Staying Safe on the Tracks: Electrical Safety in the UK Rail Industry

Published 18 Jul 2025

Electrical Safety Equipment By PENTA

Ahead of Rail Live, PENTA was featured in the official Rail Live preview – a testament to their commitment to electrical safety and innovation in the UK rail sector.

As the UK rail network continues to expand and electrify in pursuit of greener, more sustainable transport, the safety of workers operating near high-voltage infrastructure has never been more important. Electrical safety equipment plays a critical role in ensuring that rail engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel can carry out their work without compromising their wellbeing or the operational integrity of the network. One of the most critical aspects of this is the effective use of electrical safety equipment.

At Thorne & Derrick, we are proud to supply PENTA’s cutting-edge electrical safety solutions — trusted worldwide by major rail operators and utility companies.

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For expert advice, technical support, or to request a quotation on PENTA Electrical Safety Products, contact Thorne & Derrick — the UK’s leading specialist distributor of electrical safety equipment for the rail industry.

Electrification of the UK Rail Network

A significant portion of the UK rail network is powered by electricity, primarily through overhead line equipment (OLE) and third-rail systems. These OLE systems typically support high-voltage – up to 25,000 volts AC on overhead lines and 750 volts DC in third-rail systems.

These systems are the backbone for greater transportation and reduced environmental impact. As such, they require careful monitoring and protection, not only for the smooth operation of the network but also for the safety of personnel and the public.

The Role of Electrical Safety Equipment

Reliable electrical safety equipment is vital for professionals exposed to high-voltage environments. This includes workers conducting routine inspections, maintenance, fault-finding, and emergency response.

One of the leading providers of such solutions is PENTA, a company renowned for its pioneering work in electrical safety systems. Their advanced electrical test and measurement devices are indispensable for workers operating near energised equipment. This unique solution is tailored for professionals engaged in maintenance, rescue operations, switching, pruning, and other activities in high-risk electrical environments.

A key advantage is the ability to address critical risk factors such as unplanned proximity to voltage sources, untagged work zones, or mistakenly energised circuits.

PENTA’s safety equipment is designed for day-to-day maintenance workers to safely address the risks and keep service disruptions to a minimum. They make the worksite safer by automating tasks like tension testing and voltage detection.

By introducing electrical test equipment indoors and outdoors, rail operators are better positioned to reduce workforce downtime and increase service safety. These devices are designed to stand up to harsh conditions and are tailored to ensure accurate, repeatable results under stress.

One device developed by PENTA for rail-specific use is the Overhead Line Tester Kit.

Designed to test conformity to international standards (specifically to Operational Safety in the Rail Industry (RIS-0703-NK Issue 01) and the British Standard BS EN 50110).

Key Products for the Rail Sector

Overhead Line Tester Kits – Designed for rapid voltage presence detection with multi-level alerts, visual indicators, and high-visibility displays
Temporary Earthing Devices – Ensure safe access to electrified infrastructure during maintenance
CTS Tension Meter – Provides real-time measurements of catenary wire tension to prevent failures and improve reliability
Smart Voltage Detectors – Enable safe, remote voltage presence testing with wireless functionality and data logging

These tools are crucial for both planned maintenance and emergency response, helping to minimise downtime, prevent accidents, and improve overall network reliability.

Safe operation of the rail system

The use of these systems supports the safe operation of services. Equipment such as circuit breakers, surge arresters, and grounding systems are designed to protect lives, infrastructure and expensive rolling stock from severe damage during electrical faults.

Real-time monitoring of electrical status helps to significantly reduce the risks associated with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, allowing workers to complete tasks before serious failures create service disruptions or injuries.

The CTS Tension Meter provides precise, real-time measurements of tension in overhead catenary systems, ensuring that rail infrastructure meets the highest standards of safety and reliability, offering unmatched precision and ease of use for rail engineers and technicians.

The CTS Tension Meter has already garnered interest from key players in the rail industry, with several major rail networks adopting the technology to enhance both inspection and maintenance routines. By providing real-time, accurate data, the CTS allows operators to make informed decisions, helping them avoid costly disruptions and accidents caused by incorrect tension on the contact wire.

Regulatory framework & training

The UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) mandates strict adherence to health and safety regulations, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

These laws require employers to ensure electrical systems are properly maintained and not to present danger. This includes a practical role to prevent all personnel working with or close to energised systems or who may accidentally encounter live equipment using proper equipment use, and emergency procedures.

Rail safety leaders also continue to reflect the importance of up-to-date equipment and following established safety protocols.

Embracing Electrical Safety innovation

With advancements in technology, the rail industry is seeing improvements in the reliability of voltage presence meters and fault detection systems. Smart systems now offer GPS location services, cloud-connected monitoring and automation tools. All powered by secure software platforms.

Not only reduce the risk of accidents but also improve the efficiency of maintenance and safety procedures. Innovations such as sensor-equipped gloves and IoT-enabled alerting kits that report deployment status in real-time – is a glimpse into how the future of rail safety is becoming both smarter and more connected.

The UK rail industry’s commitment to electrifying large stretches of the network to drive sustainability comes with several challenges. Providers like PENTA are helping to provide cutting-edge tools that address those challenges head-on – protecting the people that power the operational backbone of our rail system.

Contact Thorne & Derrick

Whether you’re planning overhead line maintenance, upgrading your safety protocols, or responding to a network emergency, we’ll help ensure your team is equipped with the most advanced, compliant, and reliable electrical equipment available.

We supply the full range of PENTA Solutions, including: