Potential difference on rails: Why rail operators should not ignore this invisible risk
Just imagine: A railroad track in an African national park. Elephants cross the tracks – but what nobody sees is the potential difference between the rail and the ground. Due to reverse currents and unfavorable ground conditions, this voltage can become a deadly danger for animals, people and infrastructure.
Why is this relevant for the rail industry?
Safety risk: electric shocks for maintenance teams, travelers or residents
Infrastructure damage: corrosion, short circuits, expensive breakdowns
Liability issues: Operators bear a high level of responsibility – legal consequences threaten in the event of accidents
The solution: real-time monitoring from WITT Solutions Our systems continuously measure the voltage between rail and earth and automatically initiate protective measures in the event of critical values – from warning messages to the shutdown of endangered sections.
Practical benefits: ✔ Preventive protection for people, animals and infrastructure ✔ Adaptation to local conditions (soil, climate, use) ✔ Seamless integration into existing control and safety technology
Example of success: In an African country, our systems significantly reduced fatal accidents involving elephants on railroad lines – while at the same time increasing the availability of the line.
