[Title 49 CFR E]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - October 1, 2006 Edition]
[Title 49 - TRANSPORTATION]
[Subtitle B - Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued)]
[Chapter II - FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF]
[Part 236 - RULES, STANDARDS, AND INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE]
[Subpart E - Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
49TRANSPORTATION42006-10-012006-10-01falseAutomatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal SystemsESubpart ETRANSPORTATIONOther Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued)FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OFRULES, STANDARDS, AND INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE
Subpart E_Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems
Standards
Sec. 236.501 Forestalling device and speed control.
(a) An automatic train stop system may include a device by means of
which the automatic application of the brakes can be forestalled.
(b) Automatic train control system shall include one or more of the
following features:
(1) Low-speed restriction, requiring the train to proceed under slow
speed after it has either been stopped by an automatic application of
the brakes, or under control of the engineman, its speed has been
reduced to slow speed, until the apparatus is automatically restored to
normal because the condition which caused the restriction no longer
affects the movement of the train.
(2) Medium-speed restriction, requiring the train to proceed under
medium speed after passing a signal displaying an approach aspect or
when approaching a signal requiring a stop, or a stop indication point,
in order to prevent an automatic application of the brakes.
Note: Relief from the requirements of paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of
this section will be granted, insofar as speed limits fixed by
definitions of Slow and Medium speeds are concerned, upon an adequate
showing by an individual carrier where automatic train control systems
now in service enforce speed restrictions higher than those required by
definitions in Sec. Sec. 236.700 to 236.838 inclusive.
(3) Maximum-speed restriction, effecting an automatic brake
application whenever the predetermined maximum speed limit is exceeded.
Sec. 236.502 Automatic brake application, initiation by restrictive
block conditions stopping distance in advance.
An automatic train-stop or train-control system shall operate to
initiate an automatic brake application at least stopping distance from
the entrance to a block, wherein any condition described in Sec.
236.205 obtains, and at each main track signal requiring a reduction in
speed.
Sec. 236.503 Automatic brake application; initiation when
predetermined rate of speed exceeded.
An automatic train control system shall operate to initiate an
automatic brake application when the speed of the train exceeds the
predetermined rate as required by the setting of the speed control
mechanism.
Sec. 236.504 Operation interconnected with automatic block-signal
system.
(a) A continuous inductive automatic train stop or train control
system shall operate in connection with an automatic block signal system
and shall be
[[Page 619]]
so interconnected with the signal system as to perform its intended
function in event of failure of the engineer to acknowledge or obey a
restrictive wayside signal or a more restrictive cab signal.
(b) An intermittent inductive automatic train stop system shall
operate in connection with an automatic block signal system and shall be
so interconnected with the signal system that the failure of the
engineer to acknowledge a restrictive wayside signal will cause the
intermittent inductive automatic train stop system to perform its
intended function.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.505 Proper operative relation between parts along roadway
and parts on locomotive.
Proper operative relation between the parts along the roadway and
the parts on the locomotive shall obtain under all conditions of speed,
weather, wear, oscillation, and shock.
Sec. 236.506 Release of brakes after automatic application.
The automatic train stop or train control apparatus shall prevent
release of the brakes after automatic application until a reset device
has been operated, or the speed of the train has been reduced to a
predetermined rate, or the condition that caused the brake application
no longer affects the movement of the train. If reset device is used it
shall be arranged so that the brakes cannot be released until the train
has been stopped, or it shall be located so that it cannot be operated
by engineman without leaving his accustomed position in the cab.
Sec. 236.507 Brake application; full service.
The automatic train stop or train control apparatus shall, when
operated, cause a full service application of the brakes.
Sec. 236.508 Interference with application of brakes by means of
brake valve.
The automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus
shall be so arranged as not to interfere with the application of the
brakes by means of the brake valve and not to impair the efficiency of
the brake system.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.509 Two or more locomotives coupled.
The automatic train stop, train control or cab signal apparatus
shall be arranged so that when two or more locomotives are coupled, or a
pushing or helping locomotive is used, it can be made operative only on
the locomotive from which the brakes are controlled.
