When restoring a hand-operated dual control switch to power, when is it allowed?

• A. Immediately restore the switch to power.
• B. After the lead wheels of at least one unit or car pass over the switch.
• C. After RTC approval is obtained.
• D. After a routine maintenance check.

Answer: (B)

The safety step hinges on verifying the switch has actually moved to the intended position and that the track ahead is clear before energizing it. Requiring the lead wheels of at least one unit or car to pass over the switch provides a physical confirmation that the switch blades have settled in the correct position and that there is no obstruction. This helps prevent energizing a switch that is still in transition or out of alignment, which could cause a derailment or damage.

Restoring power immediately offers no such verification and can be dangerous if the switch isn’t properly set. RTC approval isn’t the trigger for this action, and a routine maintenance check, while important for overall condition, doesn’t substitute for the live confirmation that wheel passage provides.