Issue: dropper wires maintaining height of overhead wire broken

Risk: dewirement from wire debris, impact damage to pantograph and catenary, service downtime for emergency repairs, safety of operator staff and passengers

Value: early identification of broken dropper wires prevents a dangerous event with expensive emergency repairs and service downtime

Description:

Three dropper wires required to set the height of the main overhead contact wire were broken, with features at risk of entanglement in the pantograph through a high-speed section of commuter network (117kmph/72mph). With this alert the operator can prevent a major dewirement, preventing a dangerous incident and high cost emergency repairs. Post verification testing can be carried out after remediation activity performed to confirm the repairs carried out.

Issue: cross over lead-in wire set at incorrect height

Risk: impact damage to pantograph and horn, infrastructure failure at section joiner, service downtime for emergency repairs

Value: early identification of introduced defects and ability to validate and improve maintenance procedures

Description:

Lead-in wire set at incorrect height on a cross-over line causing contact over pantograph horn, loss of main overhead electrical contact, impact arcing across all electrical overhead lines and pantograph carbon impact damage. This alert emphasizes how a lead-in wire set at the incorrect height impacts infrastructure and rollingstock. In this instance, the defect has been introduced and an alert generated at the location on the same day. With this data, including a historical log at this site, the operator can schedule maintenance and monitor the location before and after repairs are carried out.