ETS – Emergency Trip System Monitoring

The Emergency Trip System (ETS) is used for monitoring trip conditions by Trip Push Buttons (TPB) at multiple locations along the rail track. Trip Push Buttons are used for tripping the two adjacent substations and deenergizing the feeding power of a rail track section in case of an emergency. A phone is used to communicate directly with the dispatch control center and report an emergency in the track.

The system monitors TPB coil voltage, current trip status and the general health of the ETS equipment installed along the track. