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5/13/2016

Phoenix Contact: VAL-MS BE-AR surge protective devices

Phoenix Contact's VAL-MS BE-AR line of surge protective devices (SPDs) has modernized lightning protection for the railroad industry, the company says. The BE-AR line combines advanced connection and hybrid surge protection technologies, reducing the cost of labor and unnecessary replacement parts for wayside track equipment and improving track uptime, all while providing a high level of safety.

The BE-AR line of products provides significant advantages over existing connection technology and protection practices in one easy-to-install solution, the company says. The BE-AR devices are four times faster to install and maintain than traditional ice-cube-style SPDs. This quick connection can result in significant labor and maintenance savings as railways modernize their wayside equipment to meet federal positive train control (PTC) mandates.

Phoenix Contact technologies provide this rapid trackside field connection through screw-clamp terminals and quick-disconnect test points. Improved protection levels and visual status indication provided on hot-swappable surge protection plugs reduce equipment damage while providing a rapid, safe method for replacement.

The BE-AR line also complies with the best practice guidelines set forth in the AREMA C&S manual. In addition, the remote monitoring feature offers critical real-time feedback of protection status to maximize track uptime, and lets maintenance staff members "know before they go."