
High voltage measurement technology plays a central role in railway engineering. It ensures the safety and efficiency of electrical rail systems. Electrified railway networks operate with high voltages ranging from 15 kV to several hundred kV. To ensure the operation of these networks, highly precise measurements are required. This article explores the challenges and solutions of high voltage measurement technology specifically in railway engineering.
Challenges of High Voltage Measurement Technology in Railway Engineering
1. Safety and Protective Measures
High voltages are omnipresent in railway engineering. The risk to maintenance personnel and technical infrastructure is significant. Therefore, measuring devices must meet the highest safety standards. Insulated high-voltage testers with touch protection and remote operation minimize the risk of accidents.
2. Precision in Harsh Environments
Railway infrastructures are exposed to environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and mechanical stress. High-voltage measuring devices must be robust enough to function reliably under these conditions. High measurement accuracy is crucial to detect voltage drops, overvoltages, or system malfunctions early.
3. Minimizing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Rail power systems generate strong electromagnetic fields that can affect measuring devices. Effective EMI protection is therefore essential to ensure precise measurements. This is achieved through specially shielded measuring devices and filtering techniques that eliminate interference signals.
4. Compliance with Standards and Regulatory Requirements
High voltage measurement technology in railway engineering is subject to strict national and international standards. Testing devices must comply with IEC 60071-1 (insulation coordination) or EN 50163 (railway power supply). Compliance with these standards is a prerequisite for safe operation.
5. Real-Time Maintenance and Diagnostics
By using intelligent measuring technology with IoT functionality, railway operators can monitor the condition of their high-voltage systems in real-time. Early detection systems help identify defects in transformers, overhead lines, or switchgear before costly failures occur.
Solutions for High Voltage Measurement Technology in Railway Engineering
1. Use of Modern High Voltage Test Equipment
Modern test devices offer a combination of high precision, robust design, and ease of use. They allow the measurement of AC and DC voltages up to several hundred kilovolts.
2. Comparison Between High Voltage Testers and Standard Testing Devices
The following table illustrates the differences between a high-voltage tester and a conventional testing device:
Feature | High Voltage Tester | Standard Testing Device |
---|---|---|
Voltage Range | Up to 500 kV | Up to 1 kV |
Insulation Protection | Highly Insulated | Standard Insulation |
Application Area | Rail power systems, substations | Industrial, building installation |
EMI Protection | Highly shielded | Basic Protection |
Automated Data Collection | Yes | Rarely |
3. Contactless Measurement Methods
New developments in measurement technology enable contactless voltage measurement using optical or capacitive sensors. This technology reduces accident risk and allows measurements under operating voltage without shutting down the system.
4. Intelligent Measurement Systems with Remote Monitoring
Modern high-voltage measuring devices are IoT-enabled and allow continuous remote monitoring. This enables predictive maintenance and minimizes downtime.
5. Calibration and Regular Testing
To avoid measurement errors, high-voltage measuring devices must be regularly calibrated. Automated calibration systems improve efficiency and ensure consistent measurement accuracy.
Applications in Railway Engineering
High-voltage measurement technology is used in various areas of railway engineering:
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Overhead Line Testing: Measuring voltage and current flow to ensure a stable railway power network.
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Transformer and Switchgear Testing: Diagnosing insulation faults and detecting power fluctuations.
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Troubleshooting in Traction Power Systems: Identifying ground faults or overvoltages to reduce failures.
Table: Requirements for High Voltage Measurement Technology in Railway Networks
Requirement | Solution |
Accuracy | High-precision sensors with calibration options |
Safety | Insulated testing devices with emergency shutdown |
Environmental Resistance | Robust enclosures, protection against humidity and temperature fluctuations |
Real-Time Monitoring | IoT-based remote diagnostics |
EMI Protection | High-quality shielding and filtering technology |
Conclusion
High-voltage measurement technology in railway engineering is essential for the operational safety and efficiency of electrified rail networks. The right testing devices and methods help maximize measurement accuracy, safety, and availability. With modern technologies such as IoT monitoring, contactless measurement methods, and highly insulated test devices, challenges can be overcome.
