Using signal technology with high availability

Railway signalling and pole-mounted switch systems are crucial for safe and smooth operation of the whole railway system. The train driver relies on functioning signals. Bender can detect faults in the cabling quickly and cost-effectively during operation using an ISOMETER® insulation monitoring device and locate them automatically by means of insulation fault location systems. Downtimes are minimised and maintenance can be planned.

The points are controlled from the signal box, normally automatically on an electric/electronic basis. If an insulation fault occurs in the connection between the signal box and the points, this can be detected and reported very early by means of a Bender ISOMETER®. Thereby, downtimes can be minimised and the condition of the insulation can be continuously monitored.

Failure of the points into winter leads to unnecessary interruptions to operation and delays. Monitoring the controllers of points heating for faults, energy quality, energy requirements and load currents using measuring and monitoring relays enables smooth operation without disconnection. While the system is out of operation, monitoring is carried out as continuous offline measurement.

The automatic train control system (LZB) is a railway system which transfers drive parameters or drive orders to the train driver based on which they are to drive their vehicles. It also allows the monitoring of the driving behaviour of trains, especially at maximum speed. If necessary, it intervenes into the vehicle controller to initiate braking in order to avoid excessive speed. Automatic train control system can also be used for fully automated control of the driving and braking processes of trains. There is inductive data transfer between the vehicle and the travel route by means of a pair of cables laid between the rails (known as the line conductors). The power for each section is supplied via an unearthed AC 750 V system which is monitored using special ISOMETER®s. The power supply of the ETCS along the tracks is also set up as an unearthed system and requires continuous insulation monitoring.

Emergency and safety lighting at passenger train stations as well as track field illumination are operated via unearthed power supplies. Insulation monitoring devices continuously monitor the condition of the insulation. Earthed system parts can be monitored for faults using residual current monitors. Switching to a redundant power supply can be done via the ATICS® product.