Relay Interlocking and its Salient Features

In railway signalling, interlocking is an arrangement of signal apparatus that avoids conflicting movements through tracks, junctions or crossing. In simple words, it is an arrangement of signalling appliances and signals that are interconnected to prevent the trains from colliding and derailing.

This interlocking system acts as a security system that controls signals and points. A train without interlocking system means a bicycle without brake. Don’t worry! We have the best relay manufacturers in India.

This article brings to you more information on interlocking and its features. Sit back to read ahead!

About Relay Interlocking System

Relay interlocking is a system that renders safe interlocking at railway stations using electrical circuit wired through electromagnetic relay contacts and coils. Here, the interlocking functions are done by relays, thus the name ‘Relay Interlocking System’.

How does it function?

This system is made from relays placed in an arrangement of relay logic that ascertains the state or position of each signal appliance. During system operations, their change of position opens the circuits to lock other applications that would conflict with the new position.

Electrically operated interlockings can work locally or remotely after mechanical levers have been replaced by buttons, switches or toggles, which is a huge advantage for power relay manufacturers.

They are of two types:

1. Panel Interlocking – Used in medium-sized stations.
2. Route Relay Interlocking- Used in large and busy stations.

Major philosophies for relay based interlocking systems used in Indian Railways

First type: It uses metal to carbon contact plugin relays and are popularly known as Q-style relays.

Second type: It uses metal-to-metal contact relays, also known as K-50 relays.

Q-style: Features

  • This relay for the railway control system is a non-proven type of relay.
  • Independent contact relay
  • Plug and socket type connection between the relay base and relay
  • Provides with maximum 25F contacts
  • Pre-wiring facilities are available
  • Easy relay replacement

K-50 relays: Features

  • These metal-to-metal plug relays come under proved type relay.
  • It offers simultaneous making and breaking of contact since all movable contacts are rigidly coupled.
  • Provides with a double break series contact arrangement that ensures light switching speed and gap between the contact.
  • Self-cleaning feature.

India’s shift from Old Route Relay Interlocking System to Electronic Interlocking System

In recent news, the Indian Railway has switched to electronic interlocking system leaving behind the manual system used for decades. The Western Railway has already implemented this system at the Prabhadevi station in February and is planning to install in the entire suburban line.

Electronic Interlocking System: Benefits

  1. Reduced space requirements
  2. Fail-safe mechanism
  3. Self-diagnostic features
  4. Totally safe and reliable
  5. Faster train operations
  6. Reduces human failure
INTEGRA Engineering has been the pioneer in introducing metal-to-metal TM type signalling relays in 1987 for Indian Railways. The panel interlocking offered by us is a fail-safe design that is trusted and approved by the Indian Railways.

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