Off topic really, but as it’s been raised…
In any case, if they really did care about not disturbing people they would get rid of those appalling shrieking sirens they install at the level crossing itself. They are loud even from within the train, they are much worse from outside, and they go on and on making that terrible noise for a very long time. And there is invariably at least one house right next to the crossing, inhabited by gibbering wrecks who have been driven insane by the racket until they ended up shoving knitting needles into their ears as the only way to get a bit of relief. It always amazes me that they keep on working, and people haven't squirted builders' expanding polyurethane foam into the things to shut them up.
The audible sirens are either silenced or “turned down” at night for this reason. However, during the day, they’re loud and piercing for a reason.
People move next to railways and level crossings, which 9 times out of 10 have been there for decades, often before the homes were built, and moan about the noise? I get that level crossing sirens have evolved over time and used to be bells essentially, which weren’t so piercing, but they’ve been like they are now generally, for a good 20 years or so.
The audible sounders are known as Yodalarms (a brand name), the generic name is industrial audible signalling device.
I don’t know when they were introduced to replace bells, but they were the standard audible warning device for at least 35 years.
Here is some information on them:
YA30
Industrial Audible Signal 105 dB (A)
Yodalarm range. Compact, robust multi-purpose audible signalling device designed for use in industrial applications.
Features
Max sound output 105 db (A) / 1 m
IP66 rated as standard
32 selectable tones meeting international regulations
Stainless steel fixings
2 stage alarm
Independently selectable second stage
Sound selection via 5 way DIL switch
Low current consumption
Robust, reliable and simple to install
Material
Flame retardant ABS enclosure
Although there is a specific model made specifically for use on level crossings for the U.K. railway.
There is more information on the manufacturers web site,
link to web site
Crossings where Yodalarm sounders are fitted must have a volume reduction system installed. This includes a timeclock that reduces the sound volume between defined hours (normally night time).
There are normally two Yodalarms fitted, one each on diagonal sides of the crossing.
Note that some crossings, such as Vamos red/green MSL (Miniature Stop Light) crossings use a different type of audible sounders.
The Yodalarms and the volume reduction system are checked and tested as part of the railway crossing equipment maintenance programme.
Here’s an extract of part of the maintenance requirements (I can’t link to source as it’s an internal Network Rail document):
Audible Warning Devices (AWD)
The audible warning is measured at a 3m radius from the source, in normal daytime operating conditions. It should be between 60 dB(A) and 80 dB(A), normally at the higher end of the range.
A site-specific assessment determines the level required at each level crossing, taking into account local conditions, noise nuisance etc.
If members wish to discuss level crossing sounders, it would be wise to start a new topic rather than continuing in this topic.
Moderators, feel free to move this post to a new topic if you wish.
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