Surelock Point Machine

No matter how digital the railway becomes, there will always be the need to physically switch the direction of the rail. Making sure that turnouts and switch blades are being operated safely and reliably, point machines play an important role in the modern rail industry. With the help of drives and motors they move and interlock rail switches/ points, making them essential devices in railway switch and signalling equipment as well as an important safety factor.
Surelock Point Drive System & Linear Back Drive
Together, the unique technology of Surelock point drive systems and Linear Back Drive provides greater efficiency, reliability and safety, at lower cost – benefits that can be enjoyed by railways, metros, train operating companies and most importantly passenger around the world. The railway infrastructure is constantly becoming busier meaning that point machines are expected to operate more regularly and secure, which is exactly what the non-hydraulic, electro-only Surelock point machine ensures.The standalone Surelock points drive system is suitable for A to C turnouts. For longer D to G turnouts, there’s Siemens Surelock plug-coupled Linear Back Drive. This combines the same fail-safe dual drive and detection, with a unique linear drive that has significant operating advantages.
- The Surelock system only requires independent adjustment of each back drive. The Linear Back Drive also replaces traditional stretcher bars with a dual drive and provides detection on both rails, creating a more secure switch of the rail.
- With the Linear Back Drive, adjustments to the gauge and drive are carried out using just two spanners within a dust-free enclosure which reduces set up and maintenance time.
- The IP76 rated, low-profile casing contains four individually replaceable modules: the motor, drive, control and escapement. All the modules are plug coupled and can be individually removed and replaced in under nine minutes.
- The exceptionally high level of reliability, quick installation time and long intervals between servicing translate into lower operating costs over the entire lifecycle and mitigates passenger disruption.
Surelock Point Drive System - Data Sheet
To learn more about the Surelock point machine and its functionalities and technical details, download the PDF here.
The Siemens Surelock point machine has a double drive directly connected to the switch rail, which adds reliability as there is more points of contact with the rail than with any other point machines. Additionally, it eliminates the need of a stretcher bar as the drives move the rail blades which is well known to be temperamental.
The Surelock machine has four modules that can be individually removed for repair using one tool. This makes installation a lot quicker, saving time and money. All the modules are plug coupled and can be removed and replaced in under nine minutes and have a 15 minute “meantime to repair”. Combined with a motor that’s maintenance-free within its lifetime, this means the Surelock system provides optimum availability and mechanical operation within signaling at minimum cost.