the gauge for each line is different. 

On the North East "E" is used for the broad gauge line and the standard 

gauge has a suffix letter added to become "ES". Double tracking the "ES" line 

would follow the standard convention of repeating the same line letter as a 

prefix, that is "EES". 




SECTION 6.0 CIRCUIT NOMENCLATURE AND WRITTEN 

CIRCUITS 

The main purpose of the following is to supply abbreviated designations for electrical 

signalling units, and to provide a permanent record of circuit as installed. 

When tagging is made to correspond with the plans it facilitates testing and 

maintenance and by the use of the abbreviated designations, plans are more easily 

prepared and more easily read. 

Circuits diagrammed, using nomenclature as shown, are called written circuits. By 

the use of this nomenclature no importance is placed upon the location of the 

electrical units with respect to track plan and no attempt is made to show the route of 

the wires connecting them. 

Note: The DMS contains “sample circuits” with all allowable symbols and standard 

circuit drawings. 

The units or parts to be connected are arranged so that straight lines may be drawn 

from one point to another. 

The characteristics, functions and the locations of the units and wires are given by 

the combination of letters and numerals. 

As far as practicable assigned letters are suggested, either because of usage or 

because they are the first letters in the words they represent, for example: 

A—Approach B—Block D—Distant H—Home 

But many letters stand for names, which cannot be associated, and are arbitrary 

symbols only and derived from American Railway nomenclature, for example: 

G—Signal (siGnal) 

W—Points (sWitch) 

Some of the letters represent several different meanings or words, depending on the 

use and the location with respect to numerals and other letters. 

Some flexibility is allowed to cover the different relative values that will be placed on 

the functions or units. 

The numerals designate the unit or wire. 

SAMPLE CIRCUIT 

BX 

BX10GR 

12TR 

10TSR 

7LR 

10ASR 

10RR 

10GR 

NX 

NX10GR 

12TR 

10TSR 

10RR 

Figure 1 – Sample Circuit 




SECTION 7.0 NUMBERING OF ELECTRICALLY OPERATED 

UNITS 

The term electrically operated unit is used to signify a signalling device in which an 

electric lamp or magnetic coil in some form is usually essential to its operation; as, for 

instance a relay, signal operating mechanism, electric lock, indicator etc. 

In order to provide a concise, suggestive graphic code for marking these units or 

plans, the following system has been evolved, which makes use of a designation 

made up of two parts, namely: 

First – Numerical Prefix: The number of the principal lever, signal, track circuit, etc, 

entering into the control of or controlled by the unit. 

Second – Alphabetic Term: Consisting of one or more letters the first and 

intermediate letter, when used, describes specifically the operated unit, the last letter 

designates the general kind of unit. 

The complete designation of a unit is written as follows: 

Numeral Prefix First letter Second Letter 

10 D R 

Written 10DR (without dots or dashes) 

In this example ‘10’ is the number of a signal, ‘10R’ means relay having to do with 

signal 10, and ‘10DR’ means a relay driving a signal number 10 to the Green aspect 

or 90° . 

In other words the letter ‘R’ means relay in general and corresponds with a noun in 

ordinary language. 

The letter ‘D’ indicates that the function of this relay is to control a signal and drive it 

to the Green or 90° position, and corresponds with an adjective in ordinary language. 

And the number ‘10’ definitely indicates the signal, which this controls. 




