Track Circuit Operating Clips

[theageofthetra]

Does anyone know what sort of voltage is between the rails, I am guessing 24-48v DC? Does anyone have 'real world' experience of using these on a rusty rail (say after a weekends route diversion or engineering works) Do the clips ALLWAYS break through the rust layer to make the circuit or is a bit of scraping the railhead prior to use advisable. Thanks

 

[O L Leigh]

I don't know the voltage that track circuits operate at.

Clips are designed to scratch through any surface contamination to give a good connection to the rail beneath. However, I would give them a little wiggle back and forth to ensure they work properly if there was a lot of contamination. Given that you won't be using them except in emergency situations I wouldn't waste any time preparing the rail before attaching them. Just get them down.

O L Leigh

 

[Ploughman]

TC Clips designed for 1 use only and with the point meant to break through a rust layer, no preparation required other than clearing mud, Ballast and other rubbish off the rail.

TCOD's however you are meant to wire brush the rail contact area as they are designed for multi use.

 

[185]

Was always told to give TCOCs a wiggle when they are down to make the circuit.

 

[hidden]

Normally around 7-12v DC.

 

[theageofthetra]

Having now had a 'play' with a set I see what you mean about the snakes tongue sharp parts. Totally agree re giving them a waggle as it wouldn't take much for 7v to be interupted.

 

[ainsworth74]

Does anyone have any pictures of track circuit clips?

 

[Railsigns]

Does anyone have any pictures of track circuit clips?

A quick Google found these:

http://www.fourbythree.co.uk/library/galleries/lib-emerg.html

 

[ainsworth74]

Thanks

 

[Marklund]

Normally around 7-12v DC.

Not really.

Track circuit rail voltages vary greatly, from very low voltage DC battery fed (1.5v) to TI/Aster low AC to higher AC pulse. 7 - 12 v DC from a DC track feed set would be quite high.

Fault conditions can put hundreds of volts to the rails too.

Of course, with the ever increasing number of Axle Counters, TCOC's are becoming obsolete.

 

[Joseph_Locke]

Normally around 7-12v DC.

An HVI transmitter can manage 150V, albeit briefly, and you don't want to be the "link" accross that hock:

 

[zn1]

TCC's one use only - the prongs on the inside scrape the rail head to ensure good contact.....voltage is very low...will not harm...outer rail applied first and then inner rail...length is that so it will not come in to contact with third rail..as other users have said on dirty rail heads wriggle em abit...once used - dispose of and ensure new sets are placed in loco cabins....report use to depot and control