Sec. 236.510 [Reserved]
Sec. 236.511 Cab signals controlled in accordance with block
conditions stopping distance in advance.
The automatic cab signal system shall be arranged so that cab
signals will be continuously controlled in accordance with conditions
described in Sec. 236.205 that obtain at least stopping distance in
advance.
Sec. 236.512 Cab signal indication when locomotive enters block where
restrictive conditions obtain.
The automatic cab signal system shall be arranged so that when a
locomotive enters or is within a block, wherein any condition described
in Sec. 236.205 obtains, the cab signals shall indicate ``Proceed at
Restricted Speed.''
Sec. 236.513 Audible indicator.
(a) The automatic cab signal system shall be so arranged that when
the cab signal changes to display a more restrictive aspect, an audible
indicator will sound continuously until silenced by manual operation of
an acknowledging device.
(b) The audible cab indicator of automatic cab signal, automatic
train stop, or automatic train control system shall have a distinctive
sound and be clearly audible throughout the cab under all operating
conditions.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
[[Page 620]]
Sec. 236.514 Interconnection of cab signal system with roadway signal
system.
The automatic cab signal system shall be interconnected with the
roadway-signal system so that the cab signal indication will not
authorize operation of the train at a speed higher than that authorized
by the indication of the roadway signal that governed the movement of a
train into a block except when conditions affecting movement of trains
in the block change after the train passes the signal.
Sec. 236.515 Visibility of cab signals.
The cab signals shall be plainly visible to member or members of the
locomotive crew from their stations in the cab.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.516 Power supply.
Automatic cab signal, train stop, or train control device hereafter
installed shall operate from a separate or isolated power supply.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Rules and Instructions; Roadway
Sec. 236.526 Roadway element not functioning properly.
When a roadway element except track circuit of automatic train stop,
train control or cab signal system is not functioning as intended, the
signal associated with such roadway element shall be caused manually to
display its most restrictive aspect until such element has been restored
to normal operative condition.
Sec. 236.527 Roadway element insulation resistance.
Insulation resistance between roadway inductor and ground shall be
maintained at not less than 10,000 ohms.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.528 Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated
switch; requirement.
When a facing point hand-operated switch is open one-fourth inch or
more, a trailing point hand-operated switch three-eighths inch or more,
or hand-operated switch is not locked where facing point lock with
circuit controller is used, the resultant restrictive condition of an
automatic train stop or train control device of the continuous type or
the resultant restrictive cab signal indication of an automatic cab
signal device on an approaching locomotive shall be maintained to within
300 feet of the points of the switch.
Sec. 236.529 Roadway element inductor; height and distance from rail.
Inductor of the inert roadway element type shall be maintained with
the inductor pole faces at a height above the plane of the tops of the
rails, and with its inner edge at a hmrizontal distance from the gage
side of the nearest running rail, in accordance with specifications of
the carrier.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.530 [Reserved]
Sec. 236.531 Trip arm; height and distance from rail.
Trip arm of automatic train stop device when in the stop position
shall be maintained at a height above the plane of the tops of the
rails, and at a horizontal distance from its center line to gage side of
the nearest running rail, in accordance with specifications of the
carrier.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.532 Strap iron inductor; use restricted.
No railroad shall use strap iron inductor or other roadway element
with characteristics differing from its standard type on track where
speed higher than restricted speed is permitted.
[49 FR 3386, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.533 [Reserved]
Sec. 236.534 Entrance to equipped territory; requirements.
Where trains are not required to stop at the entrance to equipped
territory, except when leaving yards and stations and speed until
entering equipped territory does not exceed restricted speed, the
automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal device shall be
operative
[[Page 621]]
at least stopping distance from the entrance to such territory except
where the approach thereto is governed by automatic approach signal.
Rules and Instructions; Locomotives
Sec. 236.551 Power supply voltage; requirement.
The voltage of power supply shall be maintained within 10 percent of
rated voltage.
Sec. 236.552 Insulation resistance; requirement.