7.1 Meaning of Letters 

Letter 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

R 

S 

T 

U 

V 

W 

X 

Y 

Z 

ø 

Meaning 

Approach – Illuminated Letter ‘A’ – Available – Axle - Arrestor – Annett – 

Armature – Actuator- Audio – Antenna- Air 

Block – Button – Battery – Positive Power – Box – Band – Banner – 

Breaker - Bond - Board 

Common – Control – Code – Correspondence – Cut – Controller – 

Changer-Converter – Contact – Current –Counter – Core – Coupler – 

Crowder – Circuit - Cross – Clamp – Claw - Collector 

Distant (90° or Green) – Down – Decoding – Detector – Discrimination – 

Direct – Device – Derail – Data - Directional 

Electric - Electric Light – Lighting – Express – Equipment - Exchanger 

Traffic – Transformer – Feed – Flasher – Free – Functional – Field – Filter 

– Fouling - Frequency 

Signal – Signal Mechanism – Gate – Grade – Geographical - Generator 

Home (45° or Yellow) – Handle – High – Holding – House – Housing - 

Hydraulic 

Insulated – Inductor – Impulse – Intelligent – Interlocking - Impedance 

Junction – Dual – Joint - Jointless 

Indicator (visual) – Indicating 

Lock (Initial Movement) – Locking – Left – Lever – Low – Logic - Lightning 

Lock (indication or proving) – Module – Miscellaneous – Miniature – 

Matching – Meter – Motion – Motor - Manifold 

Normal (0° or Red or Purple) – Negative – Time Element Relay - Notice - 

Neutral 

Off – Out – On – Outer – Output – Object - Overlay 

Repeater – Repeating – Power – Primary – Pilot – Pole – Panel – 

Progression – Pedestrian – Proving – Pneumatic – Plug – Processor – 

Push – Power – Predictor - Protection 

Local coils (double element relay or mechanism) 

Relay – Reverse – Right – Route – Receiver – Rectifier – Room - Radio 

Stick – Staff – Storage – Stopping – Set – Secondary – Shunting – Switch 

– Separation – Separator – Shift – Supply – State – Solid - Selector 

Track – Telephone – Transmitter – Tone – Tuning – Treadle - Train 

Up – Unit – Uninterrupted 

Train Stop – Inverter – Vital – Voltage - Valve 

Point Mechanism (switch) – Point – Points – Wiring – Warning 

Bell – Buzzer – AC – Annunciator - Crossing 

Slot (reverser) or Holding Mechanism 

Zone, Also used for any specific term (with a detailed explanatory note on 

plan) 

Phase 

Table 3 – Meaning of Letters 




7.2 Examples of Common Combinations used to designate an 

Operated Unit or Wire 

Power Sources or Distribution Wires 

7.2.1 DC Circuits 

Code 

B 

N 

C 

BL 

NL 

UPS 

Description 

Positive DC power 

Negative DC power 

Common DC wire 

Low Voltage DC Positive power 

Low Voltage DC Negative power 

Uninterrupted Power Supply 

Table 4 – DC Circuits 

Note: Suffix figures may be used with the above to indicate the supply voltage. 

Examples below; 

Code 

B24 

N12 

FN6 

Description 

Positive 24 volt DC power 

Negative 12 volt DC power 

Flashing negative 6 volt DC power 

Table 5 – Examples of DC Circuit suffix figures 

7.2.2 AC Circuits 

Code 

BX 

NX 

CNX 

BXL 

NXL 

Description 

Positive AC power 

Negative AC power 

Common Negative AC power 

Low voltage AC positive power 

Low voltage AC negative power 

Table 6 – AC Circuits 




Note: Suffix figures may be used with the above to indicate the supply voltage. 

Examples; 

