Written by Andy Neat, Product Manager- Marking & Installation

Since Phoenix Contact’s overhaul on the marking world a few years ago, the product range has grown and grown. In some part is a bit of a headache to manage at times, especially when I’m informed that next year over 100 pages will be added to our marking catalogue! I’m not complaining though, it’s good to work for a company with ambition and the foresight to never stop innovating new ideas for marking – plus it keeps me in a job!

This year, the marking range was boosted dramatically with the introduction of RFID technology, (you may recall my ramblings from my last blog).  This took Phoenix Contact, in my opinion, to a new level. It set us a part from our competitors. Bold talk, I know, but Phoenix Contact didn’t stop at marking terminals and cables, the possibilities are almost endless. Plus we have the largest marking range in the world now.

So enough boasting.

With the introduction of RFID tags it seemed natural that we should look at the Railway industry. Over 2000 markers are available. This range of Railway markers encompasses two areas- Rolling Stock and Signalling- and of course adhere to BS6853 for fire safety.

The Signalling side is where the RFID comes in, our tags can be used to trigger the signal points very much like when you see people use the ‘TAG’ lane on a toll road: as you approach, the radio frequencies pick up the tag and the barrier goes up. It’s the same concept with railway signalling. In this area we have markers that are adhesive, directly mountable and even cable wrap markers all with RFID inside.

I recently read a concept where boxes installed in between the rail sleepers can pick up RFID tags as the train passes over, subsequently picking up status information of the train. I’m sure this is something we can work on.

Rolling stock markers consist of mainly halogen-free, low smoke labels that adhere to BS6853. Not only this, but they are vibration proof due to the environment they are going into. The markers are mainly cable markers with some adhesive labels available too.

And of course what I haven’t mentioned is the obvious point that all our markers are completely customisable on one of our unique printers. Whether it be the Bluemark for permanent UV cured results or one of our mobile units for printing on site, there’s most certainly a solution available form Phoenix Contact.

For more information about marking for the rail industry, contact Andy on 07786 252414  or email: aneat@phoenixcontact.com