Size: According to Customer Requirements
Types: E-type Rail Insulator, SKL Rail Insulator, Nabla Rail Insulator
Materials: Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66), or Adjusted to Customer Requirements
Colors: White, Dark brown, Black Color, or Adjusted to Customer Requirements
Packaging: According to Customer Requirements
Rail insulators, also called railroad insulators, isolate steel rails from railroad sleepers. Their primary role is reducing vibration and electrically isolating railway tracks, increasing system safety, and improving signal transmission quality. It serves the same purpose as a rail pad but is thicker. It becomes an essential fastening element when working with high-speed trains or trains loaded with massive cargo.
The rail insulators are normally produced from Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) which usually has white, dark brown, or black color. Materials and colors can also be adjusted to meet the customer’s needs.
Functions of Rail Insulators
- Electrical isolation: Electrically insulate the steel rails, rail clips, and rail bolts from the railroad sleepers, and ensure that the electric current between the steel rails and the ground is isolated, preventing short-circuiting of the electric current and ensuring the electrical safety of the railway tracks system.
- Reduce vibration: Absorb the vibration when the railway tracks are running, reducing the noise.
- Extend equipment life: Reduce wear and tear on railway tracks and equipment.
Types of Rail Insulators
The rail insulator can be categorized into E-type Rail Insulator, SKL Rail Insulator and Nabla Rail Insulator.
E-type Rail Insulator
Together with E-clips, rail shoulders, and rail pads, E-type rail insulators are used in E-clip fastening systems. Their purpose is to reduce the stress that a passing train causes on the rail and allow it to return to its original position. They are also utilized as rail pads beneath rail tracks.
SKL Rail Insulator
In SKL fastening systems, SKL rail insulators—also known as guide plates—are utilized in conjunction with rail pads, screw spikes, plastic dowels, SKL clips, and flat washers.
Nabla Rail Insulator
In Nabla clip-on rail fastening systems, Nabla rail insulators are used in conjunction with screw spikes, spring washers, and Nabla clips as additional fastening elements.
Properties of Rail Insulators
Technical Parameter | Unit | Technical Requirement | Value |
Density | g/cm | 1.3-1.45 | 1.45 |
Tensile Strength | Mpa | ≥170 | 178 |
Elongation | % | ≤4.4 | 4.0 |
Bending Strength | Mpa | ≥250 | 290 |
Impact Strength (No gap) | KJ/m2 | ≥80 | 85 |
Melting Point | ℃ | 250 – 270 | 270 |
Insulation Resistance | Ω | ≥1×108 | 5×108 |
Glass Fiber Content | % | 30-35 | 35 |
Hardness | HRR | ≥110 | 118 |
Installation and Maintenance of Rail Insulators
Prepare for the Installation Process
- Check the condition of steel rails and railroad sleepers carefully to make sure that their surfaces are clean, spreadable and free from oil, rust and other defects.
- At the same time, check the type and specification of the rail insulator to ensure that they fit perfectly with the steel rails and railroad sleepers.
Installation Instructions
- Locate the rail insulator in the right position between the steel rail and the railroad sleeper.
- Secure the rail insulators on the steel rails and railroad sleepers by applying rail bolts and when tightening the rail bolts should not tighten or loosen them beyond the recommended force which may otherwise induce instability on the rail.
- Check the installation stability of the rail insulators, once found loose, should immediately re-tighten the rail bolts.
Safety Precautions
- During the installation of the rail insulators ensure that they come into close contact with the steel rails and the railroad sleepers for better insulating impedance.
- Rail insulators should also be inspected for any signs of aging and or damage and be replaced regularly or when necessary.
- In the process of use, the rail insulators should be avoided to withstand excessive impact or pressure, to prevent damage to its insulating properties, and to shorten the service life.
Why Choose Agico
- Experienced: Years of service in the global railroad industry, deep understanding of customer needs, continuous technological innovation.
- Quality Assurance: Each product undergoes strict quality testing to meet the highest standards.
- Customized Service: We provide customized solutions to meet the specific needs of different customers.
- Worry-free After-sales Service: Perfect after-sales service system, to ensure that customers get timely support in the use process.