PowerLink Backdrive

Following extensive experience of switch and crossing actuation through their involvement with the introduction of HPSA onto new and older generations of special trackwork, IAD have gained detailed understanding of the nature and problems associated with reliable switch rail movement. This experience and mathematical analysis has led to the development of a high efficiency backdrive in which the mechanical advantage of the system is optimised to suit different lengths of switch. The use of high efficiency bearings and elimination of backlash losses through use of swinging links ensures the maximum drive gets to where it is most needed.

IAD's PowerLink Backdrive is the most efficient in-bearer design in use today.

Following analysis by respected Rail Consultant Engineers and extensive trials in some of the busiest rail junctions in Europe, PowerLink has gained product acceptance for UK installations. Over 550 systems are already installed. Including essential junctions into the new St. Pancras Station on the new Channel Tunnel Route, on the West Coast Mainline and on the busy Central London Network Routes, work is in hand to upgrade all existing in-bearer backdrives to this standard.

High Performance Switch Systems (HPSS)

Switch and crossings when actuated, detected and locked by IAD's HPSA in-bearer point machine and integrated with backdrives to demonstrate full compliance with stipulated detection criteria are referred to generically as High Performance Switch Systems.

Through the integration process, the correct number and position of drives and detectors can be established to ensure the most reliable performance and safe obstruction detection. Taking this system approach to integration ensures the right number of supplementary detectors are used on each particular switch geometry.