Introduction
As per RDSO/SPN/209/2012 Version2.0
Railway Signaling installations use Fuse Auto Changeover System (FACS) with alarm unit and audio and visual indication for continuous monitoring of fuses with system voltage (of fuse circuit) of 12V, 24V, 60V or 110V DC /AC Installed. The system monitors the continuous operation of fuses and further changeover to spare fuse automatically when a failure of the main fuse is detected.
As per RDSO/SPN/209/2012 Ver. 2.0, FACS shall be modular by design and each module of the system shall have capacity for monitoring either of the following-
TYPE-1: 32 nos. of external Non-Deteriorating Type fuses ('G' type fuses) from 0.6 Amp to 4 Amp capacities which are in signaling circuits. System shall have 8 cards with monitoring arrangement of 4 fuses in one card. System shall be of 5x20 mm ceramic tube type with high breaking capacity (1500 Amp) as per IEC60127-2 standard.
TYPE II: 24 no. of external Non-Deteriorating Type fuses ("G' type fuses) from 4 A to 10 Amp capacities generally used for point operation circuits. Such system shall have 6 cards with monitoring of 4 fuses in one card. The standby fuse used in TYPE II system shall be of 6.35x 32 mm ceramic tube type with high breaking capacity (1500 Amp).
Applications
Power Distribution: The Fuse Auto Changeover System in railway power distribution ensures uninterrupted electricity flow to critical components by automatically switching between fuses or breakers during faults.
Signal Interlocking Systems: The FACS in signal interlocking systems ensures uninterrupted power, automatically switching to backup fuses or breakers during faults, minimizing disruptions and preventing train delays or accidents.
Traction Power Supply: The Fuse Auto Changeover System is essential for managing power distribution in electrified railways, ensuring continuous power to traction equipment by swiftly switching between fuses or breakers and preventing widespread outages or damage.
Level Crossing Protection: The Fuse Auto Changeover System in level crossing control panels ensures uninterrupted power for safety devices, switching to backups during faults to minimize accident risks.
Remote Monitoring and Control: The Fuse Auto Changeover System integrates into remote monitoring, enabling operators to oversee fuse status and trigger backups for timely maintenance intervention.
Emergency Power Systems: The Fuse Auto Changeover System ensures uninterrupted operations in critical railway facilities by automatically switching to backup power sources during outages or failures, supporting essential functions like communication and safety systems.