EMU Brake Testing
Disclaimer: The information presented here is neither complete nor accurate. Complete details on the topics here are available only from Indian Railways and other official organizations. The material here is not a substitute for the official documentation or official training procedures, which are provided to duly authorized personnel. Do not use the information here to design, build, operate, repair, or maintain any equipment.
The following are the details of brake testing done for EMUs. The testing is done by the motorman and the guard of the EMU train in coordination. Although these days walkie-talkies or cellphones may be available to the crew, traditionally only a bell was available for the guard to communicate with the motorman.
- Motorman: When the Main Reservoir pressure is at a normal level (5.8-7.0 kg/cm2), open the isolation cock switch to charge the Brake Pipe.
- Guard: When brake pipe pressure is 4.2kg/cm2 signal the motorman with five rings.
- Motorman: Upon receiving five rings from the guard, apply automatic brakes by reducing the brake pipe (BP) pressure to 3.0kg/cm2.
- Guard: Observe the drop in the brake pipe pressure on the gauge and signal the motorman with one ring.
- Motorman: Upon receiving one ring from the guard, move the brake controller handle to the 'Release' position.
- Motorman: After observing the drop in the brake pipe pressure, move the brake controller handle to the 'Emergency' position.
- Guard: When the brake pipe pressure is 4.2kg/cm2, open the guard's emergency valve and give one ring.
- Motorman: Upon receiving one ring and when the brake pipe pressure drops to zero, move the brake handle to the 'Release' position.
- Guard: When all air hissing stops, move emergency handle to the 'Off' position and signal the motorman with one ring.
- Motorman: When the brake pipe pressure is normal, apply electropneumatic (EP) brakes to create 1.0kg/cm2 pressure in the brake cylinder (BC).
- Guard: Upon observing 1.0kg/cm2 in the brake cylinder gauge, and signal the motorman with one ring.
- Motorman: Upon receiving one ring from guard, make a full application of the electropneumatic brakes.
- Guard: Upon observing full electropneumatic brake application, signal the motorman with one ring.
- Motorman: Upon receiving one ring from guard, release EP application.
Many thanks to Prakash Tendulkar and his friends in the Mumbai suburban system for the explanation of this procedure.