11.02.20
Network Rail endorses Bender UK signal system
Bender UK’s Innovative RS4 Signalling Power Protection system has been approved by Network Rail. The system delivers heightened sensitivity for first fault location and allows compliance with Network Rail’s Insulation Monitoring and Fault Location requirements.
The new RS4 uses efficient Bender technology to deliver the multiple-tier smart cable insulation monitoring. It has sharp sensitivity for improved feeder first fault location form the 20kΩ pre-warning level to 100KΩ or higher, depending on system capacitance.
It has improved performance of Bender’s already proven RS systems to offer a holistic picture of cable health, along with a rich data set that meets the requirements of standard NR/L2/SIGELP/27725.
The Certificate of Acceptance (PA05/04750) confirms Network Rail’s acceptance Bender’s Tier 3 RS4 which makes it easier for new devices and upgrades to be procured. The Tier 1 and 2 versions are also undergoing final testing to also achieve certification.
The retrofittable RS4 solution can upgrade existing RS2/RS3 installations in less than an hour without disconnection. It offers cost-effective continuation for legacy equipment that is compatible with existing Intelligent Infrastructure remote condition monitoring through GSM-enabled data loggers.
Bender’s Tier 2 solution delivers full installation resistance levels of individual feeders with increased system visibility at minimal extra cost over Tier 3 technology and is fully upgradable to deliver a Tier 1 solution.
The RS4 Tier 1 provides full insulation resistance levels of individual cable subsections and within FSP’s (Functional Supply Points.) It also offers the flexibility to deliver tailor-made solutions on a project-by-project basis. It is fully retrofittable and compact for utilisation within SIN119 remedial works.
No 650V or earth reference connection for FSP installation is mandatory, meaning the 650V power supply doesn’t need to be shut-down during installation. Meaning Bender’s Tier 1 solution is fully class 2 compliant and does not compromise the integrity of Class 2 enclosures or create risk of electric shock injury to personnel.
The RS4 has customised data and communication options enabling project customisation that can be integrated into existing Intelligent Infrastructure. Trackside equipment can be combined into existing FSP architecture and the Tier 1 solution offer remote fault location to FSP or cable length, with precise manual fault finding at 100KΩ.
Together with developed sensitivity for ‘first half’ location (100KΩ) RS4 measures capacitance, voltage and frequency delivering data within the standard display options to provide more information to help assess the health of the system.
Bender UK has a proven track record with over 1,000 rail power insulation monitoring systems installed across UK rail networks over the last two decades.
Image: Bender UK