केवल कार्ाालर्ीन उपर्ोग हे तु

For official use only

भारत सरकार - GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रे ल मंत्रालय - MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

SIGNALLING IN 25 KV AC
ELECTRIFIED AREA

CAMTECH/S/PROJ/2021-22/SP7A
JULY 2021
End User: SSE/JE/Technician(Signal) of Indian Railways

Maharajpur, Gwalior(MP)-474020
 SIGNALLING IN RE AREA
1.INTRODUCTION
In 25 KV AC electrified section, Signaling circuits are affected by induced
voltage. This induced voltage may cause hazardous effect on working of
Signaling equipment’s as well as Railway staff dealing with it.
Any circuit in the vicinity of 25 KV AC electrified section is likely to be
influenced by electrostatic and electromagnetic induction.
Electrostatic induction is practically eliminated by transferring a circuit
into underground cables protected by a metal sheath.
Electro-magnetic induction causes various currents and voltages to
develop in conductors parallel to the track. The value of this induced
voltage depends on various factors such as:
 Length of parallelism between the cable conductors and the
electrified track.
 Soil conductivity
 Screening efficiency of the cable sheath.
 Return current through the rails and the return conductor, where
provided.
 Mutual inductance between catenary and the cable conductors which
depends on separation between them.
 The current carried by the catenary etc.
EFFECTS ON S&T SYSTEM

Electrical and Visibility Induction Return

Signal current
clearance through
rails

Electrostatic Electromagnetic

Operating & Maintenance Staff Equipments

2
2.VISIBILITY OF SIGNALS
Signals are located as per Schedule of Dimensions to have maximum
continuous visibility to loco pilots of approaching trains But in RE area,
OHE & associated equipments obstruct the visibility of signals. Hence
when ever signals are to be located on the same side of the track as the
OHE masts , special steps as mentioned below are taken to ensure
proper visibility.
The distance between the
signal & the mast in front of
it shall be ≥ 30m.
The first mast behind signal
post shall be ≥ 10m from the
signal. However this distance
can be reduced up to 3 m
provided.
I. The mast is not anchored and
II. It is ensured that the contact wire is staggered away from the signal.

For signals to be clear of the

OHE and pantograph by 2 m,
the nearest part of the signal 2.5m
post from the centre line of
track shall be 2.844 m. 2.844m

Red aspect of CLS unit shall be at a height of

3.65 m from level.
No part of the signal without route indicator
shall be higher than 5.2 m above rail level.
No mast shall be provided for at least 3 spans
5.2m

in front of the signal.

3.65m

If at any stage the official feels that the

visibility is not adequate, he shall impose
suitable speed restrictions and take such
steps as are required to improve the visibility.

3
3.ELECTRICAL AND SIGNAL CLEARANCE
As per AC Traction Manual, the minimum vertical clearance between any
live part of OHE or Pantograph and part of any fixed structure (earths or
others) or moving load should be 320 mm to safeguard against
flashing/arcing. This is termed as Flashing/Arching Zone. Signal clearance
diagrams are prepared in which an un-shaded portion is marked
indicating the flashing/arching zone. Under no circumstances, a signal
post or any of its fittings must be allowed to infringe in the un-shaded
portion.

Under normal conditions, no one is allowed to approach closer than 2 m

from the extreme positions of the live parts of the OHE. This is marked
as the shaded portion in the signal clearance diagrams.

4
Where a signal post or its fittings have to be located within 2 m of live
OHE, a screen of wire mesh of approved design solidly connected with
the structural work shall be provided between the signal post and the
OHE for protection of staff.

The staff is required to work with extra precautions while working on

such signals. If any part of their equipment or tools is likely to come
within 2 m of live OHE, they will arrange for a power block before
taking the work on hand.

If the signal is
(a) located above the contact wire and
(b) provided with the iron screen it is necessary to connect them to the
earth with earth resistance not exceeding 10 Ω.
The screen shall be provided on the side adjacent to the catenary.
For a signal post between two wired tracks, a screen on either side of
the post will be required.

5
4.TRACK CIRCUITS IN RE AREA
In an AC electrified section one of the following track Detections to be
used
 DC Single Rail Track Circuits
 AFTC
 Axle Counters.

