A thick, multi-pin electrical cord strung between units in a train consist. On locomotives, the 27-pin jumper cable transmits throttle, dynamic braking, and reverser commands from the lead cab to trailing units. On passenger trains, heavy 480-volt jumper cables carry head-end power from the locomotive to light and heat the coaches.
Heard on the job
Make sure you seat that 27-pin jumper cable all the way in the receptacle or the trailing unit won't load.
Do not mix it up with
- Glad hands: Glad hands connect the pneumatic air hoses, while jumper cables connect the electrical circuits.
Related terms
Consist
The makeup of a train, listing its locomotives and cars in order with weights, loads and hazmat.
Multiple unit
A train configuration where several self-propelled cars are coupled and controlled from a single cab.
Glad hands
The coupling heads on the ends of air brake hoses, which lock together when two cars are joined.