Electrical
RailCorp operates an electrical distribution network and a 1500V dc rail traction system. This includes high and low voltage ac aerial lines and cables, traction and distribution substations and 1500V dc overhead wiring systems.
RailCorp is a Network Operator, Electricity Distributor and Retail Supplier under the Electricity Supply Act 1995 and also an Electricity Supply Authority under the Electricity Safety Act 1945.
The 1500V dc rail traction system is managed under the Rail Safety Act 2008.
The Chief Engineer Electrical is responsible for assurance, integrity certification, standards development, technology vision and Engineering Authority for RailCorp’s electrical infrastructure assets.
Standards documents
Electrical standards
These documents establish functional and design requirements, approved configurations, acceptance standards, damage limits and repair standards for electrical assets. They are addressed to designers and Asset Managers.
Electrical technical notes (ETN)
These provide a controlled means of communicating technical issues to those undertaking activities that affect the electrical infrastructure. They communicate urgent information, lessons learnt and reminders. They may also be used to provide interim changes to standards, manuals or specifications until more extensive updates to these documents are promulgated. ETNs generally have a defined life. The intended audience varies with the topic being addressed and is documented in each ETN.
Electrical Safety SMS Documents
The Electrical Safety documents in the RailCorp Safety Management System give details on how work on electrical items must be performed
Design competencies
These establish the procedure by which Engineering Authority is allocated for designs associated with the Electrical Infrastructure. The procedures apply to RailCorp design staff and to contractors and professional service providers engaged by RailCorp and agents of RailCorp such as TIDC and RailCorp Program Alliances when carrying out design work for RailCorp. It documents the required skills, qualifications and experience required to carry out specific design tasks related to the electrical infrastructure.
Design information
This is a list of current RailCorp standard design arrangements and standard designs. It is not an exhaustive list, but includes the majority of the common arrangements and most recent designs to form the basis of new work.
Training and accreditation
This guide describes the requirements for ensuring that the electrical safety competencies of RailCorp staff and contractors are developed, maintained and certified. The Guide sets out the Electrical Authorisations that staff must hold in order to carry out particular functions.
Technical Maintenance Plans
These provide the baseline for the maintenance of electrical assets within the RailCorp Network. The service schedules and schedule intervals within the plan are based on electrical equipment being in fair and reasonable condition in an operating environment of a reasonable standard.