Contact Line Measuring System (OVHWizard)

Understanding the Contact Line Measuring System (OVHWizard)

The Contact Line Measuring System, known as the OVHWizard, is a high-performance, contactless monitoring solution for evaluating the geometry of overhead contact lines in electrified railway networks. It plays a vital role in ensuring operational safety, electrical efficiency, and maintenance planning for railway operators.

This advanced system uses a combination of ultrasonic and laser sensors to provide precise measurements of the contact wire height and stagger, all without any physical contact with the catenary system. This makes it an ideal choice for both daily inspections and infrastructure audits.

What Does a Contact Wire Position Measuring System Do?

A Contact Wire Position Measuring System is designed to analyze and record the geometric positioning of overhead wires, mainly the height and lateral offset (stagger). These measurements are essential to maintain proper interaction between the pantograph and the contact line.

The OVHWizard performs these tasks dynamically, while the vehicle is in motion, capturing up to 25 measurements per second and supporting operating speeds up to 80 km/h. This real-time data helps railway engineers detect alignment issues, sagging wires, and mechanical deviations.

Key Components and Working Principle

The OVHWizard includes:

• 5 ultrasonic sensors to measure vertical and lateral wire positions.

• 2 laser scanning sensors to compensate for vehicle movement.

• Integrated real-time display software for on-the-go visualization.

• FMA analysis software for post-measurement evaluations.

Unlike optical systems, the ultrasonic approach enables high accuracy even in harsh weather or low-visibility environments, such as tunnels and curved sections.

Advantages of Using a Non-Contact Overhead Contact Line Monitoring System

Switching to a non-contact overhead contact line monitoring system like the OVHWizard offers multiple benefits:

• ncreased Safety: Keeps personnel off the tracks.
• Portable Design: Can be installed in 1–2 hours, removed in 15 minutes.
• Certified Accuracy: Approved by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, SBB, and Network Rail.
• Versatile Installation: Fits rail vehicles, trolleys, and road-railers.
• Real-Time Feedback: Measurements are visible during operation and in post-processing.
• Low Training Requirement: Minimal operator training needed.

How Does an Overhead Contact Wire Monitoring System Improve Rail Safety?

The Overhead Contact Wire Monitoring System plays a direct role in enhancing pantograph–catenary interaction, which is the interface between the train’s current collector and the contact wire. Misalignments can lead to arcing, wire damage, or power interruptions.

The OVHWizard addresses this by:

• Measuring wire geometry under operational loads.

• Compensating for rail vehicle motion.

• Alerting operators when tolerances exceed acceptable limits.

• Generating reports compliant with major rail standards (DB, ÖBB, SBB).

Use Cases: Where Is the OVHWizard Deployed?

The OVHWizard has been deployed in a wide range of environments:

• Rail vehicles (e.g., Windhoff, Plasser, Robel)

• Trolleys and special inspection carts

• Road-rail vehicles (e.g., NEWAG, Hilton Kommunal)

• Underground tunnels (e.g., Gotthard Tunnel, Metro systems)

• Double contact wire systems (common in the Netherlands, Poland, and the UK)

Its compact structure and flexible power supply (battery or vehicle-powered) make it ideal for field and mobile installations.

Overhead Wire Measurement in Tunnels and Difficult Environments

One of the distinguishing features of the OVHWizard is its performance in difficult environments. Traditional optical systems often fail in tunnels or under poor lighting conditions. In contrast, the OVHWizard’s ultrasonic and laser-based approach ensures uninterrupted data capture in:

• Long tunnels

• Mountain routes

• Urban rail systems

• Weather-affected tracks

This makes it a preferred catenary monitoring system for authorities managing large, complex railway infrastructures.

Certified and Field-Proven System

The OVHWizard is not just a prototype—it is field-proven and certified. Operators across Europe, Asia, and the Americas trust its performance, including:

• Deutsche Bahn (Germany)

• SBB (Switzerland)

• ÖBB (Austria)

• Network Rail (UK)

• Metro systems in India, Panama, Turkey, and beyond

Hundreds of systems are in operation worldwide, often integrated with pantograph–catenary interaction monitoring workflows.

Is OVHWizard the Right Solution for You?

If you’re seeking a portable, reliable, and contact-free Overhead Contact Line Monitoring System, the OVHWizard is one of the most advanced tools on the market. It enables:

• Fast deployment and teardown

• Safe measurements without human exposure

• Highly accurate overhead wire data collection

• Easy integration into existing maintenance programs

Whether you’re working on tunnel inspections, regional rail lines, or urban tram networks, the OVHWizard fits your operational needs.