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hovedsignal

Hovedsignal, or main signal, is the principal railway signal that governs whether a train may proceed past a given point and under what conditions. It serves as the primary authority for movement within a block or at a station, and its current aspect directs the train crew on the allowed action—typically to stop, to proceed, or to proceed with a prescribed restriction. The hovedsignal is read in conjunction with the signaling system in use and is designed to ensure safe, organized traffic flow on the line.

In most signaling schemes, the hovedsignal is complemented by distant or distant-like signals that warn the

Appearance and technology of hovedsignaler have evolved from mechanical semaphore devices to modern color-light or LED

The main signal is usually controlled by a signal box or an automated interlocking system, which ensures

See also: distant signal, interlocking, signaling aspect, railway signaling system.

driver
of
the
state
of
the
main
signal
ahead.
The
combination
of
main
and
distant
signals,
along
with
interlocking
and
track
occupancy
information,
provides
a
safe
framework
that
prevents
conflicting
routes
and
unintended
movements.
signals.
In
older
installations,
the
signal
may
be
represented
by
an
arm
or
a
lamp
with
specific
positions;
in
contemporary
systems
it
is
typically
a
cluster
of
lights
or
a
single
unit
displaying
topics
such
as
stop
or
go,
sometimes
with
additional
aspects
indicating
speed
restrictions.
that
the
displayed
aspect
corresponds
to
the
current
routing
and
track
availability.
Historical
and
regional
variations
exist
in
how
many
aspects
are
used
and
what
exact
meanings
they
carry,
but
the
core
function
remains:
to
authorize
or
constrain
movement
at
the
entrance
to
a
block
or
station.