KMNC 3
KMNC 3
KMNC 3
3. An isolator switch is not meant for breaking a current, but only to break
a circuit when no current is passing through it . If an attempt is made to
open a switch when it is actually carrying current, severe arcing will occur
at the switch contacts and may result in serious consequences including
danger to the operator. AN ISOLATOR SWITCH SHALL NOT BE OPENED
WHEN CURRENT IS P ASSING THROUGH IT.
4. Isolator switches on the main line may only be opened provided the
corresponding sub -sector is first made dead by TPC. The person
operating the isolator switch shall not open it, unless specifically asked to
do so by TPC by a clear m essage supported by a private number or after
receipt of a separate permit -to-work for the section which includes the
elementary sections on either the isolator switch. TPC shall ensure that
the sub-sector is dead before he orders opening of an isolator sw itch in it.
closure is made swiftly in one motion. It is imperative that once the fixed
and moving contacts have met, the contacts are not separated.
(b) a chart giving exactly what precautions have to be taken for granting
power, blocks on each sector, sub -sector or elementary section; and
(c) a drawing showing the wired and unwired tracks as well as the
This drawing is the only valid document to be referred to for the purpose
of granting power block. No modification of the installation shall be done
without its first being incorporated in the above drawing.
Power Blocks
Power blocks on the OHE of "Secondary lines", i.e., siding, yards, sheds,
etc. arranged by the Station Master, Yard Master, Shed Foreman or
Engine Examiner concerned locally come under category (c).
2. In all cases of power block TPC shall put red warning caps on control
switches corresponding to interrupters which are kept open for isola ting
the section. Similarly, warn ing boards shall be fixed on all manually
operated switches opened locally for isola ting the section. This shall be
done by the operator who opens the switches . These red warning caps
and warn ing boards can be removed only when cancelling the power
block. In case SCADA system is in operation instructions issued for the
operation of the sy stem shall be followed.
(a) The whole or part of the OHE or a feeder or a cable falling down and
or persons or animals or falling trees or vehicles coming in cont act with or
likely to come in contact with live equipment;
(d) Derailment or any other traffic accident on the electrified lines, where
cutting off of 25 kV power supply is considered necessary by TPC or the
Section Controller, in the interest of safety.
1. The person who gives the first information of break -down on the OHE
shall invariably give all essential information such as hi s name,
designation, kilometrage where the abnormality has been noticed, its
nature and place from where he is reporting. He should leave the place
only with the permission of the TPC.
2. The reason for asking for an emergency power block should be brief
and to the point, but explicit. Much time and trouble can be saved if the
first information given is clear and unambiguous, to enable the TPC to
decide upon the course of action to be taken.
On receiving the inform ation the TPC shall immediately arrange to switch
off power supply to the section affected (the details of defects being
obtained after the supply is switched off). He shall at the same time advise
the Section Controller on duty the section made dead by hi m. The Section
Controller in turn should arrange with the Station Masters concerned to
take protective measures in accordance with "Station Working Rules".
1. It is vitally important for every Railway official who has occasion to ask
for power block to know the co rrect method of identifying and describing
any section of the OHE where shutdown is required. He should have with
him the upto -date Station Working Rule Diagram fo r the section, showing
Whenever there is a doubt in the description, the person asking for power
block shall state clearly the track and OHE structure numbers between
which work is to be done.
(c) Messages should be brief and to the point. They shall be wri tten
out in full before they are sent. The description of the section on which
power block is required should be unambiguous as detailed in para
20609. All messages regarding permits -to-work shall be in the standard
form.
(d) The same person who asks for and obtains a power block should
also cancel it before power supply is restored. The persons exchanging
the private numbers should identify themselves by name over the
telephone.
(f) To avoid confusion, use words "Open" and "Close" shall be used
instead of phonetically similar words su ch as "Switch Off", "Switch On".
Whenever necessary words may have to be spelt out (e.g.,1 (one) 4
(four) and not fourteen), B for Bombay, C for Calcutta and so on.
