ELECTRONICS
The protection of sensitive electronic components is crucial for fi re safety
How polycarbonate electrical enclosures are ensuring safety and performance in railway transportation systems
FIGHTING FIRES R
olling stock, the backbone of railway transportation systems, relies heavily on advanced electrical and
electronic systems to ensure the safe and eff icient transportation of passengers and goods. The protection and reliability of sensitive electrical and electronic components are crucial, especially in terms of fi re safety. EN45545-2, the European rail
standard for fi re safety, was introduced as a mandatory requirement throughout Europe. All materials used in the manufacture of rail vehicles must conform to the standard, ensuring that the highest level of safety possible in the event of a fi re is achieved. In this regard, Fibox’s polycarbonate electrical enclosures – conforming to EN 45545- 2 – play a pivotal role in enhancing safety and performance.
POLYCARBONATE ENCLOSURES A global leader in electrical enclosure manufacture, Fibox’s polycarbonate enclosures are designed to mitigate fi re-related risks. The enclosures are lighter in weight than equivalent steel, stainless-steel or polyester equivalents, making them an ideal choice for the demanding environment within rolling stock. In addition, Fibox polycarbonate enclosures are 100% recyclable, making them more environmentally-friendly. In this respect, the polycarbonate
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enclosures contribute signifi cantly to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets. Onboard control and monitoring
systems are crucial in rolling stock for ensuring the safe and eff icient operation of trains, encompassing controllers, sensors and display units that heavily rely on electronic components that must maintain reliability, even in the event of a fi re emergency. To bolster fi re-related hazard protection and uphold system functionality during critical situations, Fibox’s polycarbonate enclosures off er an additional layer of safeguarding. Within rail vehicles, a multitude of emergency systems are in place, including fi re detection, suppression, emergency lighting, and evacuation systems. These emergency systems also heavily depend on electronic components that require fi re resistance to guarantee passenger safety. The company’s polycarbonate enclosures can signifi cantly enhance the overall reliability of these emergency systems, ensuring they remain fully operational when they are needed most.
ENHANCING FIRE SAFETY In the context of passenger safety within rail vehicles, fi re safety takes precedence. In the unfortunate event of a fi re, the continuous operation of electronic systems such as
smoke detectors and emergency communication equipment becomes paramount. Fibox’s polycarbonate enclosures provide an additional layer of fi re resistance, playing a pivotal role in maintaining passenger safety and expediting timely evacuation procedures. The enclosures are a proven reliabile choice, as they not only meet the stringent EN 45545-2 fi re safety requirements but also off er durability, resistance to environmental factors, and adaptability, making them well-suited to protecting sensitive electronic components. In conclusion, rail vehicles play
a pivotal role in modern railway transportation, necessitating the reliable and safe operation of its electronic systems, especially in the context for fi re safety. Fibox’s polycarbonate electrical enclosures are instrumental in enhancing safety and performance to provide robust protection against fi re-related risks and ensure the continued functionality of critical electronic components during emergencies. As the railway industry continues to prioritise safety and eff iciency, the enclosures will remain a key component in achieving these objectives, contributing to the overall success of rail transportation.
George Hulme is at Fibox UK.
www.fi box.com
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