Why do certain sections of tube tunnels have lights on?

[Silent]

I know the obvious is to maybe make tube drivers aware of something but what types of things. I don't use the Lizz Line much but does it also have lighted sections of its tunnels.

 

[announcements]

When the Lizzie line first opened the tunnels (pedestrian side walks) were lit. I assumed this would be standard just like the DLR tunnels, but soon enough they became switched off as standard.

 

[rebmcr]

Usually it's simply because they were left on after engineering.

 

[Mawkie]

If memory serves me right, tunnel lighting should remain off unless there is a report of a signal failure in the area. If they are left on, there is a 'switch' at the station headwall, but in my experience if they remain on it's due to a fault somewhere and remain on for a few days until fixed.

They also used to have permanent lighting on some junctions, but this seems to fallen a little by the wayside, with individual lighting units not replaced when failed.

It's quite annoying having lights flash past your eyes in tunnel sections, and increases SPAD risk on manual lines, so I prefer them off!

 

[Central]

If there was an traction earth fault tunnel lights would light very dimly.

 

[announcements]

If memory serves me right, tunnel lighting should remain off unless there is a report of a signal failure in the area. If they are left on, there is a 'switch' at the station headwall, but in my experience if they remain on it's due to a fault somewhere and remain on for a few days until fixed.

Does the switch only activate the lights for tunnel up to halfway along to the next station? I've noticed quite often the lighting will only be on for approx 50% of the tunnel route with the remaining 50% switched off. Sometimes it may be switched on the whole way.

 

[bluegoblin7]

It differs from station to station.

 

[Mawkie]

Does the switch only activate the lights for tunnel up to halfway along to the next station? I've noticed quite often the lighting will only be on for approx 50% of the tunnel route with the remaining 50% switched off. Sometimes it may be switched on the whole way.

I've witnessed this too but don't have any further knowledge I'm afraid.

 

[Mojo]

In my experience it's always been half way to the station ahead and the station to the rear, obviously there will be some exceptions where the tunnel doesn't go half way or complex layouts where there are junctions in the tunnel.

 

[Sun Chariot]

I know the obvious is to maybe make tube drivers aware of something but what types of things. I don't use the Lizz Line much but does it also have lighted sections of its tunnels.

That's a question I have pondered for years! Many thanks for asking it here. When I lived in London, the DLR tunnel lighting seemed lit for the train-side passenger emergency walkway. Deep level tubes, I noticed tunnel wall lights on approaches to each station and so I presumed it a driver aid for knowing when to apply the train brakes.

 

[Dstock7080]

Deep level tubes, I noticed tunnel wall lights on approaches to each station and so I presumed it a driver aid for knowing when to apply the train brakes.

Not an aid for drivers, more of a hindrance

 

[Sun Chariot]

Not an aid for drivers, more of a hindrance

Interesting. Is that due to the glare effect? Or masking the sight of the signals?

 

[announcements]

Deep level tubes, I noticed tunnel wall lights on approaches to each station and so I presumed it a driver aid for knowing when to apply the train brakes.

Only where there are crossovers or sidings. Even then, not all crossovers are lit e.g. on approach to Brixton.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Only where there are crossovers or sidings

It's nearly 30 years since I last used the Victoria Line's central and northern sections; I recall lighting visible at - as you say - crossovers (whilst I approached or left stations); but also on the approach to stations without a crossover. I recall similar lighting on the cut 'n' cover lines too.

 

[Dstock7080]

There are orange tinged lights on permanently at some points/crossings to aid staff if securing is required.

 

[announcements]

The lighting these days for crossovers and sidings tends to be either white fluorescent or an orangey tinge high-pressure sodium lamp. The latter can be a bit harsh!