Prevent signal failures on the railway
Why corrosion is the railway’s hidden enemy – and how we can defeat it
This article was originally published on the Zerust blog. Read the original post here.
When a train is stopped on the tracks, it is rarely the engine that fails. Often, it is caused by something
much smaller – but just as critical: electronic signaling components that have given up due to corrosion. These invisible heroes control train movements all over the world, but they are vulnerable. Moisture, temperature fluctuations, and polluted air attack them daily.
The result? Delays, safety risks, and angry passengers.
Corrosion: The silent sabotage Unlike rusty rails or worn brakes, electronics provide no warning before they fail. One drop of condensation or a small amount of acidic gas can be enough to:
- Corrode metal on circuit boards
- Create short circuits that cause intermittent faults
- Destroy solder joints and contacts
- Paralyze semiconductors and other critical components
In Norway, we know this all too well. Signal failures have almost become a part of everyday life, with delays costing society dearly – both in money and trust. But does it have to be this way?
From problem to solution: How the Mexico City Metro won the battle Take the Mexico City Metro as an example. With up to 20 hours of daily operation, humidity, and pollution, they struggled with constant failures in electrical panels. The solution? Small but powerful VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) capsules that protect metal surfaces without affecting the electronics. After one year of testing, the results were clear:
- Fewer false alarms
- More stable operation even during humid periods
- Halved maintenance requirements
- Significant savings
Now they are rolling out the solution across the entire metro system. Why not here at home?
Read more about corrosion protection in railway tunnels here.
ZERUST®: The tools that work To protect electronics, more than plastic bags and hope is needed. ZERUST’s solutions are developed for the railway's harsh conditions:
- VCI films and bags for safe transport and storage
- VCI capsules that protect inside control cabinets (like in Mexico)
- Moisture control to avoid condensation
-
Axxanol™ 718-ESS – a spray that forms an invisible, water-repellent film while the equipment is in operation(contact us for more info!)
What can we learn? Corrosion is not inevitable – it is a problem we can solve. With the right tools and routines, we can:
- Extend the lifespan of critical electronics
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Avoid unplanned stoppages that paralyze train operations
- Increase safety for both passengers and employees
The time for action is now Norwegian railways face the same challenges as Mexico City. The question is not whether we should invest in corrosion protection, but when. Every day we wait, we risk new failures – and more angry commuters.
Do you want to know more about how to prevent corrosion in junction boxes, electrical cabinets, panels, and the like? Do not hesitate to contact us
Main image: by Juup Schram on Unsplash
