Belvoir Rail has supported Northern Trains with the supply of rail-compliant data cable assemblies as part of work to integrate an existing Passenger Information System (PIS) set-up into an LTE network.
This helped ensure the system could continue delivering service information updates to customers as 3G services are phased out.
Belvoir Rail supplied 271 cable assemblies of varying lengths, totalling 1,500 metres across 10 different configurations, using M12 X-coded male and female to RJ45 connectors. The assemblies were delivered to multiple sites in under two weeks.
To keep the programme moving, Northern Trains needed the right assemblies available quickly. Other suppliers were quoting lead times of around 12 weeks, with many items out of stock.
The assemblies also needed to meet rail requirements including EN 45545-2 (fire performance for railway vehicles), and off the shelf alternatives were not rail-compliant.
That combination of availability, compliance and a commercially sensible solution was a key reason that Northern Trains chose Belvoir Rail.
Belvoir Rail supported the project with design input as well as supply, helping ensure the assemblies were suited to the rail environment. Based on experience supplying similar applications, the team recommended a more robust RJ45 connector option to support reliability in service.
To help speed up installation and reduce risk on site, Belvoir Rail tested every cable prior to dispatch to confirm correct configuration and functionality. This meant the assemblies arrived ready to fit, helping avoid delays and rework during installation.
photo credit: Northern Trains
On delivering the project for Northern Trains, Trevor Beale, Operations & Quality Director at Belvoir Rail, said:
“What mattered here was making it easy for the team fitting the equipment, while meeting the required rail standards. We recommended a more robust connector option, assembled the configurations they needed, and tested every cable before it left us so it arrived ready to fit.”
David Curtis, On-board Systems Service Delivery Manager at Northern Trains, said:
“Having assemblies arrive ready to fit made a real difference. The combination of pace and standards was the key for us. Belvoir Rail communicated well, responded quickly to questions, and delivered the compliant assemblies within the window we were working to.”
With rail-compliant assemblies delivered at pace and ready to install, Northern Trains was able to keep its PIS upgrade programme moving and support continuity of passenger information as connectivity changes.
If you’re planning an onboard digital upgrade and need rail-compliant assemblies delivered quickly and ready to install, Belvoir Rail can support with design input, testing and rapid supply.