Before electric equipment is moved from electrified to non-electrified tracks or from non-electrified to electrified tracks, what must be done with the pantographs?

• A. Pantographs must be up.
• B. Grounding switches must be closed.
• C. Electrical power must be disconnected.
• D. Pantographs must be down.

Answer: (D)

Pantographs are the devices that reach up to the overhead wires to draw power. When moving equipment between electrified and non-electrified tracks, you lower the pantographs to ensure there is no contact with the live overhead system. Lowering creates clearance and prevents arcing, damage to the pantograph or catenary, and unintended energization as the equipment crosses the boundary between power zones. While isolating power and other safety steps are important, the specific action needed for the pantographs is to bring them down.