The UK's Leading Supplier of SIN119 Solutions

iLECSYS Rail have long championed the benefits of Class II modular designs using modern, proven materials. In keeping with this philosophy, iLECSYS Rail have a range of products designed specifically for the fast and efficient upgrade of 'Legacy' location cases. The fully PADS approved Micro FSP solution allows Network Rail to integrate Class II low voltage distribution within an existing signalling location. The safe isolation and enhancement is achieved by the removal of ingoing/outgoing fuse carriers and replacing them with one of the range of Class II Micro FSPs. iLECSYS Rail has understood and taken on board the possibility of numerous different Legacy location case layouts and have designed in excess of 25 variants to allow fitting within the original Legacy switchgear footprint. Micro FSPs can be mounted directly onto the existing Legacy backboard using universal brackets or can be fitted onto a specially designed mounting plate to interface with existing bar-work inside the Loc. Included in the PADS certificate is a range of Class II connection boxes that accommodates 95% of incoming/outgoing feeder cable types. For example: This means that if your incoming feeder is a 2 Core Al or Cu pre-lugged and your outgoing feeder cable is 4 Core Al or Cu both connections can be made into a connection box thus interfacing with a Micro FSP.

Products can be hand carried to site and installed with ease. Enhancement products such as rodent protection conduit and environmentally sealed glands will allow the new unit to have a higher level of reliability. To further enhance the system, a Class II high efficiency aluminium transformer is fitted in place of the original. This will now provide greater efficiency to the signalling circuit, sustainability and improved reliability, completing the full Class II 650V installation. Following on from Micro FSPs and Class II transformers, iLECSYS Rail have designed a range of integrated solutions, allowing for complete isolation of 650V power from the existing Loc cabinet. The integrated solution consists of any one of the Micro FSP range, in conjunction with a Class II transformer, mounted on a PADS approved pre-assembled backplate or within a PADS approved enclosure. The New Class II enclosure can then be mounted directly onto the end of the existing apparatus case or adjacent to it. This solution offers a reduction in mechanical handling. The enclosed integrated unit provides a fully separated E&P asset that will speed up testing and commissioning of Class II feeders.

The challenge of implementation

In history, there are often moments or circumstances that turn necessary actions into unforeseen opportunities. As a result of the SIN119 improvement notice, the introduction and roll out of retrofittable Class II as a compliance strategy now provides Network Rail with the tools and the methodology to deliver widespread enhancements to all signalling power supplies, with minimal disruption. As with most new systems and technology, one key challenge is its implementation within the existing infrastructure. This challenge is one of understanding and joined-up process driven by survey, integrated design, option selection and efficient deployment. It has been discovered that, over the past four to five years, this package of works is ideally suited to support Network Rail's existing route delivery teams. An example of this efficient deployment can be seen below.

Maintenance of the existing signalling power network places a high demand on existing human resources. Routine testing and the assessment of the existing 650V signalling power cable presents existing maintenance teams with both safety and logistical challenges. Cable and system monitoring technology offers a significant improvement in the management of these assets. Insulation monitoring and fault location devices enable rapid response and proactive maintenance regimes to be implemented. The key success of the roll out of this technology is the ability to deploy alongside the Class II retrofitting process, thereby leaving the asset in both a fully compliant and digital-ready state. There have already been several examples of significant infrastructure reliability improvements, as a result of Class II deployment. One is the elimination of low insulation monitoring values as a result of prescribed Class II retrofits. A second is confirmation of potential cost savings in unnecessary cable replacements across a large section of the Thameslink Route. Take a look at our Putting Passengers First Signalling Enhancements Guide for more information