Overhead electric cable sign

What it means

There is an electrified overhead cable ahead, and a limited safe height beneath it.

The lightning bolt warns of an electrified overhead cable, usually where an electrified railway or tramway crosses the road.

A plate shows the safe height beneath the cable. If your vehicle, or its load, is taller than that, do not go under the cable.

Where you'll see it

On the approach to level crossings and bridges with overhead electric cables.

Rules to know

• The sign warns of an electrified overhead cable. A plate shows the safe height beneath it, usually where an overhead electrified railway or tramway crosses the road.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 29

• Bells may be suspended over the road at a railway crossing to give an audible warning to drivers of vehicles that exceed the safe height beneath electrified overhead cables.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 29

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming a tall load will fit because the road is clear.

  Instead: Check the safe height on the plate. Contact with overhead cables is extremely dangerous.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 1

What does this sign mean?

• ARoad runs beside a quayside or river bank
• BTest your brakes
• CSoft verges at the road edge
• DAn electrified overhead cable ahead

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