scope:

This handbook is applicable to all new axle counter installations and to alterations at existing axle counter installations.

The handbook is based on multi-section axle counters, however the same principles may be applied to other configurations. It is recognised that axle counter systems manufactured by different suppliers are not the same and that they have different attributes which may influence the choice of axle counter system used for a particular application or its design and implementation.

This handbook is intended as far as possible to be manufacturer neutral in stating requirements, desirable features and good practice for axle counter application on Network Rail's managed infrastructure. There is no intention to preclude the use of axle counter systems, technologies and arrangements from other manufacturers provided that they satisfy the safety, operational and maintainability requirements specified by Network Rail. However, certain parts of this handbook highlight arrangements specific to the Thales and Siemens systems in respect to their application on Network Rail infrastructure.

Purpose

This handbook defines requirements and provides guidance to those involved with axle counter systems for use on Network Rail infrastructure. It has been produced following lessons learnt from a number of applications.

This handbook comprises a number of standards which include mandatory sections, statements of best practice (which shall be followed unless an alternative can be demonstrated to be beneficial to the company and no less safe), and guidance on historical practices (which shall not be applied to new works but provides information on previous standards or their interpretation).