Pole-mounted cameras allow Network Rail to spot overhead wire defects

Track workers can operate the cameras without turning off the power and closing the line

Network Rail is using new camera technology to enable its track workers to spot defects on overhead rail wire up to 25 foot above their heads.

The rail infrastructure provider has supplied 30 cameras to maintenance units on electrified routes across the country. A major benefit is that track workers can operate the cameras without turning off the power and closing the line.

When out on routine track patrols, maintenance staff can attach the camera to the overhead wire and it is then held steady by two small stabilising arms on insulated poles. The camera can tilt so that images and video of the top and side of the wire can also be seen. High resolution images are instantly captured and streamed to a portable laptop. Workers can view this for instant review of the condition of the wire and equipment components or analyse the footage back in the delivery unit. A schedule for repair of any defects can then be put in place.

Steve Featherstone, director of maintenance for Network Rail said: “When the overhead wires come down, it can cause massive delays to passengers and freight services and can cost Network Rail millions of pounds each year in compensation. We’ve been looking at smarter ways to reduce such incidents by using technology to help us find faults and fix them before they become a problem.

“The cameras give us a greater field of vision than the naked eye and this allows our teams to be less reactive and build this maintenance into our schedules, which will mean fewer closures of lines, fewer delays and a better value railway for everyone.”

During testing, the camera was able to stream images to a laptop over 100 metres away, enabling a greater area to be covered at one time. Another benefit of the camera is that it can measure the thickness of the contact wire so workers can gauge wear rates, find thin spots and then plan either contact wire renewals using real time wire wear calculators and small piece replacements to prevent dewirements from contact wire coming apart.