t is often the smallest details that make the difference between ordinary and exceptional rail equipment – the components passengers
rarely see, but that determine whether systems function reliably day after day. Access hardware like hinges, latches and fasteners may seem unremarkable, yet they play a decisive role in operational safety, passenger comfort and system reliability.
High-speed rail enables passengers to get to their destination quicker, but when travelling at speeds of over 300km/h an accident can have far more serious implications. It is therefore more important than ever to ensure all external panels are safely secured to avoid any risk of them breaking loose. The solution is the use of latches that make
safety visible, providing clear and easy-to-see mechanical visual indicators when they are not secure. These reduce the chance of leaving a panel open, error-proofing maintenance operations and improving application safety while lowering costs. Southco’s E3 VISE ACTION compression latches
are commonly used on train exterior and interior applications across covers, access panels, and lights from skirts and underfloor containers, through to rooftop units. Within their range of MAKE SAFETY VISIBLE BY SOUTHCO products, the manufacturer offers different types of compression latches. One features reflective wings which deploy when the latch is opened and only retract when fully secured; another features a bi-stable cover that will automatically stay open as long as the panel remains unlatched. This enables maintenance staff to quickly and easily check whether any panels have been left unsecured, both during the day and at night. To simplify visual security, red – the universal
colour for danger – is used as the standard indicator. However, this can be tailored to meet specific customer needs. For example, yellow or orange may be chosen if they provide better visibility on certain camera systems.
When you’re paying for a train ticket – especially on those long journeys – you expect a certain level of quality and comfort. While we are seeing better designed seating, the use of low-cost components
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increases the risk of passenger injury. This is often down to tables and armrests that don’t hold in position or coat hooks that stick out. These issues are easy
to resolve, however. Take Southco’s AH-Bifold Constant Torque Hinge series. These use friction technology to ensure a table is held in position at any angle and to prevent it from falling open. They also feature a flush mount design that occupies minimal space, allowing a table to be folded and stowed flat and out of the passenger’s way. But safety and security don’t have to detract
from looks. Southco’s all-metal ST series hinges are compact and can be bolted or moulded directly into a thin-profile product housing for a more pleasing aesthetic design, while also delivering rugged, long-lasting, high-torque performance that eliminates the need for secondary mechanical supports. Furthermore, Southco’s push-to-close MP
Point Latch features a retractable metal pull knob that pops up at the push of a button to provide a consistent grip and a solid feeling of quality in the latch’s operation. If something feels flimsy or cheap, that’s the impression passengers will get. Not only do these touchpoints impact safety, they also shape a passenger’s perception of the train’s quality.
While the rise of the internet of things (IoT) and autonomous trains have made rail travel more efficient, these systems also provide more opportunities for cybercriminals and vandals to steal personal data or impact operations. Additionally, the rise in on-board electrical systems can pose a larger fire risk. Any enclosure that holds an electrical
system must be safe and secured, and Southco offers a wide range of solutions dependent on the system’s need. Hidden latches can add an extra layer of security. For example, its rotary latch system provides a robust method for securing panels with push-to-close
convenience, offering concealed latching at one or more points of the application. Many of Southco’s latches also comply with the latest DIN EN45545-3 fire protection standard, with a large number of cam, compression and rotary latches meeting fire resistance ratings from E30 up to E60, indicating how many minutes a latch would still be in place and secure after the outbreak of a fire. For further enhanced security, Southco’s
Connected Access solutions combine mechanical locks and latches with electronic actuation. This is becoming ever more important as ‘standard’ keys can be easily purchased online or in hardware stores, eliminating any level of security by common mechanical locks. Then, the company’s electromechanical solutions offer added protection by providing remote controlled and monitored access via RFID cards, PIN codes or Bluetooth technology. They can also work with operators to design keys with a head style unique to them, which can massively limit who has access to these panels.
The electrification of rail has added to its sustainability credentials, and modernisation of train interiors has further improved inclusivity, with more spaces designed for wheelchairs and bikes. Designers have been tasked with making the best use of carriage floorspace which has, in some cases, led to the creation of adaptable carriages that can
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