Network Rail

Safe access to critical rail infrastructure is essential, but providing lighting in remote locations can often present practical challenges.

For this project in Network Rail’s Southern region, lighting was required around an access gate leading to a signal box. With the nearest power source located approximately 150 metres away, installing a conventional mains-powered lighting solution was neither commercially viable nor practical. As a result, signal box operatives had previously relied on vehicle headlights or torches when unlocking and securing the gate, creating a need for a safer and more reliable solution.

Urbis Schréder was approached by Edmundson Electrical (Portsmouth) to explore whether a solar-powered solution could provide the answer. Following discussions with the wider project team, including, Octavius Infrastructure and AJ Electrical, Urbis Schréder was asked to develop a bespoke solar lighting design using its VERTICALIS solar lighting solution.

A smarter approach to remote access lighting

The lighting scheme needed to provide sufficient illumination for operatives to safely unlock and secure the gate, while minimising unnecessary light and energy consumption.

Using an integrated PIR sensor, the VERTICALIS solution operates at just 10% output when idle before increasing to 100% when movement is detected. This provides an average illuminance of 20 lux, helping operatives clearly see and safely operate the gate lock. Once the operatives have passed through the gate and secured it behind them, the lighting automatically returns to its lower 10% output.

The design also needed to carefully consider the surrounding environment, including nearby residents and adjacent railway tracks, ensuring light was delivered only where it was needed.

Designed for year-round reliability

For Network Rail, reliability was a key requirement. The solution needed to operate consistently throughout the year, including during the challenging winter months, without requiring ongoing maintenance.

Following a site visit, Urbis Schréder completed a full solar and lighting design proposal tailored to the project requirements. The proposed solution was presented to Network Rail and its supply chain partners before being approved for installation.

Urbis Schréder also supported A J Electrical throughout the installation process by providing technical guidance and installation instructions.

Just to say thank you for sorting the light out. I can confirm it works and works very well! It’s much better down there now.

Network Rail

The completed VERTICALIS installation now provides a safe and reliable source of light at the access gate, removing the need for operatives to rely on vehicle headlights or torches. Operating independently from the mains supply, the solar solution delivers the required illumination while avoiding the cost and disruption of installing approximately 150 metres of additional power infrastructure.

The project demonstrated how solar lighting can provide a practical alternative where conventional power connections are not feasible.