Fluke multimeter chosen for rail safety system
A
Fluke (UK) product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jul 24, 2000
The track side equipment associated with Redifon MEL's Train Protection Warning System requires the use of a high performance digital multimeter, and the Fluke 87-IV has been chosen
(Editor's note: the multimeter described in this story has now been superseded by a new model).
With TPWS testing completed and widespread installation starting, easy to use rugged and reliable equipment for test and installation has become a paramount requirement for track side use.
TPWS, Train Protection Warning System developed and built by Redifon MEL in Crawley is an extension to the existing UK Automatic Warning System (AWS) and provides a train stop capability and overspeed sensing.
The train stop feature applies the brake immediately the train passes a signal at danger.
For speed control TPWS adds an overspeed sensor which will apply the train brake if the train is exceeding a set speed.
This can be turned on when a signal ahead is showing danger and thus provides emergency braking if the red signal ahead is approached too fast.
The overspeed sensor can also be used when approaching a permanent speed restrictions.
The track side equipment associated with one signal comprises of a small cabinet housing the electronic modules a pair of track mounted loops with feeder cables for the overspeed sensors and a second set of loops and feeders for the train stop.
Installation of the track side equipment requires the use of a special kit of parts.
This kit consists of a custom calibrated test aerial and a test aerial lead with load, all supplied by Redifon MEL.
The kit also requires the use of a high performance Digital Multimeter.
The Multimeter chosen is the Fluke 87-IV one of Fluke 80 Series IV units, consisting of 2 models the 89-IV and the 87-IV.
The unit was chosen primarily for its AC bandwidth, up to 100KHz and the resolution and accuracy of the AC ranges.
Though the 80 Series IV are Fluke's top of the range Multimeters with a wide range of functions, careful design of the user interface has ensured they are easy to use with all the major measurement functions accessible on the main rotary switch.
Redifon chose the Fluke 87-IV because they needed to ensure that the Multimeter chosen for the trials and subsequent testing and installation meet all the technical requirements whilst maintaining ease of use.
For working in areas or at times of day when visibility is bad the 80 Series IV incorporated a large digit display, visible from acute angles and, most importantly, a back light.
As with all Fluke Meter's they are built to last, the 80-IV units feature an overmoulded high impact case to make them extremely robust.
They are safety rated as EN 61010 CAT III-1000V.
The 89-IV only differs from the 87-IV in that it has additional datalogging functions.
The TPWS works testing requirements are covered by the Railtrack Line Specification RT/E/S/10135.
Within the specification it is stated that the recommended Multimeter is the Fluke 87-IV or an 89-IV is also acceptable.
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