Code 

BX110 

NX110 

UBX – UNX 

DBX – DNX 

BXE – NXE 

VBX – VNX 

WBX 

WNX 

GBX 

GNX 

CB 

LV 

HV 

Description 

Positive 110 volt power 

Negative 110 volt power 

Up side 110 volt power mains 

Down side 110 volt power mains 

110 volt AC lighting mains 

110 volt AC mains with variable loads. ie points, 

trainstops etc 

Point Positive AC power 

Point Negative AC power 

Gate Positive AC power 

Gate Negative AC power 

Circuit Breaker 

Low Voltage 

High Voltage 

Table 7 - Examples of AC Circuit suffix figures 




SECTION 8.0 UNITS AND WIRING 

8.1 Units relating to Train Detection Circuits 

Code 

Description 

10T Track Section No 10 

10CT Cut-Section track circuit No 10 

10TK 

Indicator indicating conditions of track circuit No10 

10TR Relay operated by track section No 10 

10TP 

10TP2 

Relay repeating 10TR relay 

Relay repeating 10TP relay 

10TSR Stick relay operated by track section No 10 

10TSP 

10TPS 

10BP 

DATR 

UATR 

10TQ 

Relay repeating 10TSR relay 

Stick relay repeating 10TR 

Block relay controlled by one or more track sections in block of 

signal 10 

Down approach track relay 

Up approach track relay 

Local element of 10TR relay 

10TF Transformer feeding track section No 10 

10TRF Rectifier in Relay leads of track circuit No 10 

10TRFF 

75CT 

120CT 

Transformer feeding 10 track rectifier 

Code transmitter (75 impulses per minute) for coded track circuit 

Code transmitter (120 impulses per minute) for coded track circuit 

10CFR Code following relay No 10 

180DU 

AX 

MD 

IRJ 

TU 

MU 

ACI 

TX 

RX 

TMU 

TTU 

RMU 

Decoding unit for 180 impulses per minute 

Axle Counter 

Motion Detector 

Insulated Rail Joint 

Tuning Unit 

Matching Unit 

Air Core Inductor 

Transmitter 

Receiver 

Transmitter Matching Unit 

Transmitter Tuning Unit 

Receiver Matching Unit 




Code 

RTU 

TXMF 

RXMF 

PSO 

XP 

Description 

Receiver Tuning Unit 

Transmitter Matching Transformer 

Receiver Matching Transformer 

Phase Shift Overlay 

Crossing Predictor 

Table 8 - Units relating to Train Detection Circuits 

8.2 Train Detection Circuit Wires 

Code Description 

10TB Positive track feed wire in track circuit No 10 

10TN Negative track feed wire in track circuit No 10 

10RB Positive track relay wire in track circuit No 10 

10RN Negative track relay wire in track circuit No 10 

10TX Transmitter connections in track circuit No 10 

10RX Receiver connections in track circuit No 10 

10ACI Air core conductor in track circuit No 10 

ACI 

Air Core Inductor not associated with a defined track circuit 

Table 9 - Train Detection Circuit Wires 

8.3 Units relating to Signals 


10RR 

Route proving relay for proving the route is set for Signal No 10 

before clearing the signal 

10ASR 

Approach stick relay for indication and approach locking of signal 

No 10 

10AN 

Approach time element relay for the release of approach locking for 

signal No 10 

10G Signal mechanism No 10 (0° – 45° – 90° red-yellow-green) 

10HG Signal mechanism No 10 (0° – 45° yellow) 

10DG Signal mechanism No 10 (0° – 90° green) 