Modification to track circuits :

The parameters of track also changed with the increase of catenary
current. But the same AC immunized QTA2 & QBAT Track relays can be
used with an additional choke at the relay end & cross bonding with the
negative rails of adjacent track. With QTA2 relays with the above
arrangements the length of TC can be up to 450m .For QBAT relays with
8.8V battery , the length of TC can be up to 750m.QSPA1 relays are to
be provided as first repeater of TR.
In RE area, all parts are similar to that of Non-RE track circuit, except
choke & relay.
Feed End
When shelf type ACI track relay is used, track
feeding shall not be done directly from a
rectifier, without a battery in parallel. Also their
connection shall be so done that whenever
battery gets disconnected, rectifier also shall
automatically be isolated from the track.

A ‘B’ Type choke connected in series with track

feed to the un-insulated rail (-Ve Rail). Choke B type
This prevents damage to the feed source in Resistance 0-3 Ω
case of a catenary snap resulting in heavy impedance 120 Ω
currents in the un-insulated rail

This is used for the safety of track circuit. This prevents damage to the
feed source at the time of a catenary snap resulting in heavy currents
in un-insulated rail. The "B' type choke shall conform to specification
no.IRS S 65 – 83.

6
Relay End
Only A.C.I Track relays of 9 Ω - Shelf
type/ QTA 2/ QBAT type shall be used.
QTA2 (With ACI= 50 V) and Shelf Type
relays (With ACI= 50 V) are used for
Track lengths up to 450 m beyond
which up to 750m QBAT (with 80 V ACI )
is used.

QSPA1 relay only shall be used (to add slight delay of 540 to 600 m secs)
as repeater for QTA2 or QBAT track relay. However, for ACI shelf type
track relay, any AC immunized line relay can be used as repeater due to
its greater operate time lag Compensate the OHE tripping effect on
track circuit.
B type choke shall be connected in series with the relay also for its
protection to enhance the AC immunity of the track relay.
In the case of shelf type ACI track relay with this choke in series, 450 m
long track circuit can be worked even with traction return current up to
1000 Amps. Without this choke, 450 m long track circuit can be worked
only when the traction return current is within 600 Amps.

Ref. SEM Part II Para 17.15.5 & Rly. Board Letter

No.Core/S&T/W/Sig/200/Policy Part III dated 03.05.2011
Sr. Sleeper Section Max. Type of Track Relay to be Remarks
No. Yard/ Length used
Block of Track
Circuit
1 Wooden Block 450 m QTA2 / Shelf Type 9 Ω AC QSPA1 Relay as a
Immunised Track Relay 1st repeater relay.
4 Wooden Yard 450 m QTA2 / Shelf Type 9 Ω AC QSPA1 Relay as a
Immunised Track Relay. 1st repeater relay

5 PSC Yard 450m/ QTA2 / Shelf Type 9 _ AC QSPA1 Relay as a

350 m Immunised Track Relay 1st repeater relay
6 PSC Yard 750 m QBAT (ACI level = 80V QSPA1 Relay as a
AC, PU. 1.75 V, 175mA 1st repeater relay.
With B-type
Choke at relay end.

7
The layout of a typical Single rail DC Track Circuit

Components:
1.Battery charger 110V /2-10V D.C 7. Track lead J.B
2. Feed Battery (1 to 4 secondary cells3) 8. Track lead steel wire ropes
3. Fuse & link (4A / 250V). 9. Transverse bonds
4. Regulating Resistance (adjustable 0-30 Ω ) 10. Block joints.
5. Type 'B' choke (R=3 Ω & Z= 120 at 50 Hz). 11. Track Relay (ACI).
6. Track lead cable (2 X 2.5 sq mm copper). 12. Continuity Bonds.

RE Bonding
In RE section , the traction return current flows through rails. Hence , to
allow traction return current , DC single rail TC are provided.
In a DC single rail TC , only one rail is used for traction return current and
the other Rail is insulated to work the track circuit. The rail which is
reserved for traction return current is called un insulated rail.
Track bonding is provided within un insulated rail.
 To provide a path for traction return current.
 To ensure proper functioning of protective equipment.
 To minimize damage to installation due to traction short circuit.
 Type of RE bond.
1) Transverse bond 2) Longitudinal bond
3) Cross bond 4) Structural bond

8
 A transverse Rail Bond is provided
connecting all the non-insulated rails
so that a continuous path is available
for the return current.

