Experimental results on automatic measurement system for fault recording and location in 3 kV DC railway overhead contact lines

Fault recording in 3 kV DC railway overhead contact lines is surely important as a support tool for operation and maintenance of the electric traction system. Moreover, it enables to implement fault location methods, which are useful in order to reduce restoration time as well as to apply preventive maintenance policies. This paper describes the features of an automatic measurement system developed to equip 3 kV DC electric traction substations for fault recording. Results of laboratory and field tests conducted on a measurement system prototype are pointed out, with particular focus on the early findings on fault location method.