Europe’s railways electrified their networks at varying times and each of them used the latest catenary voltage system when doing so. For this reason we currently have five different types of catenary voltage for long-distance trains in Europe.

The vision of a standardised catenary voltage of 25,000 volts and 50 hertz can only be realised over a long period due to the enormous investment needed.

As long as the catenary system in Europe continues to resemble a patchwork carpet, the trains will have to be capable of working with varying voltages when using international routes. That does not only affect the locomotives and electric multiple units but also the power supply for the passenger cars, which are supplied via the train line.

Solutions from Schaltbau for international rail traffic

Schaltbau already produced multi-voltage-capable heating systems back in the days when the train line was still known as the “heating cable” – corresponding to its original function of supplying power to the high-voltage heating equipment for each of the carriages. Today Schaltbau develops a broad range of electronic and electromagnetic components that make railway vehicles capable of using various voltages and thus able to operate internationally.

Adapting the train to the catenary voltage

Voltage selectors and high-voltage changeover units group the electrical consumers so that they always receive the necessary nominal voltage regardless of catenary system. More …

Individual master controllers according to the modular design principle

In accordance with UIC 612, drivers’ cabs throughout Europe are to be standardised. Railway vehicles can be driven safely – thanks to our state-of-the-art master controllers. More …

The right warning tones for each country

Every time an international border is crossed, not only the catenary voltage changes but also the warning tones for the train driver. More …

CT – a power contactor for all systems

Thanks to its unique principle for extinguishing electric arcs, the power contactor is capable of switching large DC and AC loads alike – reliably and with low wear. More ….