Prior to coupling air hoses to charge the brake pipe of a non DP train, what should be done?

Prior to coupling air hoses to charge the brake pipe of a non DP train, what should be done?

• A. Make a 20 psi brake pipe reduction
• B. Open the main reservoir valve fully
• C. Release all hand brakes
• D. Apply emergency brake

Answer: (A)

Before coupling air hoses to charge the brake pipe on a non-DP train, reduce the brake pipe pressure to about 20 psi. This small reduction creates a gentle pressure gradient, so when you start charging the line after coupling, the change in brake pipe pressure isn’t abrupt. It helps prevent a sudden brake application or release and protects the system from shock loads as the two sides equalize. Opening the main reservoir valve fully would push air into the brake pipe immediately, risking a large and potentially unsafe change in brake status. Releasing all hand brakes could cause the train to move unexpectedly, and applying the emergency brake would unnecessarily lock the brakes and complicate the coupling process.

Before coupling air hoses to charge the brake pipe on a non-DP train, reduce the brake pipe pressure to about 20 psi. This small reduction creates a gentle pressure gradient, so when you start charging the line after coupling, the change in brake pipe pressure isn’t abrupt. It helps prevent a sudden brake application or release and protects the system from shock loads as the two sides equalize.

Opening the main reservoir valve fully would push air into the brake pipe immediately, risking a large and potentially unsafe change in brake status. Releasing all hand brakes could cause the train to move unexpectedly, and applying the emergency brake would unnecessarily lock the brakes and complicate the coupling process.