ABOUT DILLON IN RAIL & METRO

Overhead (power lines) catenary systems, called “catenary” from the curve formed by the supporting cable, have a complex geometry.

Overhead train lines must be able to carry around 7000A and remain in line with the route, while withstanding high winds, extreme cold, heat and other hostile weather conditions. The contact wire has to be held in tension horizontally and pulled laterally to negotiate curves in the track. The contact wire tension will be in the region of 2 Tonnes. The tension of the wire is maintained by weights suspended at each end of its length. Incorrect tension, combined with the wrong speed of a train, will cause the pantograph head to start bouncing. An electric arc occurs with each bounce and a pan and wire will soon both become worn through under such conditions. A waving wire will cause another problem. It can cause the dropper wires, from which the contact wire is hung, to “kink” and form little loops. The contact wire then becomes too high and aggravates the poor contact.

For tension testing overhead line wires, including contact wire, the Quick-Check tension meter is excelling in the field and outperforming the competition. Due to its ease of operation and lightweight yet robust construction, the Quick-Check provides real world improvements in time and cost efficiency.

The Dillon AP provides a quick and accurate means of measuring the tension in overhead catenary lines during wire installation and maintenance. Its straightforward operation and easy to read display, are proving a winning combination with overhead line teams across the UK.

There are no fiddly and cumbersome controls with the Quick-Check and no look-up tables required. Simply select the required pre-calibrated wire on the easy to read display, attach the Quick-Check, and take the reading: it’s that easy.