What is the latched down position height for a Pantograph?

• A. 13'-6"
• B. 14'-0"
• C. 14'-8"
• D. 15'-0"

Answer: (C)

The latched-down height is the fixed vertical dimension of the pantograph when it is lowered and locked for travel. This stowed height is specified so the locomotive can pass safely under tunnels, bridges, and other overhead structures without risk of contact. The standard latched-down height is 14 feet 8 inches, a value chosen to provide adequate clearance across typical route structures while keeping the pantograph assembly compact when not in use. Heights like 13'-6" or 14'-0" would reduce clearance too much, and 15'-0" would be unnecessarily tall for the latched-down configuration. When the pantograph is raised to collect power, its height increases well above this value, but that raised position uses a different clearance calculation.