DEHN - Stationary Traction System Earthing
Stationary traction system earthing encompasses the entire earthing system for all structural components of the rail infrastructure. In this regard, the main objective is the protection of people within the rail environment and the safeguarding of reliable rail operations. With DEHN, you have found a one-stop shop for all the components – from specific traction system earthing (earthing bridges, earthing connectors) to building earthing, right through to products for work safety.
Traction system earthing protects people and equipment in the rail environment. It is necessary for preventing voltage being transmitted to people on the railway platforms or equipment in the event of damage; e.g. the severing of a contact wire.
Traction system earthing refers to a current-resistant connection between all conductive components, the return circuit and the entire earthing at the substation. This connection must be resistant to short circuit currents, because parts of the operating current and, in the event of a fault, short circuit currents are carried along it.
A permanent connection with the return circuit (running rail or return wire) is established by earthing bridges and earthing connectors. The rail potential is also reduced as a result.
A direct connection to the return circuit is only permitted with AC traction systems, however. With DC traction systems, an indirect connection must be established using voltage-limiting devices due to the danger posed by stray currents.
Traction system earthing is therefore always necessary in track systems around overhead contact lines and current collectors (i.e. areas where cables can be split or severed).
In Germany, DIN EN 50122-1 is an important standard for traction system earthing concepts. Specifications from this European standard can be found in the policy "Bahn-Richtlinie RIL 997, Untergruppe 02" (German Rail Directive RIL 997, Subgroup 02), with the title "Rückstromführung, Bahnerdung und Potentialausgleich" (Return Circuits, Traction System Earthing and Equipotential Bonding).
Primarily the following components, systems and installations must be earthed:
- Catenary masts
- Tracks
- Steel or reinforced concrete bridges above tracks
- Tunnel systems
- Conductive components on and over platforms
- Noise barriers
- Conductive fences (e.g. wire mesh)
- Earthing systems for power supply systems, control and safety technology and telecommunications systems
Benefit from the synergies of having just one supplier for materials for
- traction system earthing as per RIL 997.02 and
- for general lightning protection construction (lightning protection earthing).