Lights Out

[sleepyto]

I was observing a set of signals in Mission Viejo, CA yesterday and was surprised that the signals went completely off for a period of time and then came on
approximately 10 to 15 minutes before a train approached. Is this a standard practice or just unique to this set of signals. I would assume that this is a way to save electricy cost.
Anyone observed a similiar actions.

[SMMDigital]

It could be a utility savings, but it could also be a vandalism deterrent. There is a signal in the town where I live that does what you describe. It is lit only when the train is in the two blocks before it and after it. The old signal, which is located in a shady part of town and was lit at all times, was a constant target for rock and bb gun practice. The new one has only had to be serviced a couple of times in the ten years or so its been in use.

I dont know if it makes a difference, but the one I observe is a permissive signal.

[Kali]

How much power do modern LED signals use? the "mission security" side of my brain is shouting that adding more complexity to a system just to make it stop performing it's function is a really unsound idea... perhaps it's a light pollution issue?

[SMMDigital]

I dont think it's a light pollution issue. Signal beams are pretty narrow. Stand off to one side of one, especially the snow-hooded ones, and there's not enough light to reflect off anything. Only problem you have is if your bedroom window was in a house, near a curve in the track that pointed towards a lit signal. In that case though, the signal light would be nothing compared to loco headlights and flashing ditch lights!

[Chessie8638]

Approach lit signals. They won't light up until a train is, like you said, 2-3 blocks away. Approach lighting might be used for sighting reasons, or simply to extend the life of the lamp and save the batteries.

[sleepyto]

Thanks for the replys.

These signals are on a double track prior to a crossover on a primarily Amtrak route.

Think I will do a little research.

[MadMike1024]

Thanks for the replys.

These signals are on a double track prior to a crossover on a primarily Amtrak route.

Think I will do a little research.

I knew a signal man on the SP&S. He told me that all the signals in the Columbia Gorge were approach lit only, then they would stay on until the aspect became clear (green) then they would go out again. At that time, the signals were all battery powered. The signals crew ran their section on a speeder with a trailer full of charged batteries, changing them out on a schedule and taking them to their work shack for charging. Now, with solar chargers and LED lamps Jerry's explanation sounds plausible.