A relay is a switch which is operated by an

electromagnet and may close or open one or more

circuit when energized. There are a number of relays
used in diesel-electric locomotives.

•Wheel slip relays

•Ground relay
•Transition relay
• Dead-man relay
•Braking control relay
•Signal relay
•Voltage regulator panel\relay
•Time delay relay
2.Wheel slip relays .

This relay detects wheel slip in locomotive which

is connected in traction motor circuit by interlock contacts
of the power contactors.The operating coils of the relays
are connected between points of equal potential across
two traction motors. If for any reason, wheel slip occurs,
or difference in RPM exists between two traction motors,
the balance of potential is disturbed,current flows through
the operating coil and relay picks-up
When any of the relays picks-up, the following
indications appear.
1. Load meter niddle fluctuates.
2. Wheel slip indication light glows.
3. Electrical buzzer sounds.
4. Engine speed comes to idle.
Procedure to isolate traction motor during wheel slip.

1. With GF in ON position, open the throttle and find out which

WSR picks-up in series parallel condition.
2. Notch down the throttle to idle position.
3. Put manual transition switch in ON position and open the throttle to find out
which WSR picks-up in parallel condition.
4. Notch down the throttle to idle and put OFF the manual transition switch.
5. Find out the defective traction motor from the following table.

WSR picks-up in WSR picks-up Defective

series - parallel in parallel T/M
condition condition
WSR-1 WSR-1 1
WSR-2 WSR-2 2
WSR-3 WSR-2 3
WSR-1 WSR-3 4
WSR-2 WSR-1 5
WSR-3 WSR-3 6
6. Using MCO, isolate the defective traction motor.
2. TRANSITION RELAY/ PANEL

The function of this relay/ is to create a change in traction motor

connection automatically to attain economical speed of locomotive.

The transition means a change of its stage from one

to another. It may be forward or backward. A forward transition means a
change in traction motor connection from original stage to a new stage. A
backward transition means re-changing of its connection from a new stage to
original stage. The backward transition takes place at a less speed of 2-2.5
KMPH than of forward transition.

Transition in various locomotives.

[A] WDM2:-

Transitions Condition Speed-range(Kmph)

Initial stage Series-parallel 0-30
1st Series parallel with shunt field 30-48
2nd Parallel 48-78
3rd Parallel with shunt field >78(upto max speed)
[B] WDG - 3A.

There is only one transition in WDG-3A

locomotive takes place from series-parallel to parallel at a
speed of 41 KMPH. There is no provision of shunt field in
this locomotive.

[C] YDM-4 (GE)

In this locomotive, there is only one transition from

series-parallel to parallel at a speed of 28-32 kmph.

[D] YDM-4(BHEL)

In this locomotive also, there is only one transition takes

place from parallel to parallel with shunt at a speed of 35
kmph.
3. Ground Relay :-
It is a safety relay and operates when there is a leakage of current through
the locomotive body or frame , either from low voltage side or high voltage
side called power ground.
Power ground is of two types. One which occurs due to low voltage
circuit ground to locomotive body during starting of diesel engine is known
as low voltage power ground or starting ground.
The other one which is known as high voltage power
ground occurs due to leakage of current to locomotive body in high
voltage Circuit during locomotive operation or flash-over in traction motor
or traction generator. For any type of ground relay operation,a mechanical
latching arrangement is provided in relay to keep it in pick-up condition
and not allowing it to drop back, unless it is reset to normal operation.
The ground relay when operates gives the following indications
appear.

(a). Relay reset button comes out and pointer indicates red dot position.
(b). GF contactor de-energized and load meter needle comes to zero.
(c). ERR de-energized and engine speed comes to idle.
(d). Alarm bell rings.
(4). Signal Relay.
This relay operates when the below
mentioned situation comes and it gives indications to loco
pilot.

1.ETS contact get closed due to rise in cooling water

temperature.

2.LWS activates due to falling of water level in the

expansion tank.

3.GR operates.

4.Auxiliary generator failure indication is given.

5). Dead-man relay (DMR) :

This safety relay is provided in

locomotive as vigilance control system. This
relay is inter connected with ERR and actuates
with help of PCS. When emergency brake is
applied , this relay drops - out through PCS and
de-energizes ERR to bring back engine
Speed.
(6). Voltage regulator relay/panel

The function of this electronic device is to keep

the auxiliary generator output voltage constant at 73 ± 0.5
volts. Throughout the speed range of the diesel engine
from idle to 8th notch, the auxiliary generator speed also
changes, change in speed of a generator varies the output
voltage. For low voltage supply in diesel locomotives , a
constant voltage supply is required, which is accomplished
by the voltage regulator panel controlling the current in
auxiliary generator field circuit. A fuse of 10 Amp is
provided in the VRP for protection of auxiliary generator
circuit against the electrical damage.