During the time a dual-controlled switch is in hand position, switching movements may pass signals that govern the switch indicating stop at what speed?

During the time a dual-controlled switch is in hand position, switching movements may pass signals that govern the switch indicating stop at what speed?

• A. Restricted speed without permission of the train dispatcher.
• B. Restricted speed with permission of the train dispatcher.
• C. Unrestricted speed.
• D. 20 MPH.

Answer: (A)

When a dual-controlled switch is in hand position, local control is active at the switch. The movement of that switch is being guided by the person operating the switch, not by the interlocking’s automatic protections. In this mode, a switching movement may pass signals that govern the switch indicating stop, but it must do so at restricted speed. This allows the operator to safely position the switch and stop if anything is not lined up correctly, without needing separate dispatcher permission for that specific movement. Unrestricted speed or requiring dispatcher permission would not fit the safety setup for a hand-controlled switch, and a fixed value like 20 MPH isn’t the rule here.

When a dual-controlled switch is in hand position, local control is active at the switch. The movement of that switch is being guided by the person operating the switch, not by the interlocking’s automatic protections. In this mode, a switching movement may pass signals that govern the switch indicating stop, but it must do so at restricted speed. This allows the operator to safely position the switch and stop if anything is not lined up correctly, without needing separate dispatcher permission for that specific movement. Unrestricted speed or requiring dispatcher permission would not fit the safety setup for a hand-controlled switch, and a fixed value like 20 MPH isn’t the rule here.