Isolation (IS)
European Railway Agency
ETCS Driver's handbook

Isolation (IS)

IS.1The Isolation (IS) mode is used to physically isolate the ETCS on-board equipment from the brakes or from other on-board equipment/systems.

Although the driver should be able to active the Isolation mode in some way from the ETCS on-board equipment.

IS.ENTEntering Isolation mode (ENT)

IS.ENT-[V].1The driver can always active the Isolation mode in some way from the DMI.

How to enter isolation mode is specific to each train.

How to indicate to the driver that the "ETCS on-board equipment is isolated is also specific to each train.

The output "ETCS isolated” is generated by the ERTMS/ETCS on-board to inform the vehicle that the ERTMS/ETCS on-board is in Isolation mode. This information may be used by some other on-board equipment/systems. Otherwise, the ERTMS/ETCS onboard generates the "ETCS not isolated" output.

IS.EXTExiting Isolation mode (EXT)

IS.EXT-[V].1To exit Isolation mode, a special operating procedure is needed. This ensures that the ETCS on-board equipment is only put back into service when it has been proven that this is safe for operation.