Transverse bond
Longitudinal Bonds (Continuity) Longitudinal bond
bonds are provided on un-
insulated rails at fish plate joints
for traction return current.

Cross bond
Cross bonding shall be provided on
the un-insulated rail at either end of
the track circuit in case the track
circuit is less than 100 m.

Structural bond
The un-insulated rail shall be
connected to each traction masts
by a structure bond. In single rail
track circuits, in the event of a
break in the un-insulated rail,
very heavy current will have flow
through the track relay as well as
the equipment at the feed end. To avoid this, the un-insulated rails of
adjacent tracks shall be cross bonded at intervals of 100 m.
Note:
Continuity and Transverse bonds are provided by both S&T and Electrical
Traction departments. Bond wires provided by S&T dept. shall be 8 SWG
GI wire or of approved type and those provided by Traction dept. shall be
mild steel flats of not less than 200 mm2 cross sectional area. Structural
and cross bonds are provided by Traction Department only.
9
5.BLOCK SIGNALING IN RE AREA
Type of Block Instruments permitted in 25kv RE
Single line sections :
 Neale's Type token instrument
 FM Type Token less block instrument
 Block Working with Axle Counter
Double line sections :
 Double line Block Instrument
 Axle counter block

Special arrangements for Block circuits in 25KV RE

• All line circuits of Block working are transferred from OH
transmission to under ground quad cables.
• Each pair of quad is provided with an isolation transformer at either
end.
• Through the transformer the quad pairs are connected to block bell
& block telephone circuits.
• To economies the number of line conductors the DC line circuits of
Block instrument are connected to the phantoms of the quad pair.
• For Double line block instruments the earth return line circuit is
retained.
• Block filter units are connected to the block line circuit wires at
either end of section to minimize the effect of AC induced voltage.
• In place of quad cable, OFC, Radio & other communication means
may also be used for block circuits.
• In this case Failsafe block interface (FSBI) of approved design shall
be used.

10
• If the distance between FSBI & Block instrument is more than
500mt then, block filter shall be provided in cable pairs connecting
them.
• When a block section originates at a station in electrified area and
terminates at a station in non-electrified area, filters shall be
provided at both ends of such block section.
Precautions for block instruments in RE area
Filter Unit & Isolation Transformer
A filter of an approved design shall be installed
between the single or double line block
instrument and the line wire
The 3 position polarized relay shall be installed in
the same location as the block instruments. Only
approved type of polarized relays (S31/80) shall
be used in block instruments.
The polarized relay manufactured by Eastern Railway Block Shop shall
not be used on A.C. traction.
Block Filter Unit

S 1 Choke (R - 50 Ω Z – 40,000 Ω Test voltage 600v)

S 2 Choke (R - 40 Ω Z – 20,000 Ω Test voltage 50v)
C1 & C2 10mfd Test voltage 1000v
LD GD Tube Test voltage 150v
E1 Block filter earth
B/Earth connected to block inst commutater
E2 Connected to PR relay
Line terminals connected at S1 chokes & Block instrument terminals
connected at S2 choke .
11
Neale's Type token instrument
Modifications in Token Block Instrument circuit in 25 KV RE
 Provision of Isolation transformers
 Provision of BNR & BNPR relays
 Separate battery for line and local circuits
(i) Line supply 12V + line drop
(ii) Local supply 12V
 4 line wire, Phantom circuit used for DC line circuit and earth
 Filter Unit
 Isolation Transformers – 2 No.
 Line relays – 2 Nos. among which one is slow to release
2 Nos. of 5000 Ω resistances.
In AC Electrified areas, identified with DC stray currents, metallic return is
used. To prevent picking up of Polarized Relay (PR) after release of bell
plunger through discharge of condensers of filter unit 2 relays BNPR
(slow to release) relay and BNR relay are incorporated along with two
5000 Ω resistances.

Double line Block Instruments

Modifications in Double line Block Instrument circuit in 25 KV RE
Line wire 4 line wire, with Phantom circuit & earth.
Supply
(i) Line supply 12V + line drop (ii) Local supply 12V .
Other Equipment
(i) Block bell unit (ii) Filter Unit (iii) Isolation Transformer 2 Nos.
In cases where interference from extraneous currents is likely to occur, a
metallic return may be provided for the block lines leaving the bell
communication to be worked by earth return.
The block telephone of double line block instruments shall not be
worked on the same line wire as the block instrument. It shall be worked
on a separate pair of line wires The block telephone of double line block
instruments shall not be worked on the same line wire as the block
instrument. It shall be worked on a separate pair of line wires.

