A Game Changer for Keeping Tracks Free of Ice and Snow Winter weather poses a serious challenge for...
Engineered for Urban Transit Systems to Withstand Harsh Winter Conditions
When winter storms roll in, keeping city transit on track becomes a battle against snow, ice, and saltwater. For light rail and trolley operators, this is more than just an inconvenience—it’s an operational nightmare.
Urban rail systems are embedded in shared roadways, which means heaters and switches are constantly exposed to standing water, corrosive de-icing salt, and freeze/thaw cycles. Traditional stainless-steel heaters simply can’t survive in these conditions, leading to:
- Inconsistent heat distribution, leaving ice-prone spots.
- Costly voltage drops and hot spots along long rail stretches.
- Water infiltration that causes short circuits and corrosion.
- Difficult, expensive repairs accessing heaters buried in concrete and asphalt.
- Poor thermal insulation, causing significant heat loss and higher energy costs.
Enter NIBE Advanced Embedded Rail Heating Technology
NIBE Element Railway Solutions has designed the first-of-its-kind waterproof embedded rail heater—engineered to withstand everything winter throws at urban transit systems. Built with Monel 400, a copper-nickel alloy impervious to salt and chemical corrosion, our heater is tougher, more efficient, and longer-lasting than anything else on the market.
Our embedded heaters work better, offer significant ROI, and provide:
- Zero moisture risk – completely sealed assembly with integrated cable.
- Superior thermal transfer – almost 2x better than stainless steel.
- Rugged reliability – 10-year warranty, flat design for better rail contact.
- Easy installation – shipped flat, secured with stainless-steel wave springs.
Smarter Controls, Lower Costs
NIBE’s innovation doesn’t stop with heaters. Pairing our embedded system with the Dispatch Snow Melt DC Controller and Intelligent Weather Station (IWS) transforms rail heating into a smart, energy-saving operation.
- Up to 83% energy savings with weather-responsive automation
- 30–50% lower maintenance costs
- Dispatch-controlled signals for multiple turnouts
- Fail-safes and alarms for maximum reliability
Built for the Harshest Conditions
Even cable joints get a durability upgrade. Our Power Gel-filled Cable Joints eliminate moisture intrusion, cut replacement costs, and meet strict CENELEC EN 50393 standards. Maintenance stays simple—even under severe winter weather.
A Better Bottom Line
Traditional heaters weren’t built for today’s urban transit challenges. NIBE’s waterproof embedded heating system redefines reliability, efficiency, and performance for light rail and trolley operators.
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, no matter what conditions the weather may bring.
Ready to keep your railways ice-free and flood-proof? Learn more about NIBE’s Embedded Rail Heating System.