10, U10, 

V10,Y10 

Signals controlled selectively by 2-position lever No 10 

10GR Relay controlling signal No 10 

10GRQ Local coils of relay10GR 

10GP Relay or indicator repeating positions of signal No 10 





10HR 

Relay controlling Home or Yellow aspect or 45° position of signal No 

10 

10PCR 

Relay repeating home and/or Distant positions of Signal No 10 or 

Relay controlling aspects of signal in rear of signal No 10 

10DR 

Relay controlling Distant or Green aspect or 90° position of signal 

No 10 

10NGE Red or Purple light on colour light signal No 10 

10HGE Yellow light lamp in colour light signal No 10 

10DGE Green light lamp in colour light signal No 10 

c10HGE Yellow light lamp for ‘C’ or low speed indication of signal No 10 

c10N 

Time element relay operated by track relay preceding signal No 10 

and used for the clearing of low speed signal No 10 

10E Marker light in light signal No 10 

10GE Light for signal No 10 

10EF Lighting transformer for signal No 10 

GM Signal Module in a geographical module relay interlocking 

WM Point Module in a geographical module relay interlocking 

FWM Free Wiring Module in a geographical module relay interlocking 

10V Trainstop operating in conjunction with signal No 10 

10Y Holding slot or reverser on signal No 10 

10TPWS Train Protection & Warning System operating with signal No 10 

10OSS TPWS Overspeed Sensor for approach to signal No 10 

10TSS TPWS Trainstop Sensor for signal No 10 

8.4 Wires relating to Signals 

Table 10 - Units relating to Signals 


10HG 45° control wire on signal mechanism No 10 

10DG 90° control wire on signal mechanism No 10 

N10G Common negative control wire on signal mechanism No 10 

10EB Positive lighting wire to signal No 10 

10EN Negative lighting wire to signal No 10 

c10E Test wire for low speed indication lamp on signal No 10 

Table 11 - Wires relating to Signals 




8.5 Units relating to Points 

Code 

Description 

10W Point mechanism No 10 

10UW Up end point mechanism No 10 

10DW Down end point mechanism No 10 

10WR 

10NWR 

10RWR 

Relay controlling operation of No 10 point mechanism 

Relay controlling normal operation of No 10 point mechanism 

Relay controlling reverse operation of No 10 point mechanism 

10WP Relay repeating positions of points No 10 

10WP2 

10NWP 

10RWP 

Relay repeating 10WP relay 

Relay repeating normal position of points 10 or of 10WP relay 

Relay repeating reverse position of points 10 or of 10WP relay 

10UWC 

10DWC 

Controller controlling operation of No 10 up end point mechanism 

Controller controlling operation of No 10 down end point 

mechanism 

10NWCR Point correspondence relay for normal position of points No 10 

10RWCR Point correspondence relay for reverse position of points No 10 

10NWCP 

10RWCP 

10LR 

Relay repeating 10NWCR relay 

Relay repeating 10RWCR relay 

Lock relay for No 10 points 

10NWK Indicator for normal position of points No 10 

10RWK Indicator for reverse position of points No 10 

10KW Indication selector switch for lever controlling points No 10 

10WL Switch lock operating mechanism for switch No 10 

10WLR Relay controlling switch lock No 10 

10WPF 

Transformer feeding 10WP relay circuit 

10WCQ Local winding of point controller No 10 

WH 

JR 

Point handle box 

Dual Control Relay 

Table 12 - Units relating to Points 




8.6 Wires relating to Points 

Code 

10NW 

10RW 

NX10W 

Description 

Normal control wire for No 10 point mechanism 

Reverse control wire for No 10 point mechanism 

Negative power wire for No 10 point mechanism 

Table 13 - Wires relating to Points 

8.7 Units relating to Locks, Indicators and Repeaters 


10L Lock preventing the initial movement of lever No 10 

10NL 

Lock preventing the movement of lever No 10 from its normal 

position 

10RL 

Lock preventing the movement of lever No 10 from its reverse 

position 

10M Lock preventing the final movement of lever No 10 

10NM 

Lock preventing the final movement of lever No 10 to its normal 

position 

10RM 

Lock preventing the final movement of lever No 10 to its reverse 

position 

10LM 

Lock preventing lever No 10 from making its initial and final 

movement 

10NK Indicator indicating the normal position of unit No 10 

10RK Indicator indicating the reverse position of unit No 10 

10BK 

Indicator indicating condition of track circuits in block of signal No 

10 

10TK Indicator indicating condition of track circuit No 10 

10AK Indicator indicating conditions of approach section to signal No 10 

10WK Indicator indicating positions of points No 10 

10GP Indicator repeating positions of signal No 10 

10BP Relay or indicator repeating relay 10BR 

10NP Relay repeating time element relay 10N 

Table 14 - Units relating to Locks, Indicators and Repeaters 




8.8 Units relating to Level Crossing Warning Signals 


FR 

Flasher Relay 

FU 

Flasher Unit 

FX 

Traffic warning bell 

FXR Traffic warning bell control relay 

FCR Traffic control relay for flashing lights 

FCKE Indicator indicating status of level crossing 

1E, 2E, 

A1E, A2E 

Lamps for flashing light signals 

FGR Traffic Gate Control relay for Boom Barriers 

FG 

Boom Barrier Mechanism 

PGR Pedestrian gate control relay for Pedestrian Gates or Booms 

PG 

Pedestrian Gate 

Note: Level crossing units are usually prefixed by the street name 

i.e. HSFGR – High St Boom Barrier Control Relay 

Table 15 - Units relating to Level Crossing Warning Signals 

8.9 Units relating to Approach Annunciating of Trains 


10AR Relay controlled by approach track sections to signal No 10 

10AX Approach bell indicating train approaching signal No 10 

10AK Indicator indicating condition of approach section to signal No 10 

Table 16 - Units relating to Approach Annunciating of Trains 




8.10 Units relating to Processor Based Systems 

Code 

OC 

VLOM 

ILOD 

VROM 

TFM 

DPM 

MPM 

PPM 

DLM 

VLC 

CBI 

SSI 

MLK 

MLKOC 

MVR 

R 

RGE 

J 

Description 

Object Controller 

Vital Logic Output Module 

Intelligent Light Output Device 

Vital Relay Output Module 

Trackside Function Module 

Data Processing Module 

Multi Processor Module 

Panel Processor Module 

Data Link Module 

Vital Logic Controller 

Computer Based Interlocking 

Solid State Interlocking 

Microlok 

Microlok Object Controller 

Microlok Vital Radio Link 

Red 

Red Signal Light 

Timer (WRSA Westrace system only) 

Table 17 - Units relating to Processor Based Systems 

8.11 Units relating to Air Distribution 

Code 

Description 

Pneu 

Pneumatic 

Air Gen Air Generating System 

02/083V Manifold valve number two relating to number 083 Trainstop 

01/017DW Manifold number one relating to number 017 Down Points 

Table 18 - Units relating to Air Distribution 




8.12 Standard Naming of Repeat and Repeating Functions 

Code 

Description 

10 TR Relay for number 10 track 

10 TP Relay for the first repeat of number 10 track relay 

Relay for second repeat relay for number 10 track. Repeats 10TP 

10 TP2 

relay. 