Procedure for Obtai ning Traffic or Power Blocks and Permits -to-
Work
Officials in the electrified area who require pre -arranged traffic blocks,
power blocks or permits -to-work in the danger zone of traction
equipment, or who require OHE and or bonding staf f to be present at
site for scheduled maintenance works, shall deliver at the office of Sr
DEE (TrD) not later than 10 hours on the first working day of the week
statements in the prescribed form showing -
(i) the nature of the work and the date on which i t is to be performed;
(ii) by whom the work is to be carried out;
(iii) location of the work and the section of the lines to be blocked;
(iv) the trains between which the block is required; and
(v) whether the track will be availabl e for steam or diesel t raffic.
2. The requirements of all departments will be co -ordinated in the
office of Sr. DEE (TrD) and a consolidated statement forwarded to the
Senior Divisional Operating Manager concerned, by 12 hours on every
5. All the traction sub -stations have two stat es of traction power
transformers and associated switch gear. Maintenance of equipment of
the traction sub -station, therefore, does not necessitate total shut
down of 25 kV supply at each sub -station. Whenever any maintenance
or breakdown is to be attended in the traction sub -station, the permit
to work should be ob tained by the Supervisor inchar ge from the TPC
and after completing the work, the permit to work should be returned
by the Supervisor incharge to the TPC. Similarly at the switching
stations normally the alternative feed is available to the concerned
sub-sector and therefore, does not necessitate the power block but
only a permit to work should be obtained from the TPC and after
completion of the work, the same should be returned to the TPC. In
case of attending to the gantry of a switching station, complete block
of the switching station is required for which power block has to be
taken from the TPC.
Any person detailed to open an isolator switch for switching off power
supply shall also report to TPC of his arrival at sit e at the required
location.
4. The TPC should maintain continuous contact with the OHE staff at
site.
10. After obtaining permit to work, the authorized person may use a
flag signal (Yellow flag) to direct the nominated staff to d ischarge and
earth the OHE at two or more points.
11. The maintenance gang will start the work after taking necessary
safety precautions to protect themselves, viz., by earthing, display of
banner flags etc. as detailed in General and Subsidiary Rules.
On completion of the work, the person who received the permit -to-work
shall ensure that -
(a) all men and materials have been withdrawn from the electrical
equipment and its vicinity;
(b) all earths provided for the protection of the working parties have
been removed; and
(c) all staff, who have been deputed to work, are warned that th e
power supply is to be restored.
been completed, the men and materials have been withdrawn from the
specified section, the ear ths have been removed and power supply
may be restored to the section. This shall constitute cancellation of the
permit-to-work previously obtained.
ii) The sequences of switching operations for granting and
canceling the power block for particular section are included in
the Annexure No.1.
NOTE: In case of Power Block on Automatic Signaling section the signals will be
at danger due to earthing of OHE to rails for providing safety to staff. The
Station Master shall issue necessary authority as per GR 9.12 & SR any
other caution order for steam/diesel trains when these are permitted to
move over the section under power block, to pass the automatic signals at
“ON”.
i) All sections over which a power block has been granted shall be protected
against entry of electric locomotives with pantograph(s) raised from either
and during the period of the block (ACTM Volume-II PART-1 Paras 20620
to 20627). If there is/are locom otive on the section over which the Power
Block is to be given, the driver of such locomotive shall be given a memo
by the station master on duty or authorized traction staff to lower the
pantograph(s) and not to raise it until further instructions and an
acknowledgement shall be obtained. The driver(s) shall not be given
instructions to raise the pantographs till the power block is cancelled.
2. If a power block has taken on Section 'Y' and the isolator switch is in
open position, it will be seen that the OHE from direction 'Y' (dotted
lines) is dead and earthed whereas that from direction 'X' is live at a
potential of 25 kV. The pantograph of ele ctric rolling -stock while passing
between OHE masts 'B' and 'C will short circuit the live and dead contact
wires. Such a movement will on danger the life of staff who may be
working on the dead OHE section 'Y', apart from producing destructive
arcing resu lting in severe damage to the pantograph and the contact wire.
2. The Section Controller will in turn per mit removal of protection only
after the power block is cancelled by TPC.
(c) a drawing showing the wired and unwired tracks as well as the
sectionalizing arrangements including the position of signals and
points referred to in the chart mentioned above.
shall be done without its first being incorporated in the above drawing.
