Rail Technology Magazine spoke to PHOENIX CONTACT, a trans-national manufacturer of connection, networking & automation systems, and surge & lightning protection devices, about the range of BS EN 62305 compliant protection products they offer to the Rail Industry.
TRABTECH (TRansient ABsorption TECHnology) is the overall name of PHOENIX CONTACT’s portfolio of BS EN 62305 compliant surge voltage arrestors, which include its FLASHTRAB Class I & II lightning and surge protection devices rated at 100KA, the VALVETRAB Class II surge protection units, and the Class III PT power supply protection range.
The modular DIN rail mounted FLASHTRAB and VALVETRAB devices which form the most compact pluggable range available, have recently excelled in a large trial designed to ensure that signalling assets are protected from the effects of local surge events, whether from natural or increasing man-made sources.
The modular design also simplifies routine maintenance with features such as ‘hot’ swap-out, plus local and remote status indication, with the failure mode being safe for critical rolling stock, track or station applications. The pluggable range also helps in implementing the requirements of BS EN 62305 part 4 for a zoned implementation plan for the protection units themselves.
The FLASHTRAB and VALVETRAB modules are designed to enable power cables to be connected to the top or bottom of the module, and therefore the bases are clearly marked in two orientations, with the devices themselves plugging in either way around. This enables easy cable installation from the top or bottom, and in turn shorter cable runs saving space, and lowering any voltage drop along the cable.
Numerous other advantages include features like the capacity to accommodate large diameter cables to ensure that surge currents are quickly diverted, and a fast response time, in the order of 25 nanoseconds.
Part 3 of the BS EN 62305 standard requires that a lightning protection system (LPS) be checked to ensure its efficient operation, and to facilitate this PHOENIX CONACT’s ‘Checkmaster’ testing unit quickly tests FLASHTRAB, VALVETRAB, or many other units from the TRABTECH range, validating that a device is fit for continued use even after a series of lightning strikes.
PHOENIX CONACT’s TRABTECH range is one of the markets largest, and is therefore able to offer devices to protect signaling, CCTV, Ethernet, RS485, RS232 and all manner of electronic and telecommunications equipment.
Phoenix Contact is a BS EN ISO9000 accredited, customer driven organisation, which employs 7,500 employees in over 60 countries, offering connection solutions, ranging from connection technology between conductors and printed cir¬cuit boards, to the worlds of automation technology, electrical interface technology, and surge protection.
Further information on PHOENIX CONTACT’s connection, networking & automation systems, and surge & lightning protection solutions for the rail industry is available at www.phoenixcontact.co.uk by calling 0845 881 2222 or via E-mail to [email protected]