Accessible Pedestrian Signal APS: Button, Audio Beacon and Installation
Introduction
An Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) gives visually impaired pedestrians the information they need to cross safely: a tactile arrow pointing in the direction of crossing, a locator tone that finds the button, and an audio beacon during the walk phase. MUTCD and most national standards require APS at signalised crossings. This guide covers the components and the installation.
The Four Components of an APS
1. Push button with tactile arrow: a raised arrow on the button face that the pedestrian feels. The arrow must point in the direction of crossing (straight across the street). 2. Locator tone: a slow repeating beep emitted from the button. The pedestrian follows the tone to find the button. The tone is silent during the walk phase to avoid confusion. 3. Walk audio beacon: a faster beep that sounds during the walk phase. Different from the locator tone so the pedestrian knows the walk has started. 4. Vibrotactile arrow: many modern APS buttons also vibrate during the walk phase for deaf-blind pedestrians.
GAOQIAO APS push buttons are MUTCD-compliant and include the tactile arrow, locator tone, walk beacon and vibrotactile arrow in a single weatherproof housing.
Cabinet and Controller Wiring
The APS button connects to the controller with three conductors:
- Button call (closed contact when pressed)
- Audio enable (energised during walk phase)
- Common (return)
Most GAOQIAO controllers have dedicated APS input channels on the detector rack or a dedicated APS terminal block. The audio enable is driven by the walk phase output, so no extra controller programming is needed beyond the standard pedestrian phase.
Mounting and Orientation
Mount the APS button at 1.0-1.1 m above the sidewalk, within reach of a wheelchair user (max 250 mm reach from the curb edge). The tactile arrow on the button face must be aligned with the crosswalk direction. A misaligned arrow is the single most common APS installation error.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies MUTCD-compliant APS push buttons and pedestrian signal heads. See the pedestrian push button guide for installation details.
Conclusion
APS is required at most signalised crossings. GAOQIAO supplies compliant buttons with tactile arrow, audio beacon and vibrotactile feedback. Send us your intersection layout and we will return an APS package with mounting positions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is APS required at every pedestrian crossing?
In the US, MUTCD requires APS at all new signalised pedestrian crossings and at existing crossings undergoing signal upgrades. Other jurisdictions have similar rules.
Can I retrofit APS to an existing intersection?
Yes. GAOQIAO APS buttons drop into standard 1.5-inch pole mounts and connect to the controller with three wires. Most retrofits are a half-day per corner.
What is the difference between the locator tone and the walk beacon?
The locator tone is slow and continuous (about 1 beep per second). The walk beacon is faster and only sounds during the walk phase. The two distinct sounds let a visually impaired pedestrian know whether the signal is in walk or wait.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.