hjemsignaler

Hjemsignal, or home signal, is a railway signal placed at the entrance to a block section or to a station, used in traditional fixed-block signaling to control entry into the next section of track. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the route ahead is safe and reserved for the approaching train before it proceeds. The home signal works in conjunction with other signals and the interlocking system to prevent trains from entering a occupied or unsafe block.

Placement and operation: The home signal is typically located at the boundary of a block or at the departure end of a station. It is interlocked with the preceding block signal and with the route setting, so that when a route is prepared the home signal can be cleared to allow entry. If the occupancy of the next block or a disruption occurs, the interlocking will revert the home signal to stop to prevent movement. The driver must observe the home signal together with associated route indications and speed restrictions.

Appearance and variations: The exact appearance of a hjemsignal varies by country and era. Traditional systems often use red to indicate stop and a proceed aspect (such as green) when the route is set. Some variants may include a yellow aspect or other indications depending on regional signaling practices. In modern networks, some lines have replaced physical home signals with cab signaling or fully automated interlockings, while others retain them as part of legacy infrastructure.

Modern status: As rail signaling has evolved, the role of home signals has diminished in some regions but remains in use on older lines or where fixed-block signaling is retained. They continue to provide an external, visible indication of the entry clearance for trains in those systems.

See also: Block signaling, Signal (railway), Interlocking.