Passenger Communication Units & Emergency Access Devices

Pickersgill-Kaye have been designing and manufacturing these devices for almost 15 years now, starting with a basic handle operated valve for simply exhausting the brakes, through to the more sophisticated emergency talkback units which also provide driver to passenger communication.

These devices are currently fitted on classes 158, 319, 320, 321, 322, 442 and 456, MK3B, MK4 and Nightstock Coaches, and London Underground's Central, Jubilee and Northern Line Trains. A new pull down handle version is currently being supplied to Westinghouse Brakes Ltd for Virgin Cross Country's new Trains being built by Bombardier Transportation.

The passenger communication units comprise of a red or green handle which when pulled actuates a pneumatic valve or an electrical switch or both simultaneously. This sends a signal back to the driver of an emergency situation and if after a set time the driver fails to respond, the train will automatically stop.

The emergency access devices were supplied as part of the ADtranz, MK3 HST central door locking system. They are located adjacent to the doors on the vehicle bodyside and comprise of a red handle which, when turned through 90°, operates a pneumatic valve thereby disabling the secondary door locking system and allowing the door to be opened. The handle is mounted in a circular, powder painted, aluminium dish and protected from improper use by an emergency glass. A pull handle version is located inside the vehicle for passenger use.

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