Nexans - Cables for Rolling Stock, Signalling and Rail Infrastructure

Nexans is the world leader in the cable industry, providing cables and cabling systems for everything from telecommunications and energy networks, to railway rolling stock and infrastructure. With an industrial presence in 29 countries and commercial activities in 65 countries, it employs 17,000 people.

Whether main line, light rail or mass transit, cables play an important role on today's trains, ensuring safety, performance and comfort to railway operators. Located on-board and along the tracks, they provide the vital energy and data flows necessary for operations, management and control.

POWER CABLES AND CONNECTORS FOR LOCOMOTIVES AND DRIVES

For most train types, power is obtained from a roof-mounted pantograph and transferred via a flexible high-voltage cable to the on-board transformer. Nexans manufactures on-board HV (High Voltage) connector sets, which are widely used on trains in Europe, China and Australia.

To deal with extreme temperatures and weight constraints in locomotives and drives (especially for high-speed trains), Nexans has developed a new generation of power cables which can operate up to 140°C and achieve 10% to 20% weight reduction.

We also manufacture thin-wall LV (Low Voltage) cables for multiple on-board functions like lighting, air-conditioning, automatic doors and public address systems.

COAXIAL CABLES, COPPER CABLES AND OPTICAL FIBER CABLES

To carry essential on-board information, Nexans produces copper data bus cables, coaxial cables and optical fiber solutions, all of which are inter-operative to meet the goals of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) / ETCS (European Train Control System).

Our customized train harnesses consolidate wires, connectors and identification systems in the locomotive, while jumper cables carry energy and information between cars.

GSM-R SIGNALLING CABLES AND TRACKSIDE CABLES FOR RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE

On the signalling and control side, Nexans is at the forefront in migrating from older route control and management systems to a fully radio-based system. Our new generation of GSM-R signalling cables will help make seamless transcontinental train travel a reality.

In parallel, Nexans supplies all kinds of standard signalling cables complying with all of the various national specifications and delivering high levels of electromagnetic protection.

For railway infrastructure, Nexans produces a full range of trackside cables, including axle counter, eurobalise, interlocking and ERTMS / ETCS cables. We also provide complete catenary systems with environmentally safe copper-alloy contact wires, and all of the low-, medium- and high-voltage cables needed to power everything from locomotives to entire train stations.

HIGH-SPEED RAILWAY CABLES AND RADIATING CABLES

Nexans is an expert in new high-speed technologies. We also produce railway-specific optical and copper cable networks: WANS for main line; MANs for metros, light rail and intercity arrivals / departures; Station Range subscriber access cables, and LANS for stations and control centres.

Nexans has also developed radiating cables for mobile communications in underground areas and tunnels. Finally, we offer a full range of components, including shrinking sleeves, terminations, joints and connectors.

Since public safety is the overriding concern of railway and urban transit systems, all of Nexans' on-board and many trackside cables are halogen-free, fire-retardant, and ensure low toxicity and minimal smoke generation.