Western Union 92 Codes

A wire signal is a brevity code used by telegraphers to save time and cost when sending long messages. The best-known code was the 92 Code adopted by Western Union in 1859. The code was designed to reduce bandwidth consumption over telegraph lines, thus speeding transmissions by utilizing a numerical code system for frequently used phrases.

92 Code

Several of the codes are taken from The Telegraph Instructor by G.M. Dodge.

Dodge notes:

Other numerical signals are used by different railroads for different purposes, for instance, the signal “47” upon some railroads means “display signals”; while the signal “48” means “signals are displayed”. The numerals “9” and “12” are frequently used for “correct”. Other numerals are used for the different officials’ messages, agents’ messages, etc.

Codes that are not listed in the 1901 edition of Dodge are marked with an asterisk (*).

1*	Wait a minute.	25	Busy on another wire.
2	Very Important.	26*	Put on ground wire.
3*	What time is it?	27*	Priority, very important.
4	Where shall I go ahead?	28*	Do you get my writing?.
5	Anything? (Have you business for me?)	29*	Private, deliver in sealed envelope.
6*	I am ready.	30*	No more - the end.
7*	Are you ready?	31	Form 31 train order.
8	Close your key, stop breaking.	32*	I understand that I am to ....
9*	Priority business. Wire Chief's call.	33	Answer is paid.
10*	Keep this circuit closed.	34*	Message for all officers.
12*	Do you understand?	35*	You may use my signal to answer this.
13	Understand?	37*	Inform all interested.
14*	What is the weather?	39*	Important, with priority on through wire.
15*	For you and others to copy.	44*	Answer promptly by wire.
17*	Lightning here.	55	Important.
18	What's the trouble?	73	Best Regards.
19	Form 19 train order.	77*	I have a message for you.
21*	Stop for meal.	88*	Love and kisses.
22	Wire test.	91*	Superintendent's signal.
23*	All stations copy.	92	Deliver Promptly.
24*	Repeat this back.	134*	Who is at the key?