[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 4]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR232.409]



[Page 556]

 

                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

 

       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 

                             TRANSPORTATION

 

PART 232_BRAKE SYSTEM SAFETY STANDARDS for FREIGHT and OTHER 

NON-PASSENGER TRAINS and EQUIPMENT; END-of-TRAIN DEVICES--Table 

of Contents

 

                     Subpart E_End-of-Train Devices

 

Sec. 232.409  Inspection and testing of end-of-train devices.



    (a) After each installation of either the front or rear unit of an 

end-of-train device, or both, on a train and before the train departs, 

the railroad shall determine that the identification code entered into 

the front unit is identical to the unique identification code on the 

rear unit.

    (b) After each installation of either the front or rear unit of an 

end-of-train device, or both, on a train and before the train departs, 

the functional capability of the device shall be determined, after 

charging the train, by comparing the quantitative value of the air 

pressure displayed on the front unit with the quantitative value of the 

air pressure displayed on the rear unit or on a properly calibrated air 

gauge. The end-of-train device shall not be used if the difference 

between the two readings exceeds three pounds per square inch.

    (c) A two-way end-of-train device shall be tested at the initial 

terminal or other point of installation to determine that the device is 

capable of initiating an emergency power brake application from the rear 

of the train. If this test is conducted by a person other than a member 

of the train crew, the locomotive engineer shall be notified that a 

successful test was performed. The notification required by this 

paragraph may be provided to the locomotive engineer by any means 

determined appropriate by the railroad; however, a written or electronic 

record of the notification shall be maintained in the cab of the 

controlling locomotive and shall include the date and time of the test, 

the location where the test was performed, and the name of the person 

conducting the test.

    (d) The telemetry equipment shall be tested for accuracy and 

calibrated if necessary according to the manufacturer's specifications 

and procedures at least every 368 days. The 368 days shall not include a 

shelf-life of up to 92 days prior to placing the unit in service. This 

test shall include testing radio frequencies and modulation of the 

device. The date and location of the last calibration or test as well as 

the name of the person performing the calibration or test shall be 

legibly displayed on a weather-resistant sticker or other marking device 

affixed to the outside of both the front unit and the rear unit; 

however, if the front unit is an integral part of the locomotive or is 

inaccessible, then the information may recorded on Form FRA F6180-49A 

instead, provided that the serial number of the unit is recorded.



[66 FR 4193, Jan. 17, 2001, as amended at 66 FR 29502, May 31, 2001; 67 

FR 17584, Apr. 10, 2002]