How much do you know about a railway insulator?

What is a railway insulator?

Railway insulator,also known as rail nylon insulator, railroad epoxy insulator or rail insulation, is a crucial component used in railway track systems that electrically isolates the rail from the supporting structure (like a concrete sleeper or tie), typically made from a material like nylon with glass fiber reinforcement. The primarily functions to prevent unwanted electrical currents from flowing through the rail while also helping to adjust the rail gauge by providing a spacer between the rail and the fastening system. Essentially it acts as both an electrical insulator and a mechanical spacer within the track assembly. 

Function:

The Railway insulators shield the ductile iron shoulder from wear by direct contact with the rail and provide electrical insulation. Helps maintain proper rail gauge, protects the rail from wear and tear, and ensures safe electrical operation. Shortly, railway insulator is to electrically isolate the rail from the supporting structure, preventing electrical current from flowing through the ties or sleepers.

Railway insulators are usually positioned between the rail and the base plate. Installed between the rail and the rail clip or rail tie plate. Railway Insulator helps you firm railways.

Material:

The material of railway insulators are commonly made of Nylon-66 (PA66) or Nylon-6, with glass fibre reinforcement ranging from 20% to 35%, depending on the specification. Materials and colors can also be adjusted to meet the needs of the customer.

Benefits:

High mechanical strength

Heat resistance

Wear resistance

High rigidity

Size stability

Types of Railway insulators available in the market:

E-type rail insulators

SKL rail insulators

Nabla rail Insulators

Signum Machinery Technology Co., Ltd. offers railway insulators for E-type rail fastening system, SKL rail fastening system, Nabla rail fastening system, and other applications in natural colors or as requested by customers.

2025-03-04