12
6.FEEDING OF POWER TO SIGNALS IN RE AREA

Direct feeding of signals

With unscreened cables < 240m
With screened cables < 600m
For signals beyond the above distances
Two methods are followed for feeding.
 Local Feed Method
 Remote Feed Method

Local Feeding Method

 The controlling relays HR, DR,HHR etc in relay room are repeated
through AC immunized relays at the location.
 The signals are locally fed from these relay contacts.
 The length of parallelism of repeater relay circuits shall not be more
than 3.5km.
 Double cutting arrangement must be ensured by proving controlling
relay contacts in both paths (BX110,NX110 & B24 ,N24 ).
 No earth return circuit is permitted on any of the signal circuits as a
single earth fault may affect the characteristics of the relays.
 Possibility of theft of equipment at Location.
 More chances for manipulation of signals at Location.

Remote Feeding Method

 It is an extension of direct feed method with certain additional

protective measures.
 The signals are directly fed from the cabin.
 But in the signal lamp circuit , the OFF aspect controlling repeat
relays are proved in series.
 ECR relays are kept at cabin only.
 Only repeating relays of OFF aspect relays are to be provided in
location.
 Less requirement of cable conductors as additional power cable for
carrying 110V AC to location is not required.
 Less chances for manipulation of signals at location.

13
7.MODIFICATION TO POINT MACHINE CIRCUITS
RDSO Spec No S24/90 for Electrical point machine non trailable type
,specifies the AC immunity value of electrical point machine shall not be
less than 160v RMS at 50 HZ.
With this the maximum permissible distance between Pt machine &
contactor unit shall be 1.1km.
AC immunized relays are only used for external circuits.

8.RELAYS TO BE USED IN RE

 Shelf type Relays manufactured in accordance to BSS 1659 and RE

Specification No. 187/11 and Plug in Relays QNA1 type are
inherently immunized for 300 A.C. and so can be safely used for a
parallelism of 3.5 km of Screened cables.
 Polarized relays using permanent magnets shall not be used in any
external circuit.
 No rectifier shall be included in any external circuit of relays
 AC immunized relays are only used for external circuits.
 Separate set of Battery/power source shall be used for internal &
external circuits.
 All circuits must be double cutting in external circuits.
 EKT shall be operated through a line relay.
 No earth return circuit is allowed except for block circuit for which
special arrangement is made.

14
9.INSULATION OF ROD AND WIRES

 Each rod or wire shall be provided with an insulator in the lead out
as close to the cabin as possible.
 In case there is a large number of rodding in the same alignment,
the insulated joints shall be provided on each rod run between the
same sets of rod roller guides. If this is not done any voltage
appearing in one rod will be transmitted to another rod through the
rod roller guide.
 For rod running under the track, the top of the rod shall not be less
than 25 mm below the bottom of the rail in order to ensure that the
rails do not come in contact with the rod during the passage of the
trains.
 Additional insulators shall be provided on each rod at every 300 m.
 A minimum distance of 40 mm shall be maintained between the
wire and nearest edge of the rail or mast.

15
10.LAYING OF SIGNALLING CABLES
As per extant instructions, only PVC insulated PVC sheathed and
armoured unscreened cable confirm to Specification IRS S-63-2007 shall
be used for carrying signalling circuits.
To ensure safe working , all the aspects of cable laying process are
under taken following some principles.
 Depth of cable trench
 Distance from OHE Mast
 Cable laying in the vicinity of TSS
 Distance from FP,SP & SSP
 Laying multiple types of cables
 Cables crossing the Track
 Cables across Bridges & Tunnels
 Cable laying outside Station Limits
 Cable laying within Station Limits
 Precautions During excavation
 The Cable Markers
 Supervision of cable laying
Depth of cable trench

Laid parallel to track 1.0 m Laid across the track 1.0 m

Tail cable: ≥ 0.5 m In rocky area it may be ≥ 0.5m

with adequate protection like
concrete/GI/CI/PVC/DWC-HDPE pipe/RCC duct
16
 Distance from OHE Mast

