Power Supply Systems for Signalling Installations

The electrical power provided for signalling systems on railways, following approved Railway policies.

Backup power sources for signalling circuits in case of main power failure.

230V AC (single phase) or 415V AC (three phase) is the common power supply for signals, unless otherwise approved.

Transformers that convert the overhead line 25kV electricity to a usable voltage level for railway signalling.

A panel used for switching between different power supply sources for signals, for automatic changeovers.

A DG set or local source providing power backup during main power failures. Ensures signals don't go dark.

Railway tracks with multiple lines using seperate ATs for up and down lines to avoid complete power loss.

Utilizing a single Auxiliary Transformer (AT) on a single track requiring a backup Diesel Generator (DG) for power redundancy.

Railway areas where power is supplied through 25 KV overhead electric lines.

Provides electrical power to signaling & telecommunication locations.

Individual circuit breakers for specific locations (cabins, gates, etc.).

For locations within 2km of the control panel, power is extended via separate MCBs.

Switches automatically between power sources (e.g., local and standby).

Provide backup power to signalling systems.

Primary power source for Color Light Signaling.

Backup power source for Color Light Signaling.

Renewable energy source used to power signalling at wayside stations.

Stores electrical energy from solar panels or DG sets for later use.

Allows switching between different power sources manually or automatically.

The core parts of a solar PV system, including the solar array, battery bank, charge controller, junction box, mounting structure, earthing kit, and cables.

Determining the number of solar panels based on charging current and voltage requirements, and consistently cleaning the panels to prevent dust accumulation.

Distributing power from a change-over panel to various locations using underground cables, protected by fuses or circuit breakers. Includes provisions for visual power status.

Protecting power equipment (like inverters, transformers, battery chargers) against overload and surges using appropriate fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protection.

Backup power sources like battery chargers, transformers, and voltage regulators that are used when the primary power supply fails.

Using a datalogger to monitor the power supply system's performance and ensure smooth operation.

Battery chargers for axle counters must include built-in filters to maintain a low ripple content.

Approved-type converters used to get different voltages from a common battery bank.

An approved power supply system needed for CLS installations.

Cells that don't require routine maintenance, but require a specific charger.

AC supply for signal transformers should come from an approved voltage regulator.

Transformers used specifically for signals and track feed chargers, not shared for both.

Charger current = Load current + AH/10 capacity of cell.

Battery chargers should not directly connect to Block Instruments' line circuits.

Secondary cells of a specified type are needed.

Install batteries in a separate room or apparatus case to prevent damage from fumes.

Battery rooms must have acid-proof flooring and walls, ventilation, and be away from direct sunlight or heat.

Batteries should be installed on wooden racks/insulated surfaces with acid-resistant paint.

Batteries must be properly aligned and labeled; and appropriate spacing.

Follow manufacturer's guidelines for charging batteries. Record the charging date.

Use battery-grade sulfuric acid (IS 266) diluted with distilled water (IS 1069).

Use acid-proof containers (glass, porcelain, rubber). Avoid metal utensils except lead.

Always add acid to water, carefully stir, and maintain temperature below 50°C.

Check electrolyte level. Restore with proper acid if below prescribed level.

Ensure a hydrometer (approved type) is available in the battery room.

Install supply equipment for easy replacement without circuit disruption.

Use air-cooled transformers/battery chargers of adequate capacity.

House power equipment in well-ventilated locations/rooms for safety and efficiency.

Use wires of appropriate size to avoid voltage loss over 0.5%.

Color-code battery leads (red=positive, black=negative, green=earth) and ensure correct length.

Crimp/solder battery leads to appropriate terminals.

Electrical power for railway signaling systems, conforming to approved railway policies.

Backup power for signaling circuits; used when main power fails.

Common voltage (230V single-phase or 415V three-phase) for signals, unless otherwise approved.

Transformers converting 25 kV overhead line electricity to usable voltage for signaling.

