Morris Line Engineering Partner Update
Despite the challenging working conditions of the past 12 months MLE have continued to work hard, supplying into major middle eastern projects, developing a new interrupter head for DNO use and working through DFR for their remote securing D1250 three position switch.
Like many electrification suppliers, MLE saw less demand from the rail in 2020 but there has been no idling in their Welsh factory, which is undergoing expansion through May and June. The team in Bridgend have supplied to rail projects all around the UK including switches, disconnectors, FEDs and drop out fuses. They also updated their support for installers with training, documentation and videos.
In addition to developing the Morris Line Motor Mechanism with remote securing functionality, MLE have also developed an upgrade path for existing motorised systems, looking to comply with Network Rail’s upcoming new isolation procedures. Another significant upgrade path is from the old 800Amp rotating disconnector to the 1250Amp version, with consistent fixing geometry for easier installation. While many of the 800Amp units are still installed and operating well beyond their 30 year design life, the simplicity of the direct drive MkII mechanism, its polymeric insulators, and its compliance with the new isolation requirements, may see routes looking to upgrade. PACE would be happy to advise on this, as well as manual to motorised and off-load to load-break upgrades.
General Manager of Morris Line’s high voltage division Paul Osborne commented It’s been a busy few years in terms of our offering to the UK railways but this recent development completes a strong proposition for all electrification projects and indeed for the route managers. We’ve made a number of versions of our 3 position switches to meet the evolving needs of Network Rail and together with MLE fixed earth devices and drop out fuses, we believe we’re in a great position to service anyone looking for products or support in CP6.
MLE have invested significantly in their facilities in recent years with an additional building added to their factory in 2017 and a further expansion in 2021 consolidating their production process. They are always keen to welcome visitors to their covid secure Bridgend factory where products can be seen in action including their 3 position switch, pear drive assembly and earth switch.
