Before moving electric equipment with a broken pantograph, what must be done to the broken pantograph(s)?

• A. Removed, secured, and/or properly isolated.
• B. Left in place.
• C. Painted.
• D. Replaced with a spare.

Answer: (A)

The safety step is to remove, secure, and/or properly isolate the broken pantograph before moving the equipment. A pantograph is the device that contacts the overhead wire to draw power, so when it’s broken it can hang or snag on the catenary, or even energize exposed metal and cause arcing or electric shock. By removing it if possible, securing it so it can’t swing or contact the wire, and isolating the electrical connection so no current can flow to the pantograph, you eliminate the risk of energizing the damaged part or creating a hazardous situation during movement. Painting it doesn’t address the risk, leaving it in place maintains the danger, and replacing with a spare is a maintenance action for after the move, not the immediate safety step.