New TE Connectivity Signal Wire For Railways

TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, has begun offering a new type of signal wire and cable for a variety of railway applications. It performs to a high level, reduces energy consumption and takes up less space, all at the same time.

Products in the TE EN 50306 range have a cross-section half that of traditional thick-wall wires, but they perform just as well, if not better - and have long lifetimes. They free up space on carriages for passengers and, because they are approximately 30 % lighter, they help reduce the overall energy consumption of the train, cutting costs and environmental load.

The new products meet all relevant rail requirements for low-voltage signal wire. They have halogen-free flame-retardant ruggedized jacketing made from electron beam-crosslinked polyethylene, qualifying them for failure-free performance in the harshest environments. They conform to EN 50306, which regulates thin-wall railway rolling stock cables with special fire performance, as well as EN 45545-2, which covers the flame, smoke and toxicity requirements of all materials and components for rolling stock. They can be used in stations, track-side, and on all types of rolling stock.