Impact of weather on cable insulation monitoring of the UK railway signalling power distribution network

The UK railway signalling power system employs an IT configuration to ensure uninterrupted power supply and minimize operational disruptions. This paper explores the impact of weather on cable insulation monitoring by analysing insulation monitoring data from multiple UK railway networks alongside historical weather data. Relative humidity and precipitation are identified as key influencers of insulation variations, meaning that normalizing data for these factors is crucial when evaluating cable insulation conditions. Additionally, the study also emphasises the need to account for changes in signal propagation velocity for TDR-based monitoring technologies. These insights underscore the importance of accounting for weather effects, enhancing the reliability and precision of cable insulation monitoring in electrical systems.