Search Wiring

Been looking into the wiring issues for FP7A Algoma Central 1404 (1756) and came across an inspection report that mentioned the unit had "search wiring" shorts and or grounds. The report recommended the search wiring should be removed or repaired. What is search wiring? Is this a type of circuit or a type of insulation or? Cannot locate the originator of the report.

Search Wiring refers to an overlay wiring network that was used to connect the locomotive to a Search Machine, this was a testing device that looked at the electrical characteristics of specific points in the locomotive control system to determine if everything was working properly.

The Search Wiring was nowhere near the grade and durability of the locomotive control wiring, and on many railroads that installed it, the most common defect report that the Search system generated was to find grounds in its own wiring.

RAS