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(last edited July 20, 2005) Front Page | Recent Changes | Title Index | User Preferences | Random Page | HelpUnder various conditions, it is necessary to isolate portions of or the whole brake system. For this purpose, isolating cocks are positioned in suitable locations. The most obvious isolating cocks are called angle cocks and these are used to allow vehicles to be pneumatically isolated when uncoupled.
Another isolating cock is provided in the pipe connecting the main reservoir to the driver's brake valve. It is important to ensure that this cock is closed on any locomotive where the brake control is not being used so that air does not get into the brake pipe while the driver is trying to apply the brake from another driving position.
On e-p brake equipped vehicles, it is common to allow the equipment to be pneumatically isolated so that the air brake can be used instead.
Various isolating cocks with bleed holes are fitted to allow reservoirs to be drained so that equipment can be worked on safely or reservoirs can be drained of water which appears from condensation.
