Track Circuit - Track Circuit Clips

Track Circuit Clips

A simple piece of safety equipment that can be carried by trains is a track-circuit clip. This is simply a length of wire connecting two metal spring clips that will clip onto a rail. In case of accident or obstruction a clip applied to a track will indicate that that track is occupied, therefore putting signals to danger. As an example of use, if a train is derailed on a double track, and is foul of the second track, application of a clip to the second track will immediately return signals protecting the second track to danger. This procedure is a much more effective safety measure than attempting to contact a signalling centre by telephone because its effect is immediate and automatic.