Network Rail Optimised Earthing Trial Testing

Navitas Engineering has been supporting Network Rail in developing the safety argument for optimised earthing, including the use of earthing pantographs. The aim of this part of the work was to measure induced voltage in the earthed OLE with a test train passing on the adjacent open line.

To date, the activities undertaken have included:

• Trial coordination and planning

• Current measurements at the Severn Tunnel Junction and Maindee substations

• Induced voltage measurements at East Usk Sidings under conventional and single additional earth configurations

• Induced voltage measurements using an earthing pantograph at East Usk in single additional earth configuration

• Data analysis and review