A B C

A. If depth of Cable is ≤ 0.5 m distance from OHE Mast shall be ≥ 1.0 m.

B. If depth of Cable is > 0.5 m distance from OHE Mast shall be ≥ 3.0 m.
C. If 3mt distance is not available , then cable has to be laid in concrete
/HDPE pipes for a distance of 3 m on either side of the track.
D. If a OHE mast or structure is provided with an independent earth
then the cable shall be laid min 1m away from it.
Cable laying in the vicinity of TSS

 Near TSS cable shall be laid at least 1m away from any grounded
metallic structures and substation earth.
 Cable shall be laid at least 5 m away from the switching station earth.
 Cables laid in concrete pipes may be laid 1m away from it.

17
 S&T cable laid on opposite side of S &T cable laid on the side of TSS.
Track. Cables shall be enclosed in
As far as possible ,cables near concrete channels or pipes for a
TSS are to be laid on the side of length of 300 m on either side of
the track opposite to TSS. TSS.

Laying of multiple types of cables in the same trench :

 Signalling cables ,Telecom cables, LT Power cables & HT Power cables

can be laid in a common trench provided armour & sheath of each
cable is connected to earth separately.
 Signalling & Telecom cables must be separated by a distance of
100mm.
 Signalling cables and LT/HT power cables are to be separated by a
row of bricks between them.
 When HT or LT power cables and signalling cables are laid in separate
trench and are running parallel, a minimum horizontal distance of
0.50 m shall be maintained.
 On track crossings, a minimum distance of 0.2 m shall be maintained.

18
11.EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS IN RE AREA
Any dangerous voltage appearing on the exposed parts with respect to
earth or due to electromagnetic or electrostatic induction, are led to
Earth protecting the staff against electrical shock.
To ensure reliable and safe operation of the equipment by limiting or
eliminating the induced voltages in signal and Block circuits the
following Installations to be earthed.
1. lever frames and other metallic structures of cabin
2. LC gate winch, lifting barriers
3. Armour of signaling cables at either ends
4. Location boxes
5. Block circuits working on earth return
6. Surge arresters
7. Screens provided on signal posts < 2m from OHE live wire
8. Equipments like EI, Axle counters, IPS, Data logger etc
9. Signal posts, Panel, Relay/CT racks
10. Battery chargers
11. DG sets
12. All telecom equipments
The max permissible earth resistance has been specified as
 10 Ω for Earthing of Lightning dischargers
 10 Ω for Signaling Equipments and
 1 Ω for Axle counter Cables(Maintenance free earth)
In addition, latest EI equipments IPS & Digital Axle counters are
provided with special earthing arrangements (Maintenance free earth)
to obtain reliable earthing with earth resistance of ˂ 1 Ω.

19
Conventional earth
In this type of arrangement, the earthing is achieved with the help of
Earth electrode (normally GI pipe) buried in the ground (earth pit). The
earth electrode is surrounded by filling material.
It is connected to the equipment with the help of GI or copper wire to
extend earth to the equipment. This type of earthing is normally
provided for apparatus cases, signalling cables, block instruments,
conventional power supply equipments etc.
Preparation of Earth
 An earth pit of size
1.25 mx1.25m x2.5m depth
to be made.
 Erect the earth electrode of
min 40-50mm dia GI pipe of
BIS grade of 2.5m length.
 Earth pit is filled with
alternate 3 layers of charcoal
and salt.
 Maintain a height of 300mm
of the earth electrode above
ground level.
 The earth lead of adequate
size fastened to the earth
electrode with bolt nut and
washer and then soldered.
 The surrounding of the earth
electrode be kept moist by
pouring saline water.
 When more than one earth
to be provided it shall be
separated by min 3 m.