(b) If the points and signals are locally operated, they should be
locked and the keys controlling the lever or lever frames should be
kept with the Station Master on duty. When the signal cabin or lever
frames are controlled electrically by a Stati on Master or a Cabin
Assistant Station Master, the Station Master or Cabin Assistant on
duty shall place the warning collars on the relevant slides of electric
slide instruments or on the relevant keys of electric transmitters or
interlocked key boxes.
This action must be taken by the Cabin Assistant Station Master or the
Station Master, as the case may be, in respect of each and every
movement prescribed in the Station Working Rules and after
completion, confirmation should be given to the Section Control ler to
enable him to agree for the power block to be issued by the TPC.
(c) Once a warning collar is placed on the signal lever, it shall not be
removed except after exchange of messages with private member.
2.An example of this operation is given in Fig. 6.0 2. As per para 20625
the lever controlling the signals should have "red warning collars"
placed on them to give p rotection to the dead section. However, if it is
essential to carry out a shunting operation with an electric locomotive
situated at point 'A' on the loop line to move into the main through the
turn -out, this may be permitted provided that the shunting mo vement is
carried out only upto limiting mast' P', short of the overlap span, where
a hand signal is to be exhibited to prevent all movements beyond the
point 'P'.
(a) This has not been prohibited specifically in the power block
message.
(c) He shall also give a Caution Order to the Driver of such engine
or "train warning him of the power block ahead and instructing him
to watch for hand signals and observe them.
(d) No Station Master shall give line clear or lower signals for a
train to run over a section under power block unless he has
received an assurance (supported by Private Number) from the
Station Master of the preceding station that there is no electric
locomotive or Inspection Car with pantograph raised in the train.
(e) Whenever a " red warning collar" has been removed for
permitting a movement as per paras 20626 and this para, it shall be
replaced back on the signal control lever immediately after the
movement is completed.
For purposes of the above rule the term "Electric Rolling -Stock"
does not include electric rolling -stock hauled 'dead' as a vehicle or
OHE Inspection Car with its pantograph removed or securely locked
down.
ii) Station Master or Station staff conducting shunting operation with electric
locomotives approaches near the traction structures limiting electrical
sections over which the Power Block may have been granted. Limits of
such electrical section at a station are shown in the Station Sectioning
Diagram.
he should take steps to protect the lines in accordance with General and
Subsidiary Rules.
{(ACTM Volume-II, Part-1, General Para 20606)}
Telephone Messages
All messages relating to .shut -down and restoration of power supply,
permits-to-work, etc. issued over the telephone shall invariably be
supported by exchange of Private Numbers. The procedure to be followed
is as detailed below -
(a) Every official who has to exchange such messages shall maintain a
Private Number book. As each message is sent, the Private Number used
should be scored out in the Private Number sheet, initialled and dated.
The message number should also be recorded. Every Private Number
book and permit -to-work form is an important document and should be
carefully preserved for a period of one year unless required for a longer
period in connection with an inquiry or investigation.
(b) Every message shall start with t he Private Number of the sender and
end with the Private Number of the person who has received it.
(c) Messages should be brief and to the point. They shall be written out in
full before they are sent. The description of the section on which power
block is required should be unambiguous as detailed in para 20609. All
messages regarding permits -to-work shall be in the standard form.
(d) The same person who asks for and obtains a power block should also
cancel it before power supply is restored. The persons exchanging the
private numbers should identify themselves by name over the telephone.
(f) To avoid confusion, use words "Open" and "Close" shall be used
instead of phonetically similar words such as "Switch Off", "Switch On".
Whenever necessary words may have to be spelt out (e.g. , 1 (one) 4
(four) and not fourteen), B for Bombay, C for Calcutta and so on.
Resister of Keys:-
The Keys of outdoor switches, cubicles are kept in a glassed box in the
SM‟s office of the issue of such keys should be recorded in a resister with
the following detail: -
Date No. of Name & Signature Date & Signature Remarks
& Key designation of time key of SM on
time handed of the receivers returned Duty
over person to
whom keys
are given
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Note: - In case, the Key is given to other than authorized person, the
permission of TPC supported by private number should be obtained &
record in the remarks column.
Power Block Message Resister: -
Sr. Date & Details Power Power Time P.No.
No. Time Of Block Block given by
message showing line & X- SM in
Sub- section over support of
Section ES effected instruction
given
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
(a) This has not been prohibited specifically in the power block me ssage.
