Final answer:
In CTC systems, the authority to enter or move over a hand-operated switch is determined by the signal governing the movement. The signal will indicate if it is safe for a train to proceed or if it needs to stop and wait for clearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In signaling systems, CTC stands for Centralized Traffic Control, which is a method of controlling trains by using signals and switches. The authority to enter or move over a hand-operated switch in a CTC system is determined by the signal governing the movement. The signal will indicate if it is safe for a train to move through the switch or if it needs to stop and wait for clearance.
For example, let's say there is a hand-operated switch on a train track. The signal governing the movement of the train will indicate if the switch is set for the train to proceed straight or if it is set for the train to take a different track. The signal will display a green aspect if it is safe to proceed, a red aspect if the train needs to stop, or a yellow aspect if the train needs to proceed with caution.
Overall, the authority to enter CTC limits, specifically over a hand-operated switch, depends on the signal indication and the safety conditions determined by the signal system.