A common perception is that all focus on electricity in the rail industry tends to be on track electrification of the railways. This is understandable considering that all media attention is concentrated on large civil engineering projects, such as HS2 or improvements on the Great Western, Midland Main Line or Trans-Pennine, to name a few. However, this is only one part of rail demand for electricity on rolling stock, ground equipment, mobile equipment or other infrastructure on over-ground and underground trains or urban transport (trams and light railways).
Existing track electrification in the UK comprises two separate systems. The majority of electrified track is powered by 25,000 V AC, while some of the older structures (known as “Third rail system”) operates on 660/750 V DC. Both these high voltage systems can hit the headlines, if contact with live lines result in fatalities or serious injuries from electrocution, or from electrical arcing flashing in the near vicinity of the track.
However, the majority of rail vehicles and other rail application equipment operate on low voltage electricity. This can include lighting, wall sockets, air conditioning, battery charging and fans on carriages. All such electronic equipment designed for control, regulation, protection or power supply on rail vehicles has to comply with EN50155 2007. A further standard EN50121 regulates the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of equipment on rolling stock, signalling and telecommunications to enable safe systems of work and operation.
Other low voltage (LV) uses on the rail network are numerous. These include on train stations; information systems; public address systems; ticket barrier entry systems; heating, ventilation and fire alarms; concourse power and lighting. Platform equipment can include; metering systems; track side degreasers; de-icer control equipment; signalling and surge protection; cable shielding systems; electrically operated; catering equipment; and power traction and control systems. At substations there are numerous transformers, electric switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators, converters and allied power supplies.
All these low voltage applications still carry dangers of electrocution on contact with exposed electrical equipment or appliances, which can lead to cardiac arrest, muscle, nerve and tissue damage, thermal burns (off hot surfaces) or electrical burns.
Here, at Label Source, we have supplied a selection of identification products, such as health and safety signs, safe operation signs, electrical hazard warning labels, PAT test labels, plant maintenance labels and signs, microwave oven safety labels, cable and conductor markers. Examples are 110V labels for battery systems, 230 V stickers for power lighting and wall sockets, 400 V markers for air conditioning, air compressors and battery charges, and 650 V labels for two phase signalling power supplies.