Panel for switching between different power sources for signals to automatically change.

Backup power (diesel generator or local source) to prevent signal failures during main power outages.

Railway sections with overhead power lines (25 kV) for signaling power.

Railway sections with multiple tracks, with separate transformers for each direction of train travel.

One transformer and one DG set needed for single-track signaling to avoid complete loss of signals.

A panel that provides electrical power to signalling locations and allows switching between different power sources.

Individual circuit breakers for specific signalling locations (cabins, gates, etc.).

Power is extended via separate circuit breakers (MCBs) to locations within two kilometers from the control panel.

Automatically switches between different power sources (e.g., local and standby).

Provide backup power to signalling systems in case of main power failure.

Primary power source for Color Light Signaling installations.

Backup power source for Color Light Signaling installations.

Renewable energy source used to power signalling at wayside stations in appropriate locations.

Stores electrical energy from solar panels or DG for later use in signalling systems.

Allows switching between different power sources manually or automatically.

The core parts of a solar PV system; the components include the solar array, battery bank, charge controller, junction box, mounting structure, earthing kit, and cables.

Determining the number of solar panels needed based on charging current and voltage requirements. Regular cleaning is key.

Distributing power from a change-over panel to various locations at the station using underground cables, protected by fuses or circuit breakers.

Protecting electrical equipment (like inverters, transformers, battery chargers) from overload, short circuits and surges using appropriate fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protection.

Backup power sources (e.g., battery chargers, transformers, voltage regulators) used when the primary power supply fails.

Using a datalogger to check the performance and operation of the power supply system.

Battery chargers for axle counters must have built-in filters to keep the ripple content low.

Cells of prescribed capacities, which are used for DC circuits.

A panel for switching between different power supply sources, either automatically or manually.

Approved converters for obtaining different voltages from a single battery bank.

Required power supply type for Color Light Signaling (CLS) installations.

Cells needing a specific charger, not requiring routine maintenance.

AC supply for signal transformers must come from an approved voltage regulator.

Transformers dedicated to signals and track feed chargers, not for other purposes.

Charger current rating: Load current + AH/10 capacity of cell.

Battery chargers should not directly power block instruments.

Secondary cells must be of an approved type.

Batteries should be installed in a separate room or apparatus case to avoid fumes.

Battery rooms must have acid-proof flooring and walls, ventilation, and be away from heat sources.

Batteries mounted on wooden racks or insulated surfaces, painted with acid-resistant paint.

Batteries should be placed in a proper alignment and numbered appropriately with adequate cell spacing.

Battery charging is done precisely as its manufacturer described. The charging date must be clearly marked on the battery or a board near it.

Only battery-grade sulfuric acid (meeting IS 266 standards) mixed with distilled water (IS 1069) should be used as the electrolyte.

Use acid-resistant containers (glass, porcelain, rubber) to mix the acid and water. Avoid metal except lead.

Always add acid to water, and stir continuously to avoid exceeding 50°C during the mixing process. Wear safety gear: goggles, gloves, apron.

Check the electrolyte level in received secondary cells. If the level is low, it could be due to spillage, and it should be restored using acid of correct specific gravity.

A proper hydrometer should be present in the battery room.

A capacity test must be performed at the time of installation by a qualified official, not below the rank of SSE/JE (Signal), and the record shall be properly maintained.

Install power supply equipment in a way that allows easy replacement without disrupting other circuits. A ring main system is ideal for large stations.

Transformers and battery chargers should have enough capacity and be air-cooled to effectively and properly handle the electrical demand.

Keep power equipment in well-ventilated locations or rooms to prevent overheating and potential safety hazards.

Use sufficiently sized wires to keep voltage loss under 0.5%.

Use color-coded battery leads (red for positive, black for negative, and green for earth) and ensure that the lengths of the wires are correct.

Properly crimp or solder battery leads to the appropriate terminals for the secure connection.