GUIDELINES FOR

ISOLATOR OPERATION
(For Operating & Siding Staff)
By SSE/Tr.D/AKP
Traction Distribution Department (Tr.D)

This department is responsible for efficient

maintenance and operation of Traction Over
Head Equipment (OHE) and Traction Power
Supply Installations (PSI).
In OHE system, every mast will be given with a Number for
Identification purpose
Up Line: Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada section is treated as UP Line and all masts on
UP line will given with ODD numbers.
Ex. 745/1, 3, 5 etc., AKP/1011, 1013 Etc.,
Here, 745 is the Km no. and 1, 3, 5 are masts numbers in that kilometre.
For Loop lines and Sidings, the name of the station and number of the mast will be
given i.e., AKP/1011, NRP/1015 etc.,

Down Line: Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam section is treated as

DOWN Line and all masts on Down line will given with EVEN
numbers.
Ex. 745/2, 4, 6 etc., AKP/1012, 1014 Etc.,
Elementary Section (E/s):
The smallest section of OHE which can be made dead manually by opening the
isolators.
Ex. 28505, 28606, X-318, X-348 Etc.,
 For kind attention of Station Masters
 Protection during the Power Block:
 To safeguard the workmen, utmost care is to be taken to protect the power block site from entry of
electric loco. There are two types of Protection to be taken during power block.

 Longitudinal Protection:
 The protection to be taken along the line of Power Block area is called Longitudinal Protection.
 Suppose, if Power Block is given on E/s 28606, Electric Loco should not be dispatched from Down
Main or Down Loop is called longitudinal protection.

 Transverse Protection:
 In addition to the above longitudinal protection, Electric Loco should not be dispatched from E/s 28505
& X-318 for any shunting purpose through Crossover into E/s 28606. This protection is called
transverse Protection.
Isolator: This is used to open or close the circuit either when
negligible current is flowing (or) when no current is flowing through
the circuit. These are also called as off-load switches.
ISOLATOR
Isolator Number: Each isolator gives separate / individual ID number called
as Isolator number.
Ex. SM-336, SS-318 Etc.,
Isolators on Main Line indicated as SM (Switch Main) &
Loop Line indicated as SS (Switch Siding)

Isolator on Main Line Isolator on Loop Line

 Parts to be known for Isolator Operation:

 Isolator Number
 Location Number of Isolator Mast
 Operating Handle
 Fixed Contact (Female Contact)
 Moving Contact (Male Contact)
Location
Number

Isolator Number

Isolator Handle
Moving Contact

Fixed Contact

Isolator Handle

Pad Lock
 Items required for Isolator Operation

 Isolator Key (Available at Stations):

Isolator Key having the number of Isolator on one side and location
number of Isolator on other side.
 25KV Safety Gloves
 Procedure of Isolator Operation
(Open Operation)
In Emergency situation TPC will ask either Station Master or
Points Man to OPEN particular Isolator by exchanging Private
Number. After receiving the message from TPC
Collectthe Isolator key & 25KV Safety gloves available at OHE
Key box at Station master Room.
Ensure the location number of Isolator & Isolator number.
Ensurethe Condition of Isolator (Normally maximum Isolators are
in CLOSED Condition, some are in OPEN condition)
Ensure the bond connected from Isolator mast to Rail.
Wear safety gloves & Open pad lock of Isolator.
 Procedure of Isolator Operation
(Open Operation)
 Hold the isolator handle with one hand & Pull the lock rod of
Isolator.
 Normally Isolator handle in TOP position & Pull it to DOWN
wards fastly.
 Then Isolator is in OPEN condition.
 Ensure the condition of Moving contact visually (Open or Not)
 Lock the Isolator with pad lock.
Closed Condition Open Condition
 Procedure of Isolator Operation
(Close Operation)
 Take permission from TPC (Traction Power Controller) with exchange
of PN numbers.
 Ensure the Condition of Isolator.
 Wear safety gloves & Open pad lock of Isolator.
 Hold the isolator handle with one hand & Pull the lock rod of Isolator.
 Normally Isolator handle in DOWN position & Pull it to UP ward
direction fastly.
 Then Isolator is in CLOSED condition.
 Ensure the condition of Moving contact visually (Closed or Not)
 Lock the Isolator with pad lock.
 Isolator With Earthing Heel:
 In some stations i.e., at AKP (Goods siding line i.e., X-319), BVM (Up loop line
i.e., X-321) & REG (Road-5 i.e., X-344) are provided with Earthing heel Isolators
to protect the staff working on that line.
 When isolator is in closed condition, earthing heel will be in open condition.
When isolator is in open condition earthing heel will be in closed condition i.e.,
earthing heel will be inserted in female contact to discharge the induction voltage.
 It is very important to note that after opening of the isolator ensure that the
earthing heel is fully closed in female contact.
 After closing the isolator ensure that the earthing heel is fully open condition.
Isolator with Earthing Heel

Female Contact
Earthing Heel
 Earthing Heel

Isolator in Closed Condition and Isolator in Open Condition and

Earthing Heel in Open Position Earthing Heel in Closed Position
Note:
ALL STAFF SHOULD HAVE VALID ISOLATOR COMPETENCY
CERTIFICATES FOR ISOLATOR OPERATION.
Note:
If any abnormalities found during Isolator Operation, immediately
should be informed to TPC or SSE/TrD.
Any abnormalities found on OHE (like sparks, Hanging
cables/Kites, Bird nests etc.,) & Broken Bonds please, To be
informed to TPC or SSE/TrD.

Contact Details:
TPC/BZA : 7815909448, 7815909449 or 67428
(Railway Auto)
SSE-1/TrD/AKP : 9704998056
SSE-2/TrD/AKP : 9701373394
SSE-3/TrD/AKP : 9701373395
Railway Auto. : 66613
THANK YOU