20
Maintenance free earth

Inspection
chamber

Cement
concrete

25x2 mm copper tape

PVC insulated multi stand 35 sq mm

Cu cable as per IS 694 (Duplicated) Earth enhancement powder
With backfill soil

Copper bonded steel earth electrode

min 3 m long & min 17 mm dia

Augured Hole
100 mm to 125 mm

150 mm min Natural soil /backfill compound

This type of earthing is provided with earth electrode of a highly

conductive, corrosion-resistant material with low soil resistivity earth
enhancement compound around it. This arrangement eliminates the
drawbacks of conventional earthing such as corrosion of electrode and
high and fluctuating earth resistance. Maintenance free earthing is
provided for signalling and telecomm. equipments with solid state
components requiring low earth resistance of the order of 1 Ohm such
as, Integrated Power Supply, Digital Axle Counter, Data Logger,
Electronic Interlocking etc.
Preparation of Earth
 A hole of 100 mm to 125 mm dia is to be augured/dug manually or
with the help of Earth auger’ to a depth of about 3 m.
 Place the earth electrode into this hole.
21
  Gently drive on the top of the rod to penetrate it into the soil so
that minimum 150mm of the electrode shall be inserted in the
natural soil.
 Now fill the Earth enhancement material (min. approx.30-35 kg) into
the augured/dug hole in slurry form and allow it to set. After setting,
the diameter of composite structure (earth electrode + earth
enhancement material) shall be of minimum 100 mm dia covering
entire length of the hole.
 Cover the remaining portion of the hole by backfill soil, which is
taken out during auguring/digging.
 A copper strip of 200 mm X 25 mm X 6mm shall be exothermically
welded to main earth electrode for taking the connection to the
main equi-potential earth bus bar in the equipment room and to
other earth pits, if any.
 The main earth pit shall be located as near to the main equi-
potential earth bus-bar in the equipment room as possible.

Measurement:
P=2╥SR Where
P= resistivity of the soil in Ω
meter
S= distance between the successive
electrodes
R= megger readings in Ω

Measurement of Measurement of earth resistivity :

unknown resistance:

22
Measurement of earth resistance:
The basic procedure of fall of potential method using four terminal
equipments is as under:-

 Connect the C1 & P1 P1

P2
on the test set to the C1 C2
earth electrode as per
figure no. S
SDO/RDSO/E&B/ 003. EARTH
 Drive a probe into the 15-30 m
15-30 m
earth 30 to 60metre
from the centre of the
electrode and connect
to terminal C2. This
probe should be
S+3 m
driven to a depth of 15
to 30cms.
 Drive another probe
into the earth midway
between the
electrodes and probe
C2 and connect to
terminal P2. This
S-3m
probe should be
driven to a depth of 6
to 12 inches.

 Measure the resistance.

 Move the potential probe 3metre farther away from the electrode
and make the second measurement.
 Move the potential probe 3metre closure to the electrode and make
the third measurement.
 All the three measurements shall be within a few percent of their
average. The average of the three measurements may be used as the
electrode/earth resistance.

23
12. POWER SUPPLY ARRENGEMENT IN RE AREA
Way side station /IBH/IBS on Single Line
 One AT of 10 KVA.
 Local supply shall be alternative source.
 One DG set adequate capacity.
 One inverter suitable capacity provided by S&T if required.
Way side station /IBH/IBS on Double Line
 Two AT of 10 KVA(UP &DN)
 Local supply shall be alternative source.
 One DG set adequate capacity.
 One inverter suitable capacity provided by S&T if required.
Big Yard with Multiple cabin
 2-3 cabin depending upon the load shall be grouped and power shall
be extended from a set of two Ats one each connected to UP&DN
catenary on double line. One such AT on single line shall be provided
at convenient location to feed each such group.
 Local supply shall be alternative source.
 DG set adequate capacity shall be provided by S&T.

Auxiliary Transformer
In RE area where 25 KV AC traction is provided. The power drawn
from the OHE is transforming it to 230V through Auxiliary
transformer. One limb of primary coil of the AT is connected to
catenary wire other end is earthed. The secondary out put winding of
AT provides 230V which is terminated in SM room as a power supply.

24
13.PERSONNEL SAFETY IN 25KV RE AREA

Precautions to be observed near live wire :

 No part of signaling equipment shall fall within 2m.
 Screen shall be provided if any part is within 2 m.
 If due to any problem the screen is not provided then a Caution
board shall be provided.
 Caution board size : 225mm x 200mm . indicating "Caution" in Hindi,
English and regional language in white letters with a red back ground
provided at a height of 3 m (10 ft.) above Rail Level.

