Rail Operation Vibration Sensors

Improving Reliability and Safety Across Rail Operations with Vibration Monitoring

In the rail industry, safety, reliability, and availability of assets are critical to maintaining efficient operations.

From rolling stock to fixed rail infrastructure, mechanical failures can lead to service disruption, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety risks.

At Hansford Sensors we provide robust rail operation vibration sensors and monitoring solutions designed to support predictive maintenance and improve asset reliability across rail networks.

By continuously monitoring vibration levels on critical components, rail operators and maintenance teams can identify developing faults early, plan maintenance more effectively, and minimise unplanned downtime.

Key Applications Of Vibration Sensors in Rail Operations

Hansford Sensors’ vibration sensors are used across a wide range of rail applications, supporting both rolling stock and trackside infrastructure monitoring, including:

• Traction Motors – Monitoring bearing condition, imbalance, and misalignment to ensure sustained reliability and reduce in-service failures.
• Gearboxes & Drivetrains – Detecting gear wear, bearing degradation, and mechanical looseness.
• Axle Bearings – Identifying early signs of bearing wear and overheating to prevent catastrophic failures and improve passenger safety.
• Fans & Cooling Systems – Ensuring reliable operation of cooling fans for traction equipment, power electronics, and HVAC systems.
• Trackside Equipment – Monitoring vibration in signalling equipment, point motors, and auxiliary machinery to maintain infrastructure reliability.

Rail Operation Vibration Monitoring Solutions

At Hansford Sensors we offer a range of vibration monitoring solutions tailored to the demanding requirements of rail environments:

• AC Accelerometers (e.g. HS-100 Series) – High-performance vibration sensors designed for detailed fault detection and condition monitoring across a wide frequency range.
• 4–20mA Vibration Sensors (e.g. HS-420 Series) – Scaled output sensors suitable for continuous monitoring and direct integration with onboard and trackside PLC systems.
• Ruggedised & Waterproof Sensors – Designed to withstand vibration, shock, moisture, and contaminants commonly encountered in rail environments.
• Enclosures & Junction Boxes (HS-JE & HS-SE Series) – Robust housings providing secure connections and protection for sensor wiring in harsh operating conditions.

These rail operation vibration solutions support condition-based maintenance strategies that help rail operators improve reliability, reduce lifecycle costs, and enhance operational safety.

Designed for Harsh Rail Environments

Hansford Sensors’ rail operation vibration sensors are engineered to perform reliably in challenging conditions, including exposure to vibration, shock loads, temperature variations, dust, and moisture. With stainless steel construction, high ingress protection, and proven long-term stability, they deliver accurate vibration data in both onboard and trackside installations.

From rolling stock and depots to signalling and infrastructure assets, Hansford Sensors’ vibration monitoring solutions help rail operators maintain safe, efficient, and dependable rail networks.