The present invention discloses an
improved method and
system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote
train control system to confirm visual signals and control
train movement. The
system for verifying whether a trackside signaling electrical component is energized comprises a sensor for providing trackside conditions to a remote
train control system electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad
interlocking adjacent to a trackside signaling electrical component, said sensor powered by
voltage applied to said circuit such that said sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The
fail safe method for sensing the status of an electrical component by powering the sensing means with
voltage applied to a circuit when the electrical component is energized comprises electrically connecting a sensor to an electrical circuit associated with an electrical component, said circuit energized when said electrical component is engaged, said sensor adjacent to said electrical component; powering said sensor by
voltage applied to said circuit such that said sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged; and indicating that said electrical component is engaged when sensor is energized by transmitting sensor status to a
microprocessor.