How to know if you can use a TCOD

[Stemur]

Where does it tell you on the sectional appendix if I can use a tcod not long passed my coss but can't remember where the trainer said (if he said)

Can't seem to see it on any sectional appendix mentioning the word tcod

Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[neilb62]

Where does it tell you on the sectional appendix if I can use a tcod not long passed my coss but can't remember where the trainer said (if he said)

Can't seem to see it on any sectional appendix mentioning the word tcod

Thanks in advance for any replies

TC Clips can be uses anywhere except on 4th rail lines as I recall, never been trained on TCOD but I would imagine its pretty much the same?

 

[Stemur]

TC Clips can be uses anywhere except on 4th rail lines as I recall, never been trained on TCOD but I would imagine its pretty much the same?

No tc clips can only be used in areas with track circuit as when clipped on it puts signal to danger and the sognaller will see that somethings occupied the line, if put on a line with no TC it won't do anything. I was just wondering how I know of the track has a TC.

Thanks for your reply I appreciate everyone who helps.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Always use clips as standard. I fusing in dc land always clip them on from the opposite side of the 4th rail as they are a set length so u dont go attempting to connect in to 650-750 dc lol

 

[paulgreen32]

The sectional appendix will tell you if it's TCB or axle counter.
As before never in 4th rail areas, only in 3rd rail areas clipping the furthest rail away from the live rail first.
From my rules training the book says apply tcod if you believe any line may be obstructed.
This raised a few questions in training about the need to do so in axle counter areas, with the only consensus being if the day comes when I'm running around on the ballast trying to stop trains then if I don't put a tcod because I thought it was a axle counter area then that's a difficult conversation I may have to have with a judge in coroners court.

 

[4069]

A TCOD is not the same thing as a track circuit clip. The TCOD is clamped onto the rail head, and is used by the p-way to take a line blockage. It is not emergency equipment.

You can find the list of places where they can be used in the General Instructions pages at the front of the Sectional Appendix. For instance, in the LNE SA at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse...x/london north eastern sectional appendix.pdf the list is on page 10.

 

[Sanatogen]

Where does it tell you on the sectional appendix if I can use a tcod not long passed my coss but can't remember where the trainer said (if he said)



Can't seem to see it on any sectional appendix mentioning the word tcod



Thanks in advance for any replies

It should be in the general instructions section of the sectional appendix under TS1 instructions.

For example page 11 here.

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse...on north western south sectional appendix.pdf

 

[neilb62]

No tc clips can only be used in areas with track circuit as when clipped on it puts signal to danger and the sognaller will see that somethings occupied the line, if put on a line with no TC it won't do anything. I was just wondering how I know of the track has a TC.

Thanks for your reply I appreciate everyone who helps.

Waffle. TC clips are ALWAYS used no matter what the method of block working. You don't want to be over-thinking in an emergency, just act.

 

[tsr]

TCOCs are your "method of first resort" on noticing that any given lines are obstructed in the event of an accident.

They may not always be effective, whether it's due to axle counter use; a train already having entered the section you wish to protect; wrong-side failure; or due to the infrastructure itself being damaged. Apart from the 4th rail area "exception", I am sure there are probably other reasons that other members can think of too. However, there are an awful lot of areas of TCB (and general TC use) where they could save lives, and the short time taken may have the most beneficial effect on safety of the line.

But we can see from the above that, although TCOCs are very good warning system, they are by no means infallible. They cannot be used to reach a clear understanding with the signaller because you do not have two-way communication to confirm the obstruction of the line(s) and any actions needed. This is why safety critical staff who may need to react to emergencies on the track should also be trained in making emergency calls, and protection of the line with detonators/handsignals. This is not to say that laying a TCOC is a bad idea, which is, I think, where the confusion lies. There is no harm in doing so where the electrification system permits (ie. most of the network). It complies with the relevant rules, which do not account for the minutiae of positioning them when you are unsure of the type of signalling/block system in place.

Obviously TCOCs are also used in conjunction with the signaller in more controlled scenarios requiring protection too, but then you should be more fully aware of a plan for laying them in areas where it is relevant and effective. I don't think anybody would expect you to lay them in pre-planned controlled circumstances in areas where track circuits are not used!

 

[4069]

Obviously TCOCs are also used in conjunction with the signaller in more controlled scenarios requiring protection too, but then you should be more fully aware of a plan for laying them in areas where it is relevant and effective. I don't think anybody would expect you to lay them in pre-planned controlled circumstances in areas where track circuits are not used!

As already stated, a TCOC is not the same thing as a TCOD, and you should never confuse the two- for a start, TCOCs (clips) should only be used once, then thrown away, because they are essentially just a bit of cable with a spring clip on each end. A TCOD is an engineered device which is clamped onto the railhead, designed to guarantee that the track circuit will remain shunted until the end of the work that it is protecting.

 

[Stemur]

The sectional appendix will tell you if it's TCB or axle counter.
As before never in 4th rail areas, only in 3rd rail areas clipping the furthest rail away from the live rail first.
From my rules training the book says apply tcod if you believe any line may be obstructed.
This raised a few questions in training about the need to do so in axle counter areas, with the only consensus being if the day comes when I'm running around on the ballast trying to stop trains then if I don't put a tcod because I thought it was a axle counter area then that's a difficult conversation I may have to have with a judge in coroners court.

Thanks I have found it on the sectional appendix in the box where it says the signaller details it says TCB next to it that answered my question of where it tells me on the SecApp thanks
It's better to ask than not to know.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thanks to everyone for there replies. It's gave me a clearer understanding

 

[Elecman]

Are people talking of 2 different bits of kit here? The OP asked about TCOD ( Track Circuit Operating Device) which is a bit of kit used by someone taking a possession of the line by screwing it onto the Web of the running rails having brushed then clean first to ensure a good contact. a TCOC is the simple Track Circuit Operating Clip a once only use device for operating a track circuit in an emergency and carried on all trains in the cabs.

 

[tsr]

Are people talking of 2 different bits of kit here? The OP asked about TCOD ( Track Circuit Operating Device) which is a bit of kit used by someone taking a possession of the line by screwing it onto the Web of the running rails having brushed then clean first to ensure a good contact. a TCOC is the simple Track Circuit Operating Clip a once only use device for operating a track circuit in an emergency and carried on all trains in the cabs.

I can see what you mean, though Stemur's posts do reference both bits of kit, to be fair. I was trying to respond with the answer most critical in emergencies, as TCOCs were mentioned and that's what I'm qualified in using, but I take your point.

I have also known TCOCs (the clips) to be used by p-way in my area, but I'm not sure if that's just some sort of local variation.

 

[swt_passenger]

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