How must electric equipment hauled 'dead in tow' because of a defective or damaged pantograph be prepared?

• A. The Pantograph must be secured with no part extending above the latched down position (14'-8\"). All Pantograph grounding switches will be in the OPEN position.
• B. The Pantograph must be secured with no part extending above the latched down position (14'-8\"). All Pantograph grounding switches will be in the CLOSED position.
• C. The Pantograph should be left raised until the next inspection.
• D. The Pantograph should be lowered and removed from service before movement.

Answer: (B)

When equipment is hauled dead in tow due to a defective or damaged pantograph, the priority is to prevent any contact with the overhead while guaranteeing electrical safety for the towed consist. Secure the pantograph so that no part extends above the latched down position, which for this setup is 14'-8". This keeps the pantograph fully lowered and stowed, eliminating the risk of it catching on structures or remaining in a raised position during movement. At the same time, close the pantograph grounding switches. Closing these switches bonds the pantograph circuit to ground, ensuring any residual energy is safely discharged and reducing the chance of stray voltages or arcing while the equipment is moved. Leaving the pantograph raised or open-grounded would create hazards, and lowering and removing from service isn’t the standard required preparation for towing in this scenario.