Initiation of an electrification into operation

This paper describes the energizing and putting into service of the Pennsylvania electrification project. The normal and desirable procedure of placing an electrification into service is cited, and the departure from it brought about by the difficulties encountered in actual railway operation are explained. The operating practise — functions of the power director, his assistants, substation operators, and foremen in connection with switching operations, grounding circuits, carding of circuits and manner of obtaining releases — is described and illustrated. All of this is very essential to properly coordinate the work and safeguard the personnel of the construction forces, operating forces, and test men during the transition period of completion and placing into operation a railway electrification project.