AC ELECTRIFIED LINES- AC ISSUE 5

Question 1

What is the definition of sequential tripping?

Answer 1

When consecutive electrical sections along a route trip. Normally caused by a fault on a moving train.

Question 2

What does ECO stand for?

Answer 2

Electrical Control Operator

Question 3

What is an “Emergency Switch Off”?

Answer 3

When the ECO switches off the electrical supply to all lines:

• between neutral sections, or
• between a neutral section and the end of an electrified line

Question 4

How should the OLE be treated?

Answer 4

Treat all parts of the OLE (except for masts or structures) as live at all times
-Unless the OLE has been isolated and earthed and an assurance has been received as shown in the local instructions

Question 5

What are a drivers actions if you see anything in the OLE that could cause damage if it comes into contact with the pantographs on your train?

Answer 5

• Immediately lower the pantographs

- Stop and report to the signaller as soon as possible

Question 6

What objects and defects must be immediately reported to the Signaller/ ECO?

Answer 6

• Any objects thrown onto, hanging from or touching the OLE
• Damage to the OLE
• The OLE is smoking, or excessively flashing or fusing
• Broken or displaced along track conductors
• Broken or displaced wires connected to the OLE
• Damaged or Loose APC (automatic power control) track inductors
• A broken or parted rail
• A broken or defective bond, (in this case you must also tell ECO the colour of the bond)

Question 7

What is the safe distance from the OLE?

Answer 7

2.75m (9ft)

Question 8

What types of incident will require an emergency switch off?

Answer 8

• Derailment
• A lineside fire
• A fire on a train or vehicle
• A person coming into contact (or in danger of coming into contact) with the OLE
• Any other incident or emergency requiring electrical supply to be switched off

Question 9

What are a drivers actions if ADD (automatic dropping device) has operated on your train?

Answer 9

• Operate the “Pantograph Down” button
• Stop the train as soon as possible
• Report the incident to the signaller

Question 10

What are drivers actions if you witness damage to the OLE, and what incidents define damage to the OLE?

Answer 10

Actions:

• Operate the “Pantograph Down” button
• Stop the train as soon as possible
• Report the incident to the signaller

Damage to the OLE:

• Something in the OLE that could cause damage if it comes into contact with the pantograph
• Any damage to or anything irregular with the OLE
• Any unusual movements of the OLE
• Any unusual noises from the OLE

Question 11

What are a drivers actions when the line light goes out ?

Answer 11

If your train has more than one pantograph, or the only pantograph in use is not on the first 3 vehicles, you must:
- make 1 attempt to reset
If the reset attempt was unsuccessful:
- drop the pantographs,
- stop the train as soon as possible (if you are on approach to a station, try and get at least one vehicle onto the platform in case you need to detrain)
- report the incident to the signaller

Question 12

If the line light goes out when can you coast to stand (or to a suitable location)?

Answer 12

• if you only have one pantograph in use and it is on one of the first 3 vehicles
• ADD is available but has not operated
• there are no unusual movement of, or noises from the OLE
• you have made one attempt to reset, which was unsuccessful

Question 13

If the line light goes out when can the train continue normally?

Answer 13

• ADD is available, but has not operated
• there is no unusual movement of, or noises from the OLE
• you can reset at the first attempt, and the line light is restored
• you regain power

Question 14

What are a drivers actions if you are asked by the signaller to examine the OLE of an adjacent line?

Answer 14

• Proceed at caution and do not exceed 20mph, and look out for any damage or any other problem with the OLE
• Be accompanied by a competent person in darkness, poor visibility or within a tunnel

Question 15

If the signaller has asked you to established whether it is safe for trains on the affected line to proceed using the trains own tractive power, or coast under the affected area with pantographs lowered, what must be checked?

Answer 15

• any obstruction is not more than 150mm (6inches) below the contact wire
• no more than 2 consecutive droppers have come off
• the object or defect is more than 3 OLE structures away from a tunnel or overbridge
• no other defect is obvious

Question 16

If the signaller has asked you to coast (with pantographs lowered) under an obstruction or object on the OLE, what is the maximum speed?

Answer 16

• Must not exceed 20mph
  [Note: the signaller will check you down to a red signal at a location which will enable you to get up 20mph, and will tell you:
• that there is a problem with the OLE
• the location name and description of the affected area
• if the area will be identified with 20mph coating signs]

Question 17

What are a drivers actions if you have spoken to the signaller regarding a high speed coasting area, and you are aware of the location of the “lower pantograph” signs?

Answer 17

• You may proceed normally towards the “lower pantograph” sign
• an “ advance lower pantograph” sign will be positioned approx 400m (440yd) on approach to the “lower pantograph” sign
• you must lower all pantographs before reaching the “lower pantograph” sign (note: you may lower pantographs at any speed)
• you must NOT raise pantographs until you are sure both Pans have passed beyond the “raise pantograph” sign
• you may raise pantographs at any speed up to 80mph (unless stated higher in your company instructions)
• a ‘Do not raise pantograph” sign will be placed at the end of a safe pantograph raising area
• if you haven’t raised the pantographs by the time you pass this sign, you must reduce your speed to 20mph before raising the pantographs