RIBE® insulation strength

For decades, Rhevolec BV has supplied surge arresters for the Dutch rail infrastructure. During this period, Rhevolec, in cooperation with its partner Richard Bergner Elektroarmaturen GmbH & Co. KG (RIBE®), has gained extensive knowledge and experience regarding the functionality of surge arresters within the Dutch rail infrastructure. Under the current product specification reference SPC00302 version 001, Rhevolec BV and RIBE® have been qualified as approved suppliers for surge arresters since March 28, 2018.

Function

A surge arrester is part of the so-called pole-to-rail connection. If there is a fault in the 1500 V traction power supply system, caused for example by a broken contact wire, insulation defect, or installation error, there is a high risk that metal objects in the immediate vicinity of an electrified track will unintentionally carry traction voltage (1500 V DC). To prevent life-threatening situations, it is necessary to connect such objects to the return conductor of the traction power supply system via a so-called pole-to-rail connection.

Application

The surge arrester has two connection points. One side is conductively connected to the (protected) metal object (such as an overhead line mast/portal or insulated leg). The other side is connected via a negative connection to the return-feeding rail.

Properties

Given the knowledge and experience in the field of surge arresters, CuNiCi was deliberately chosen as the material for both the contact surface and the mounting hardware, to ensure better long-term corrosion resistance. A light yellow resin was deliberately used so that thermal overload can be easily detected—this resin discolors when thermally overloaded.

The image below shows a RIBE surge arrester that has been thermally overloaded.

The new surge arrester is self-restoring, which means it retains its functionality after light lightning impulses. In case of stronger impulses, the arrester breaks down and must be replaced.

Regulations

The RIBE® surge arrester fully complies with the ProRail specification SPC00302 version 001 dated 01-04-2015. Upon delivery, a valid product certificate, datasheet, and drawing will always be provided.

More information?

In addition to supplying surge arresters from stock, Rhevolec BV can provide the complete package for pole-to-rail connections. If you would like more information about the possibilities, please contact us via phone number +31 (0)30 30 30 090.

Article number: B636004A02 (NB71034)