When more than one repeater relay is required for any one original 

relay, the repeaters shall not be connected in multiple. The first 

Note repeater shall be a direct repeater of the original relay, the second 

repeater shall be a direct repeater of the first, and so on. 

Indications are to be wired from the last repeater relay in the chain 

Table 19 - Standard Naming of Repeat and Repeating Functions 

8.13 Miscellaneous Units 


10D Down Sectional route locking relay No 10 

10U Up Sectional route locking relay No 10 

10N Time element relay for signal No 10 

10S Stick relay used in connection with unit No 10 

10T Telephone near signal No 10 

POR Power off relay 

POF Power off transformer (for DC – AC Converter) 

10RF Rectifier unit No 10 

EF 

Lighting transformer 

PS 

Pilot staff box 

Table 20 - Miscellaneous Units 




SECTION 9.0 RAILWAY SIGNALLING SYMBOLS 

All symbols that are permitted to be utilised within the Victorian Railway Network for 

signalling and communications purposes are contained within the Drawing 

Management System (DMS) and referenced to within VRIOGS 007.2 Infrastructure 

Drawing Standards. The DMS also contains “sample circuits” with all allowable 

symbols and standard circuit drawings. 

9.1 General 

In Railway Signalling, symbols are the characters or signs used on plans & 

drawings to represent signals and interlocking apparatus, tracks, bridges, 

buildings and various other parts of the railway infrastructure which may be 

associated with, or affect the location or operation of railway signals. 

By the use of symbols all necessary information can be conveyed between 

the designer and the user of the plans. Symbols to be of use must be clearly 

understood by the designer and the user who is required to read and to work 

from plans. To that end this book has been compiled. 

The symbols for Signal and Circuit Plans and the Circuit Nomenclature and 

Written Circuits contained herein have been developed from those adopted by 

the Signal Section of the Association of American Railways, with alterations to 

suit Victorian conditions and requirements. 

9.2 Explanation of Terms 

The term "signal" within this specification is used to designate that apparatus 

fixed in a permanent wayside position by means of which the driver of a train 

is instructed as to the control (speed or routing) of his train. 

A signal may be mechanically or power operated; and may be manually 

controlled, or entirely automatic in operation, or have a combination of manual 

and automatic operation. 

Two systems of signalling are in use within the Victorian Rail Industry, namely 

Two Position and Three Position. 

9.3 Two Position Signalling 

In Two Position signalling a separate arm (usually on a separate post) is used 

to display the distant indication; and also a separate arm is provided for each 

possible route past that particular signal location towards the next fixed signal 

location. 

Two-position signalling is therefore essentially a system of route indications 

and each arm applies only up to the next signal. 

9.4 Three Position Signalling 

In Three Position signalling one arm or light unit may give both the home and 

the distant indications, and a combination of two arms on the one post may 

apply to any number of possible routes past that location. 




Three position signalling is therefore a system giving indications for speed 

control of trains and does not necessarily indicate the route to which the 

signal aspect applies. 

9.5 Automatic Signal 

An automatic signal is one, the primary control of which is the track circuit, or 

more precisely it is a signal which is controlled by the passage of trains and 

automatically gives an indication of the condition - occupied or clear - of the 

section or sections in its control. 

9.6 Non-Automatic Signal 

A non-automatic signal is in no way controlled by a track circuit. 

9.7 Semi-Automatic Signal 

A semi-automatic signal is an automatic signal which in addition is manually 

controlled. This manual control is direct, and a signal is not to be considered 

semi-automatic because some feature of its control is dependent upon the 

operation of another signal which is manually controlled. 

The manual control of a semi-automatic signal may be by a lever of an 

interlocking machine or by a non-interlocked lever such as that operated by a 

level crossing gatekeeper. 