When periodic test prescribed in Sec. 236.588 is performed,
insulation resistance between wiring and ground of continuous inductive
automatic cab signal system, automatic train control system, or
automatic train stop system shall be not less than one megohm, and that
of an intermittent inductive automatic train stop system, not less than
250,000 ohms. Insulation resistance values between periodic tests shall
be not less than 250,000 ohms for a continuous inductive automatic cab
signal system, automatic train control system, or automatic train stop
system, and 20,000 ohms for an intermittent inductive automatic train
stop system.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.553 Seal, where required.
Seal shall be maintained on any device other than brake-pipe cut-out
cock (double-heading cock), by means of which the operation of the
pneumatic portion of automatic train-stop or train-control apparatus can
be cut out.
Sec. 236.554 Rate of pressure reduction; equalizing reservoir or
brake pipe.
The equalizing-reservoir pressure or brake-pipe pressure reduction
during an automatic brake application shall be at a rate not less than
that which results from a manual service application.
Sec. 236.555 Repaired or rewound receiver coil.
Receiver coil which has been repaired or rewound shall have the same
operating characteristics which it possessed originally or as currently
specified for new equipment.
Sec. 236.556 Adjustment of relay.
Change in adjustment of relay shall be made only in a shop equipped
for that purpose except when receiver coils, electro-pneumatic valve, or
other essential part of the equipment is replaced. Irregularities in
power-supply voltage or other variable factors in the circuit shall not
be compensated for by adjustment of the relay.
Sec. 236.557 Receiver; location with respect to rail.
(a) Receiver of intermittent inductive automatic train stop device
of the inert roadway element type shall be maintained with bottom of the
receiver at a height above the plane of the tops of the rails, and with
its outer edge at a horizontal distance from the gage side of the
nearest rail, in accordance with specifications of the carrier.
(b) Receiver of continuous inductive automatic cab signal, train
stop, or train control device of locomotive equipped with onboard test
equipment, shall be maintained with the bottom of the receiver at a
height above the plane of the tops of the rails, and with its outer edge
at a horizontal distance from the gage side of the nearest rail, in
accordance with specifications of the carrier.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. Sec. 236.558-236.559 [Reserved]
Sec. 236.560 Contact element, mechanical trip type; location with
respect to rail.
Contact element of automatic train stop device of the mechanical
trip type shall be maintained at a height above the plane of the tops of
the rails, and at a horizontal distance from the gage side of the rail,
in accordance with specifications of the carrier.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.561 [Reserved]
Sec. 236.562 Minimum rail current required.
The minimum rail current required to restore the locomotive
equipment of continuous inductive automatic train stop or train control
device to normal
[[Page 622]]
condition or to obtain a proceed indication of automatic cab signal
device (pick-up) shall be in accordance with specifications of the
carrier.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.563 Delay time.
Delay time of automatic train stop or train control system shall not
exceed 8 seconds and the spacing of signals to meet the requirements of
Sec. 236.24 shall take into consideration the delay time.
Sec. 236.564 Acknowledging time.
Acknowledging time of intermittent automatic train-stop device shall
be not more than 30 seconds.
Sec. 236.565 Provision made for preventing operation of pneumatic
brake-applying apparatus by double-heading cock; requirement.
Where provision is made for preventing the operation of the
pneumatic brake-applying appartus of an automatic train stop or train
control device when the double-heading cock is placed in double-heading
position, the automatic train stop or train control device shall not be
cut out before communication is closed between the engineman's automatic
brake valve and the brake pipe, when operating double-heading cock
toward double-heading position.
Sec. 236.566 Locomotive of each train operating in train stop, train
control or cab signal territory; equipped.
The locomotive from which brakes are controlled, of each train
operating in automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal
territory shall be equipped with apparatus responsive to the roadway
equipment installed on all or any part of the route traversed, and such
apparatus shall be in operative condition.
Sec. 236.567 Restrictions imposed when device fails and/or is cut out
en route.
Where an automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal device
fails and/or is cut out enroute, train may proceed at restricted speed
or if an automatic block signal system is in operation according to
signal indication but not to exceed medium speed, to the next available
point of communication where report must be made to a designated
officer. Where no automatic block signal system is in use train shall be
permitted to proceed at restricted speed or where automatic block signal
system is in operation according to signal indication but not to exceed
medium speed to a point where absolute block can be established. Where
an absolute block is established in advance of the train on which the
device is inoperative train may proceed at not to exceed 79 miles per
hour.
