If a Catenary outage power is NOT immediately restored and no Pantograph damage is found, the Dispatcher must direct trains moving through the area to?

• A. Maintain normal operation and report later.
• B. Stop all trains until a supervisor authorizes movement.
• C. Perform an inspection in accordance with AMT-2 2.6.
• D. Notify the public of a possible delay.

Answer: (C)

When traction power is out, you can’t assume the area is safe to pass through just because there’s no pantograph damage yet. The correct approach is to require a formal inspection of the overhead contact system and surrounding equipment before any trains move through the area. AMT-2 2.6 outlines this inspection, ensuring that the catenary, supports, clearances, wiring, and related track/signal conditions are checked and verified safe. This structured check catches hazards that aren’t immediately visible, such as loose hardware, damaged insulators, or misaligned structures, which could cause arcing or equipment damage once power is involved again. It’s safer to perform this inspection and proceed only after confirming safe conditions rather than maintaining normal operation or halting all movement without a documented safety check. Notifying the public isn’t part of the immediate safety procedure.