A new product from Betterworld member Gripple which reduces the complexity surrounding the installation of overhead line equipment (OLE), has been approved by Network Rail and will play an important role in the rail operator’s efforts to achieve Net Zero by the year 2050.
Gripple’s SwiftLine Forked Collar is used to terminate and connect the ends of conductor wires. Until now, the lack of a universal design has increased the risk of user error, resulting in safety issues and costly project delays.
Gripple’s new design features tool-free installation so that engineers can make adjustments more easily. The robust design has no weld, improving product durability and reliability. It also reduces the number of SKUs a customer needs to manage, freeing up storage space and simplifying inventory.
Gripple’s product and business development manager Paul Whittle describes the new product as “a game-changer”, setting new standards for safety, speed, and simplicity, helping contractors to meet tight deadlines and reduce costs, while eliminating the risk of install failure.
“As the UK rail sector works towards its Net Zero 2050 goal,” Mr Whittle said, “innovative solutions like SwiftLine are essential to accelerating electrification. OLE is critical infrastructure, and we’re committed to helping engineers deliver it with maximum efficiency and minimal risk.”
The introduction of Forked Collar is the latest addition to Gripple’s SwiftLine OLE range, complementing the existing SwiftLine Rail Dropper and SwiftLine Rail Jumper. It makes Gripple a comprehensive, one-stop solution for OLE engineers, delivering a fully integrated approach to overhead line installation and reducing operational complexity.
Driven by the ambitious target for UK rail infrastructure to achieve Net Zero by 2050, the SwiftLine range is already having a huge impact on the efficient rollout of electrification projects in both the UK and globally.