Sec. 236.568 Difference between speeds authorized by roadway signal
and cab signal; action required.
If for any reason a cab signal authorizes a speed different from
that authorized by a roadway signal, when a train enters the block
governed by such roadway signal, the lower speed shall not be exceeded.
Inspection and Tests; Roadway
Sec. 236.576 Roadway element.
Roadway elements, except track circuits, including those for test
purposes, shall be gaged monthly for height and alinement, and shall be
tested at least every 6 months.
Sec. 236.577 Test, acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits.
Test, acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits shall be tested at least
once every twelve months.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Inspection and Tests; Locomotive
Sec. 236.586 Daily or after trip test.
(a) Except where tests prescribed by Sec. 236.588 are performed at
intervals of not more than 2 months, each locomotive equipped with an
automatic cab signal or train stop or train control device operating in
equipped territory shall be inspected for damage to the equipment and
tested at least once each calendar day or within 24 hours before
departure upon each trip.
(b) Each equipped locomotive shall be tested to determine the
locomotive equipment is responsive to the wayside equipment and shall be
cycled to determine the device functions as intended.
[[Page 623]]
(c) Each locomotive equipped with intermittent inductive automatic
train stop or non-coded continuous inductive automatic train stop or
non-coded continuous inductive automatic train control device shall be
tested to determine that the pickup of the device is within specified
limits.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.587 Departure test.
(a) The automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus
on each locomotive, except a locomotive or a multiple-unit car equipped
with mechanical trip stop, shall be tested using one of the following
methods:
(1) Operation over track elements;
(2) Operation over test circuit;
(3) Use of portable test equipment; or
(4) Use of onboard test device.
(b) The test shall be made on departure of the locomotive from its
initial terminal unless that apparatus will be cut out between the
initial terminal and the equipped territory. If the apparatus is cut out
between the initial terminal and the equipped territory the test shall
be made prior to entering equipped territory.
(c) If a locomotive makes more than one trip in any 24-hour period,
only one departure test is required in such 24-hour period.
(d)(1) Whoever performs the test shall certify in writing that such
test was properly performed. The certification and the test results
shall be posted in the cab of the locomotive and a copy of the
certification and test results left at the test location for filing in
the office of the supervisory official having jurisdiction.
(2) If it is impractical to leave a copy of the certification and
test results at the location of the test, the test results shall be
transmitted to either (i) the dispatcher or (ii) one other designated
individual at each location, who shall keep a written record of the test
results and the name of the person performing the test. These records
shall be retained for at least 92 days.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984, as amended at 53 FR 37313, Sept. 26, 1988]
Effective Date Note: At 49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984, Sec. 236.587 was
revised. This section contains information collection and recordkeeping
requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given
by the Office of Management and Budget.
Sec. 236.588 Periodic test.
Except as provided in Sec. 236.586, periodic test of the automatic
train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus shall be made at
least once every 92 days, and on multiple-unit cars as specified by the
carrier, subject to approval by the FRA.
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.589 Relays.
(a) Each relay shall be removed from service, subjected to thorough
test, necessary repairs and adjustments made, and shall not be replaced
in service unless its operating characteristics are in accordance with
the limits within which such relay is designed to operate, as follows:
(1) Master or primary relays of torque type depending on spring
tension to return contacts to deenergized position in noncoded
continuous inductive automatic train stop or train control system, at
least once every two years; and
(2) All other relays, at least once every six years.
(b) [Reserved]
[49 FR 3387, Jan. 26, 1984]
Sec. 236.590 Pneumatic apparatus.
Automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal pneumatic
apparatus shall be inspected, cleaned, and the results of such
inspection recorded as provided by Sec. 229.29(a). When a locomotive
with automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal pneumatic
apparatus receives out-of-use credit pursuant to Sec. 229.33, the
automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus shall be
tested in accordance with Sec. 236.588 prior to the locomotive being
placed in service.
[61 FR 33873, July 1, 1996]
[[Page 624]]