Which term refers to a switch that must be aligned by hand before a trailing point movement through the switch?

• A. Hand-Operated Switch
• B. Electric Lock Switch
• C. Interlocking Switch
• D. Spring Switch

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is manual switch alignment. A hand-operated switch is one that an operator physically moves via a lever or switch stand to set the points. Before a trailing-point movement—the train passing through the switch with the points behind it—the switch must be aligned to the chosen route so the wheels track properly and don’t derail on misaligned points. That manual action ensures the path is correctly set and locked for the train to pass safely.

The other terms describe switches that are controlled by electric interlocks, automatic mechanisms, or self-centering springs, rather than requiring a hands-on alignment by the operator before the train goes through.