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This section covers the various circuit symbols used in the signal drawings, and the nomenclature used to describe them.

The majority of information for this page came from a book labeled Graphical Signal Symbols and Written Circuit Nomenclature, published by The Railway Educational Bureau in 1950, and written D. C. Buell.



This first section deals with the standard AAR abbreviations and nomenclature used in the labeling of relay drawings.  If you have ever tried to read a signal drawing, and can't make sense out of it, these "TLA's" should help you.






















































This section deals with symbols used on signal drawings.



Signals and Semaphores (prior to ~1950)


Searchlight and Color Light Signals (prior to ~1950)


Signals, Semaphores, & Smashboards


Signal Supports


Relays - DC & AC
  

Relay Contacts
  

Circuit Controller Contacts - Miscellaneous


Circuit Controller Contacts


Contacts Actuated By Switch Points, Derails, or Locking Connections
  

Other Signal & Pneumatic


Indicators, Locks, Buzzers, & Bells


Other Electrical Schematic Symbols
  

Railway Tracks & Highway Crossings


Buildings, Bridges, & Tunnels


Wayside Fixtures


Switches


Derails


Miscellaneous Devices Applied To Tracks


Pipe and Wire Lines


Lead-Outs, Bolt Locks, Cranks, and Deflecting Bars



New 6OCT2006, 26AUG2013
last Changed: 06-Sep-2019