Keep Light Rail Transit Moving When Winter Strikes

Prevent Frost and Ice with Proactive Catenary Heating System

Light rail and city tramlines are especially vulnerable during wintertime when temperatures drop and moisture is prevalent, causing a layer of frost or ice to form on overhead wires. When a train’s pantograph can’t make proper contact with the catenary wires, the train loses power, leaving commuters stranded and maintenance crews scrambling.

For city transit authorities, ice on overhead wires is more than just a seasonal nuisance—it’s an operational nightmare of delayed schedules, frustrated passengers, and costly, labor-intensive ice removal, or worse yet, caustic chemical applications. But managing wintertime light rail operations doesn’t have to be so stressful, inefficient, or time consuming.

NIBE’s BLUE WIRE catenary heating system enables a proactive response to winter weather. BLUE WIRE is currently the only catenary wire heating system available. Built-in weather sensors and predictive control enable the BLUE WIRE system to automatically switch on, warming the overhead wires before ice or frost forms.

What Makes BLUE WIRE Different?

Developed by NIBE Element Railway Solutions, BLUE WIRE is an automated overhead cable heating solution powered directly from the overhead wire system itself. It’s designed to keep catenary systems clear of ice and frost without the need for expensive vehicles, large crews, or manual switching.

BLUE WIRE works equally well for problem areas—or across an entire light rail system in more extreme climates. The ability to heat overhead wires is especially helpful in areas prone to ice formation, such as:

• Yards
• Bridges
• Entrance/exit tunnels
• Tracks close to water

Here’s why transit authorities are taking notice:

• Reliable Service – Proactive response to changing weather conditions to avoid ice-related breakdowns and delays and keep transit running smoothly.
• Smart Automation – Operates only when and where needed, guided by weather data and predictive analytics, reducing energy use and providing significant cost savings.
• Efficient, Environmentally Responsible – Reduces reliance on manual ice removal, energy-consuming heavy machinery, and environmentally harmful chemicals that can harm soil, waterways, and local ecosystems.

The unique triangular heating cable enables maximum thermal contact and is purpose-built for harsh winter conditions. BLUE WIRE is easily installed with corrosion-resistant clips, and the flexible design is compatible with overhead wire systems from 600 to 1,500 V (plus special options for 15kV and 25kV).

The End of Reactive, Labor-Intensive “Winter Mode” Operations

Typically, the onset of winter means going into “winter mode,” with maintenance crews gearing up to manually remove ice buildup with scrapers or harsh chemicals. This approach is inefficient and requires rail operators to spend more on labor, maintenance, and fuel costs.

BLUE WIRE enables a proactive response to winter weather conditions with a fully autonomous control system, much like its rail heating counterpart, BLUE POINT. By sensing weather conditions and predicting ice formation, BLUE WIRE delivers heat at the right time, in the right place, and only when necessary.

In addition to operational efficiency, NIBE’s catenary heating system is environmentally friendly and eliminates the need to use expensive chemicals or labor-intensive ice cutters.

BLUE WIRE enables:

• Extended Infrastructure Life – Prevents arcing and wear on pantograph conductors caused by ice buildup. Less frequent replacement and repair of overhead wires and rolling stock means fewer raw materials consumed and less waste generated.
• Environmentally Friendly – No chemicals are needed to keep the catenary lines free of ice, which makes railyards safer for maintenance workers.

• Smaller Carbon Footprint – BLUE WIRE eliminates or drastically reduces the use of diesel-powered trucks, cutting direct fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions.

The Future of Winter Rail Operations: Smarter, Safer, and Energy Efficient

BLUE WIRE ensures that winter conditions no longer dictate service schedules. Our catenary heating system keeps wires free of ice and frost, regardless how harsh the weather gets. With smarter automation, rugged durability, and proven cost and energy savings, it’s not just about surviving the winter—it’s about keeping your city moving, however fierce the wind, ice, and snow may blow.

Learn more about NIBE’s BLUE WIRE catenary heating system.

Ready to keep your catenary wires free of frost and ice? Contact us now, before the cold comes in with a kick.