(c) He shall also give a Caution Order to the Driver of such engine or
"train warning him of the power block ahead and instructing him to watch
for hand signals and observe them.
(d) No Stat ion Master shall give line clear or lower signals for a train to
run over a section under power block unless he has received an
assurance (supported by Private Number) from the Station Master of the
preceding station that there is no electric locomotive or Inspection Car
with pantograph raised in the train.
(e) Whenever a " red warning collar" has been removed for permitting a
movement as per paras 20626 and this para, it shall be replaced back on
the signal control lever immediately after the movement is completed.
For purposes of the above rule the term "Electric Rolling -Stock" does not
include electric rolling -stock hauled 'dead' as a vehicle or OHE Inspection
Car with its pantograph removed or securely locked down.
does not create vacuum in the train pipe. Except in an emergency, the
leading Driver only will apply the brakes. Under no circumstances may the
second Driver release the brakes on his loco or the train or apply the
brakes independently on his loco.
5. When starting power may be applied by both locos as required. The
leading Driver who is in charge of the train will notch up until the train
moves. The rear Driver will assist as required.
6. While running, power may be applied as often as necessary but
gradually by the rear Driver.
7 The rear Driver may swit ch off power using his discretion and with due
regard to locality, gradient etc. The rear Driver must frequently observe
his vacuum gauge and be prepared to stop.
8. It is the duty of the train Driver to ascertain that the second Driver is
acquainted with the contents of all caution orders and special instructions
etc. which he may receive while working the train.
9. Instructions issued by local Railways regarding coordination amongst
the two crews should be followed.
10. All rules in regard to switching off power at neutral section, lowering of
pantograph in the event of emergency feeding etc. shall be observed. The
Driver of the rear locomotive will be signalled by the Driver in the leading
locomotive to carry out these operations, as required, by means of code
whistles. The code to be used for such occasions shall be laid down under
local instructions.
{(ACTM Volume-III, Para 30637)}
Banking
1. On a gradient sections, sometimes bankin g locos are used in the rear of
the train to assist the leading loco/ locos to negotiate the gradient. The
banking locomotive, must be coupled to the train. The vacuum hose/air
brake pipes of the banking loco should be coupled to the last vehicle, but
on no account should the exhauster of the banking loco be run. In the
event of banking air braked trains, MUZ 8 valve of banking loco shall be
kept in trail position. The Driver of the banking loco will keep a watch on
the vacuum gauge and take necessary actio n to assist the leading Driver
when brakes are applied.
2. All rules in regard to switching off power at neutral section, lowering of
pantograph in the event of emergency feeding etc. shall be observed. The
Driver of the rear locomotive will be signalled by the Driver in the leading
locomotive to carry out these operations, as required, by means of code
whistles. The code to be used for such occasions shall be laid down under
local instructions. INDIAN RAILWAYS - AC TRACTION MANUAL -VOLUME
III [151]
junction stations, (iv) Offices of Yard Masters of large yards, (v) Office of
CTFR and TFR, (vi) Offices and residences of Rolling Stock officers, (vii)
Residences of C TFO(RS), TFO(RS), CTFR and TFR provided their
residences are more than 500rn from their offices and no other telephone
facilities exist at their residences.
3. Emergency Control Circuit (1). At regular intervals along side the track
not exceeding l km of running track. (ii) At all traction sub -stations,
switching stations, and maintenance depots. (iii) Near booster transformer
locations and Isolator switches provided for isolation of OHE. If the
distance between two successive emergency teleph one sockets
determined as above is less than 100 m, only one socket shall be
provided, at such locations. However, in large yards having more than
four tracks which are likely to be occupied most of the time, an additional
emergency socket may be provided on the opposite side of the yard near
an isolator provided for isolation of traction OHE. Where the transverse
distance between two tracks involves walking of more than 300 m,
separate tapping shall 1 be provided for each individual track. If not
already done, this circuit should also be extended to the TLC to enable
him to guide loco/EMU crew in the event of failures enroute
3. Railway's local telephone (1) Remote Control Centre, (ii) Traction Loco
Controller, (iii) Traction Power Controller, (1v) Offices and residences of
all officers of Traction Distribution and Rolling Stock - operation and
maintenance (v) Offices and residence of CTFO & TFO(RS) and CTFR &
TFR, (vi) Office and residence of CTFO and ATFO of OHE, PSI and RC
maintenance depots, (vii) Office and residence of ELC of sub -depot, (viii)
SEB's Grid Substation, if feasible.
