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.