Fastener/sleeper electrical impedance test – IT01

The electrical resistance of the sleeper-fastening system in a wet Railway Track is a very important parameter to consider. This is because the rails are electric conductors in the circuit of signalling and traction and, an inappropriate electric resistance may be the cause of many trouble and malfunction. In this first part, it will be studied the origin of the requirement, the conditions in the track and the standard allowable. A second part will cover the test.