4. P & T Telephones (I) Remote Control Center, ii) All Traction sub -
stations, iii) Offices and residences of SR.DEE & DEE(TrD), SR.DEE &
DEE(RS), SR.DEE & DEE(RSO), AEE(TrD), AEE(RS) and AEE(RSO).
{(ACTM Volume -II, Part-1, Para 20713)}
Power Supply Arrangement
1. To ensure reliability of ac 24OV, ac 50 Hz signle phase power supply a
25 kV/24OV auxiliary transfo rmer shall be connected to 25 kV OHE. (a) At
a station where a reliable local power is available, the main supply is
taken from this source. The stand -by supply is obtained by tapping the 25
kV catenary and installing a 25 kV/240 V auxiliary transformer. ( b) At
stations where no reliable local supply is available, the main and stand -by
power supplies are obtained by installing two 25kV/240 V auxiliary
transformers, each connected to independent subsectors of the OHE. (C)
At stations where an auxiliary trans former is installed at a traction
switching post situated within 350 m of the signal cabin or the station
building 240 V supply from the auxiliary transformer is treated as the main
each in the cabin, relay room, battery room and cabin basement shall be
provided. (vii) All the power supply installations provided by the Electrical
department,as detailed in paras (1) to (vi) above, will be maintaine d by
the Electrical department. 3. Following works shall be carried out by the
S&T department (i) A 2 x 25 mm2 aluminium cable will be laid from the
ASM's room to each cabin alongwith the signal control cables in the same
trench. An integrated power cubicl es including a voltage stabilizer,
inverter and battery chargers will be provided in the relay room for signal
and relay supplies. A 240 V ac outlet from this power pack will be made
available to Electrical Department for provision of light points. Similar
arrangements will be made at each level crossing and IBH. (ii) An 80 Ah
battery capacity, sufficient to cater for two hours failure of supply, will be
provided at each, cabin and level crossing. One extra 80 Ah battery set
shall be provided temporarily at these points until AT supply becomes
available. At IBH 200 Ah battery capacity may be provided to cater for
four hours failure of supply. (iii) At large yards, two standby diesel
generating sets of 1 0 kVA rating each will be -provided for standby power
supply to the signalling installations. The supply from these generators
will be brought to the CLS supply panel in the ASM's room or in the cabin,
where a change-over switch will be provided by the S&T Deptt. to enable
the ASM/Cabinman to affect the change -over supply from the normal mode
to the generator mode. A push -button control will also be provided in the
ASM's room/cabin to enable the ASM to start/stop standby diesel
generator whenever required. (iv) On sections where automatic block is
planned, S&T will lay a power cable all along the section with suitable
feeding arrangements - to suit local conditions. (V) At station where
telecom repeater stations are located, a 2 x 25 MM2 aluminium cable will
be laid from the CLS supply panel in the ASM's room to the repeater
station to avail AT supply to work battery chargers and repeater
equipments in the 'event of failure of local supply. Electrical Department
will provide a change -over switch at the repeater station between AT
supply and local supply. An emerge ncy light point shall also be provided
at Repeater stations by Electrical Department from the AT supply. 2. In
the event of power block being given on both the OHE sub -sectors from
which the signal supply is derived, electric traffic would necessarily have
to be suspended on the line. During such periods, colour light signalling
will not also be in operation. Such cases are likely to arise very rarely at
any station and the duration of the block is not like to exceed one hour at
a time. Therefore, no additi onal power supply arrangement need be made
by the Electrical Department at wayside stations. However, to cater for
this condition, portable stand -by sets should be kept by the S&T
Department to be operated until 25 kV supply is restored. At large stations
with considerable shunting movements, a stand -by diesel generator set
may be installed by the S&T Department to meet emergencies, If
considered essential.
3.19 FIRE:-
Regarding fire on or adjacent to any electrical equipment refer to G.R.
6.10(2).