Semi-automatic or manually controlled automatic signals are divided into 

three groups namely - Stick, Semi-stick, or Non-stick signals. 

9.7.1 Stick 

A “Stick, semi-automatic” signal is a signal which will not automatically 

assume the warning or the clear aspect after it has been put to stop by the 

interruption of the track circuit, until its manually operated control has been 

restored to the normal and reversed again. 

9.7.2 Semi-stick 

A “Semi-stick, semi-automatic” signal is a signal which will not automatically 

assume the warning or the clear aspect after it has been put to stop by the 

interruption of the track circuit, until a manually operated control, other than its 

own direct control, has been restored to the normal position. 

This other manual control will usually be the control lever of the signal in 

advance. 

9.7.3 Non-stick 

A “Non-stick, semi-automatic” signal is a signal which will operate 

automatically as long as all contacts (including manually controlled contacts) 

other than track relay contacts, affecting its control, are closed. 




9.8 Slotted Signal 

A “slotted” signal is a manually operated mechanical signal fitted with an 

electric device (Replacer or Reverser), by means of which the signal is 

automatically put to the stop position by interruption of a track circuit or other 

controlling device. 

9.9 Symbols used in Signalling Diagrams 

Refer only to the VicTrack Drawing Management System (DMS) system for all 

current rail signal and communications symbols as are in use for Victorian Railway 

signal and communications drawings and systems 

This Section includes the following below figures of symbols used in signalling 

diagrams; 

Note: Extracts from Victorian Railways Symbols and Designations Book (for symbols 

section only) 

Figure 2- Symbols for Signals (1) 


Figure 4- Symbols for Signal Diagram Panels 

Figure 5- Apparatus Housings 

Figure 6- Miscellaneous Apparatus 

Figure 7- Electro-hydraulic Train Stops 

Figure 8- Wayside Buildings & Structures (1) 

Figure 9- Wayside Buildings & Structures (2) 

Figure 10- Interlocking Symbols – Single Line Plans 

Figure 11- Track Circuit Devices (1) 

Figure 12- Track Circuit Devices (2) 

Figure 13 - Wire and Pipe Lines 

Figure 14- Miscellaneous Apparatus 

Figure 15 - Electric Lever Locks 

Figure 16- Contacts operated by Point Movements 

Figure 17- Apparatus Applied to Track 

Figure 18- Relay Contacts (1) 

Figure 19 - Relay Contacts (2) 

Figure 20- Contacts operated by Signals 

Figure 21- Contacts Operated by Levers 

Figure 22- Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals (1) 

Figure 23 - Symbols for Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals (2) 

Figure 24 - Symbols for Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals (3) 

List 1 – Symbols used in Signalling Diagrams 




Symbols for Signals (1) 

Figure 2– Symbols for Signals (1) 








Symbols for Signal Control Panels 

Figure 4- Symbols for Signal Control Panels 




Figure 5 – Apparatus Housings 




Figure 6 – Miscellaneous Apparatus 




Figure 7 – Electro-hydraulic Train Stops 




Figure 8 – Wayside Buildings & Structures (1) 




Figure 9 - Wayside Buildings & Structures (2) 




Figure 10 – Interlocking Symbols – Single Line Plans 




Figure 11 – Track Circuit Devices (1) 




Figure 12 – Track Circuit Devices (2) 




Figure 13 – Wire and Pipe Lines 




Figure 14 – Miscellaneous Apparatus 




Figure 15 – Electric Lever Locks 




Figure 16 – Contacts operated by Point Movements 




Figure 17 – Apparatus Applied to Track 




Figure 18 – Relay Contacts (1) 




Figure 19 - Relay Contacts (2) 




Figure 20 – Contacts operated by Signals 




Figure 21 – Contacts Operated by Levers 




Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals 

Figure 22 – Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals (1) 





Figure 23 - Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals (2) 





Figure 24 - Symbols for Level Crossing Warning Signals (3) 




SECTION 10.0 REFERENCES 

• VRIOGS 004.1 Kilometerage and Alignment Standard 

• VRIOGS 007.2 Infrastructure Drawing Standards 

• VicTrack Drawing Management System (DMS) 

• Victorian Railways Symbols and Designations Book 

(For use of symbols only within this specification)

VRIOGS 012.0.4 RevA - Public Transport Victoria

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