European Railway Agency
ETCS Driver's handbook

System Failure (SF)

SF.1The System Failure (SF) mode is activated in case of a fault, which affects safety. In this mode, the driver is not responsible

SF-[N].1When the System failure symbol (MO18, located in area B7) is displayed, the driver shall inform the signaller about the situation.

MO18: System failure

The driver shall apply non-harmonised rules.

SF-[V].1If the System failure symbol (MO18) cannot be displayed on the DMI, the SF mode is indicated by any other means (e.g. black screen, frozen screen, dedicated lamp, sound, etc).

SF.2The following mode transitions can be triggered from SF mode:

  1. NP mode. Transition triggered when the ETCS on-board is powered off as indicated in section OFF.PWR Power off the ETCS on-board (PWR)).
  2. IS mode. Transition triggered when the driver isolates the ETCS on-board equipment (see section IS.ENT Entering Isolation mode (ENT)).