3.22 Any amendment to these working rules (in four parts) will be notified by a
correction slip to the Station working Rules. All corrections to the Station
Working Rules shall on receipt be immediately carried out in the
recipient‟s copies. The corrections slips w ill be serially numbered and it
will be the responsibility of each member of the staff to whom working
rules copies are supplied to call for missing correction slips at once, it will
be the responsibility of each supervisory staff to bring the contents of the
correction slips to the notice of all staff concerned, hold their
acknowledgement.
POSITION OF ISOLATORS
Note :-
1. For any unusual movement of Electric Loco/Train/vehicle the on duty Station Master must refer to the Traction Station Working Rules
Diagram of the station and ensure that there no chance of energizing the section under POWER BLOCK.
2. Points leading towards unwired track shall not be used under any circumstances for the movement of Electric Loco with raised
pantograph.
3. Where shunting via emergency cross over is not restricted, on duty Station Master must consult the Traction Power controller/Section
Controller before permitting shunting orders under exchange of private numbers for the guidance of train staff.
4. Station Master of NYK & MKN to be informed when Power Block is imposed at KMNC under exchange of private numbers.
5. Reminder collars must be applied on panel for the line under Power Block.
DONT(s)
1. DO NOT approach within 2 meters of any traction wires or live equipment.
2. DO NOT work on the near traction wires or any live equipment unless they
are made dead, earthed and shut down notices/permit to work obtained.
3. DO NOT Enter any switching station or remote control center unless
specially permitted.
4. DO NOT permit unauthorized persons to operate an equipment even if it
before making it dead.
5. DO NOT disturb any earthing or bonding or traction wires.
6. DO NOT touch a person in contact w ith live traction wires. Remove body
only after power supply is switched off.
7. DO NOT forget to give artificial respiration to the victim.
8. DO NOT touch any traction wire hanging from the mast or fallen on the
ground and do not allow anyone else to touch it.
DON’T(s)
1. DO NOT lift or raise you r tools towards traction wires (Keep the tools in
respective position immediately after use)
2. DO NOT load coal in the engine tender to a height more than 4.00 meters
above rail level.
3. DO NOT take electric locomotive with raised pantograph to any unwired
line. Power block working limit or near the section insulations sat the end
of section under power block.
4. DO NOT climb into the engine tender for ANY PURPOSE while under
traction wires, unless power is cut off and “Permit to Work” obtained. (For
watering, use the water column from the ground with the special divider
provided for this purpose and opens the tank cover by the special device
provided.
5. DO NOT allow long articles like firing rod, showel or any other thing to
protrude above the engine while on electr ified tracks.
6. DO NOT direct any jet or spray towards the traction wire jets or water, if
necessary, may be used horizontally outside the safety zone of 2 mtrs.
7. DO NOT put the drivers vacuum brake handle in quick released position
when the traction is runni ng.
DON’T(s)
1. DO NOT PERMIT an electric locomotive or multiple unit with raised
pantograph to approach any section under power block beyond Power
Block Working Limit‟ boards or near section insulators.
2. DO NOT permit out staff to a pproach live traction wire within the danger
zone of 2 meters.
3. DO NOT permit any crane to work adjacent to live traction wire.
4. DO NOT permit electric locomotive with raised pantograph to enter any
unwired section.
5. DO NOT take off signals for direct recepti on for any electric engine or
train, if there is a power block within the adequate distance of the signals.
DON’T (s)
1. DO NOT climb on the roof of the carriages or wagons when located
between overhead wires unless the power is o ut off and “Permit” to work
OR watering badge is issued as per rules.
2. DO NOT go beyond the watering board of the watering section.
3. DO NOT open the hydrant till the other end of the hone pipe has been
inserted in the overhead tank of the carriages, similarl y do not withdraw
the hose pipe from the tank till the ground hydrant has been closed.
4. DO NOT direct any jet or spout of water towards any traction wire or
traction bracket supporting overhead equipment.
DON’T(s)
1. DO NOT continue working till last minute in the face of as approaching
electric train clear the line early.
2. DO NOT use steel measuring tapes or long metallic wires.
3. DO NOT dump ballast, earth or ashes against the foundations of the
masts and keep the top of the s uffering clear.
4. DO NOT raise the track above the high rail level mark specially under
over line structures.
5. DO NOT damage the traction bonds whether from mast to the rail or those
along or across the trucks.