Precautions to be taken while working at rails carrying traction return

current :
Return current in rails rises potential difference between.
 Adjacent rails of an insulated joint
 Adjacent rails of a rail joint when the fish plates & bonds are
broken
 The ends of a fractured rail at the fracture
 An insulated rail & a non insulated rail used for return current
 The rail & the surrounding mass of earth.
25
 Who ever works with these rails is likely to be effected by this raise
in potential difference.
 Always use tools insulated in accordance with the approved
instructions Observe the Instructions for Railway staff working on
tracks equipped with 25kv AC traction. List of these instructions are
available in P way, S&T and RE manuals.

Precautions to be observed for protection from the induced voltages :

 staff working with S&T cables have to observe some special
precautions to protect them selves from induced voltages.
 Wear rubber gloves & use tools with insulated handles.
 If rubber gloves can not be used ,split the circuit in to sections or
earth the equipment or cable.
 staff working shall insulate himself from the ground by using rubber
mats etc.
 The cable conductors pertaining to the block instruments likely to
develop heavy induced voltages and every time the staff, handle the
terminals of Block Circuits, they must rigidly observe precautions.
 These cables terminals shall be painted RED to remind the
Maintenance staff of the danger.
 Before cutting the armour or sheath of cable or wires in a cable
establish a temporary connection of low resistance between the
two sides of the armour wire which is to be cut.
 For work adjacent to overhead equipment the SSE/JE(S) shall apply
to the proper authority sufficiently in advance for sanctioning the
traffic and power block required.
 Train staff for treatment of persons suffering from electric shock.

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14.DOs AND DON`Ts

Dos
 Warn the staff about the danger of coming in close contact to the live
traction overhead wires within 2m.
 While working on signal post keep away from OHE live conductors. If
necessary take power block and permit to work from TRD.
 Ensure the proper earthing of battery charger after replacing the
defective charger.
 Ensure that transfer and longitudinal bonding are provided after
replacement of defective glued joint on track circuited portion.
 Always arrange for power block before taking the work on hand for
replacement of signal unit or any other work on the signal, which is
infringing within two meter from the live parts of the OHE.
 Always use surge arrester on cable, terminated between junction box
and EV of axle counter.
 Ensure that for the power cable for feeding the signals. The voltage
drop is with in 5 %.
 Ensure that a caution board is provided on signal post at the height of
3.0 meter above the rail level, if protective screen is not provided on
the signal post.
 Ensure that earth is separated with other earth with a distance of 3 m.
 Insist P-way staff to inform OHE staff and S&T officials before replacing
the crossing and rail to ensure continuity of RE bonds.
 Ensure continuity of earth bonds before opening any insulation joint.
 Do inform to the OHE staff immediately if any OHE bond like
longitudinal bond, structural bond, and cross bond is found open or
loose.
 Ensure continuity of armour while joints provided in the cable.
 Ensure the rods and wires passing under the track and are not
touching the rail flange.

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Don`ts
× Do not work on any portion of a signal post or its fittings falling
within a radius of 2 m form 25 KV live OHE unless such portion is
protected with a metallic screen or power to the live OHE has been
switched off and a permit to work has been obtained.
× Don’t remove/disconnect screen of wire mesh provided between
the signal post and OHE live conductor.
× Don’t energize any circuit on overhead line.
× Don’t make through wire insulator with wire or wire rope.
× Don’t bypass any lightning arrester.
× Don’t combine earth with each other.
× Don’t remove any OHE bonds provided for traction bond.
× Do not keep the track circuit in working condition only on the
battery charger.
× Don’t combined internal and external battery cell with each other.
× Don’t replace any immunized relay with non- immunized relay.
× Do not use steel measuring tapes or long metallic wires rod .
× Do not disturb track bonding / earthing of TRD installation.
× Do not touch the two ends of fractured rails with bare hands.
× Do not change track circuits insulation with out knowledge of
Traction staff.

DISCLAIMER:
The information given in this pamphlet does not supersede any existing
provisions laid down in Signal Engineering Manual, Railway Board and RDSO
publications. This document is not statutory and instructions given in it are for
the purpose of guidance only. If at any point contradiction is observed, then
SEM, Railway Board/RDSO guidelines or Zonal Rly, Instructions may be
followed.

Any Suggestions about the pamphlet are welcome and may be sent on
Contact person:
Director(S&T)
Indian Railways Centre for Advanced Maintenance Technology
Maharajpur, Gwalior(MP)-474020
Ph:0751-2470185, Mob. No.: 9752447080 FAX:0751-24700841
E-mail: [email protected]
.

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