Remote Monitoring and Real-Time Alerts Make Winter Maintenance Hassle-Free At the onset of the fall...
A Game Changer for Keeping Tracks Free of Ice and Snow
Winter weather poses a serious challenge for rail networks across North America. Snow and ice accumulation on tracks, switches, and crossings can lead to significant delays, costly maintenance, and even derailments. Traditional rail heating systems often fail to deliver the precise—and sometimes high levels of heat—necessary to effectively keep tracks clear and safe for passage.NIBE North America’s automated electric rail heating solutions are a game changer when it comes to combatting tough winter weather. Our advanced systems ensure safe and efficient rail operations by preventing ice and snow buildup before it becomes a problem.
How Automated Rail Heating Systems Work
Automated rail heating systems use electric heaters strategically installed along the track, particularly at critical points such as switches, crossings, and inclines. These systems are typically controlled by weather sensors, rail sensors, and smart automation, allowing them to activate when temperature and moisture conditions indicate potential ice formation.
Key components of automated rail heating systems include:
- Heating Elements – Electric resistance heaters embedded in the tracks or mounted alongside switches.
- Rail Temperature – Redundant hot rail sensors and cold sensors are placed on the rail, opposite side of the heater, to measure accurate rail temperature.
- Snow Sensors – Snow sensors wayside and in the track to detect falling snow and trailing/blowing snow
- Ambient Temperature & Moisture Sensors – Detect falling temperatures and the presence of moisture to trigger the system.
- Automated Controls – Smart algorithms optimize energy use, ensuring heating is activated only when necessary.
- Remote Monitoring Systems – 24/7 monitoring to alert rail operators of any issues in real time.
Benefits of Electric Rail Heating Systems
Nothing beats having an automated electric rail heating system in place when it comes to keeping tracks free of ice and snow. NIBE’s patented, dual element track switch electric heating and remote monitoring system, BLUE POINT, changes how rail companies manage winter conditions.
BLUE POINT is a completely autonomous system that utilizes weather sensors, rail sensors, and predictive services to control the rail heat autonomously. Throughout the winter, BLUE POINT’s SCADA system continually monitors track switch heaters, and our 24/7 call center notifies crews immediately if an issue is detected.
The automated system does not depend on communications with the call center; data is relayed back automatically for remote diagnostics and notification—operation is entirely autonomous with no human intervention needed. When an issue does arise, the system provides a level of redundancy as each heater is electrically isolated, so if one heater fails it will not propagate to another heater.
The many benefits of a NIBE automated rail heating solution include: 
- Ice- and Snow-Free Tracks
NIBE ‘s electric rail heating system brings the heat—500-600 watts—in response to extreme conditions, to keep tracks clear and enhance rail safety. Pulse width modulated (PWM) dual-element heating enables an operator to dial in the exact wattage required to keep rails free of ice and snow.
- Improved Performance Metrics
Automated electric rail heating prevents icy buildup on switches and crossings, ensuring smooth rail operations, even in extreme conditions, to help keep trains running smoothly and efficiently.
- Reduced Labor & Maintenance Costs
NIBE’s fully autonomous, remote monitoring system allows operators to focus on doing what they do best—keep trains running. Our 24/7 call center notifies operators and pinpoints the location of any issue, freeing operators from having to physically inspect switch heaters.
- Energy Savings of up to 90% or Higher
NIBE’s advanced electric track heating systems enable you to save up to 90% and higher on energy usage and cost—for greater sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.
- 10-Year Heater Warranty
The only heater with a 10-year warranty, NIBE systems reduce the need for frequent replacement and/or maintenance of heaters—resulting in cost savings, less wear and tear on railway components, and extended critical infrastructure life.
Hassle-Free Winters with Custom-Automated Electric Track Switch Heating System
As more extreme and unpredictable weather occurs, the task of keeping rail operations running smoothly in winter becomes more challenging. Investing in advanced rail heating technology is the best insurance policy to stay ahead of bad winter conditions and keep trains running smoothly and efficiently.
By installing a fully automated, electric switch point heating system with remote monitoring, railway operators can keep tracks free of ice and snow—even in the most extreme conditions—and achieve significant energy, labor, and operating cost savings.
NIBE helps solve unique rail heating challenges with custom-designed, and USA-manufactured, rail switch heating and monitoring solutions. We’re here to help you create the best rail heating system to keep your tracks free of ice and snow, make life simpler for operators, and enable tremendous energy savings.
How can we help you with your next rail switch heating project? Contact an engineer today to set up a consultation. We look forward to helping you soon.
