New requirements, guidance, and signage for power changeover locations

Multi-mode trains can switch between external electric power and internal sources such as diesel or battery. They offer seamless operation over both electrified and non-electrified routes and maximise the use of available electrical infrastructure.

The latest standard update introduces comprehensive requirements and guidance for assessing power changeover (PCO) locations. It facilitates the selection of appropriate trackside signage to aid drivers in ensuring the train is in the correct mode for the route ahead. This includes provisions for temporary power changeovers due to overhead line damage or engineering work.

Key updates:

• New signs: Signs previously under trial are now included in the RSSB Standards Catalogue.
• Temporary PCO guidance: New guidance has been added on the distinctive appearance of temporary PCO signage.
• Supplementary routing information: Supplementary signs to help drivers are now required in the driveability assessment at each PCO location.
• Automatic power control magnets: The provision of automatic power control magnets has been included to support automatic PCO.

These updates aim to reduce the incidence of failed changeovers, improving operational performance and saving cost by decreasing pantograph-related incidents.

Gerald Riley, RSSB’s Principal Operations Specialist, said: ‘These changes include the full range of signs to support PCO and includes more guidance on how to indicate a PCO does not apply to every route at a junction.

‘For the first time, the Rule Book explains the meaning of signs to drivers. As there is now much more experience of multi-mode trains than when the more general rules about these were first written, it has been possible to update those and provide more accurate and helpful instructions.’