The MultiSafe HS 5 high voltage tester is a two-pole high voltage tester in a compact design for use in narrow switchgear. Voltage tests can be performed quickly and safely up to 5 kV AC / 7 kV DC. As a successor to the high-voltage probes DSP HS-5, the MultiSafe HS 5 is a complete high-voltage tester and has an integrated self-test. Due to its even easier handling errors are excluded. The MultiSafe HS 5 automatically shows DC and AC voltage as well as the frequency on the illuminated display.
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The MultiSafe HS 11 is a two-pole high voltage tester for testing DC and AC voltage on converters and feeders of traffic systems. The high-voltage tester HS 11 is ideal for testing intermediate circuits of converters, capacitor banks and feeders of traffic systems. Fully automatic measuring sequences exclude operating errors. Three display systems guarantee good perception in all environments. The HS 11 automatically adjusts to the AC / DC voltage to be tested.
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The MultiSafe HS 36 is a two-pole voltage tester for alternating and direct voltages up to 36 kV against ground. Clear signals and just one key preclude operator errors. Three display systems guarantee good perception in all environments. The high voltage tester automatically adjusts to the voltage to be tested AC / DC and additionally shows the mains frequency in the second line of the display. + display range 40 – 36 000 V AC / DC + nominal voltage 50 – 36 000 V AC / DC + for indoor and outdoor installations + demountable compact version, transport length 915 mm + i-shaped electrode for busbars and test holes
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TELESCOPE VOLTAGE TESTER – 36 KV / MULTISAFE TT 36 – Telescopic voltage tester up to 36000 V AC / DC
The MultiSafe TT is a telescopic voltage tester for fast voltage testing on railway overhead lines and outdoor switchgear. Molded protective resistors directly behind the test electrode and the integrated self-test offer maximum safety. The MultiSafe turns on / off automatically and is very easy to use. + nominal voltage 50 – 36 000 V AC / DC + response voltage Ut 1200 V + integrated self-test + 1,8 meter spiral cable with contact magnet for rail + test height variable up to 6,2 m + medium version (4 part telescope) – transport length 1,70 m
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The telescope measuring adapter is a telescopic extension with integrated spiral cable and 4 mm socket for the connection of measuring instruments. Up to 6.2 meters test height various kind of tests can be carried out quickly and easily.
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The MultiSafe TT is a telescopic voltage tester for fast voltage testing on railway overhead lines and outdoor switchgear. Molded protective resistors directly behind the test electrode and the integrated self-test offer maximum safety. The MultiSafe turns on / off automatically and is very easy to use. + nominal voltage: 50 – 1000 V AC / DC + response voltage Ut 250 V + integrated self-test + 1,8 meter spiral cable with magnet for rail + test height variable ca. up to 6,2 m + Medium version (4 part telescope) – transport length 1,61 m
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The MultiSafe TT is a telescopic voltage tester for fast voltage testing on railway overhead lines and outdoor switchgear. Molded protective resistors directly behind the test electrode and the integrated self-test offer maximum safety. The MultiSafe turns on / off automatically and is very easy to use. + nominal voltage: 50 – 3000 V AC / DC + response voltage Ut 400 V + integrated self-test + 1,8 meter spiral cable with contact magnet for rail + test height variable ca. up to 6,2 m + medium version (4 part telescope) – transport length 1,65 m
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TELESCOPE VOLTAGE TESTER – 36 KV / MULTISAFE TT 36 – Telescopic voltage tester up to 36000 V AC / DC
The MultiSafe TT is a telescopic voltage tester for fast voltage testing on railway overhead lines and outdoor switchgear. Molded protective resistors directly behind the test electrode and the integrated self-test offer maximum safety. The MultiSafe turns on / off automatically and is very easy to use. + nominal voltage 50 – 36 000 V AC / DC + response voltage Ut 1200 V + integrated self-test + 1,8 meter spiral cable with contact magnet for rail + test height variable up to 6,2 m + medium version (4 part telescope) – transport length 1,70 m
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The MultiSafe TT-OB is a telescopic voltage tester for fast voltage testing on trolley buses. The simple operation and the variable telescope system allow for quick and safe testing of the driving voltage. The TT-OB is the ideal test equipment for on-call duty and fire brigades. In emergencies, the voltage can be checked quickly and without any additional aids.
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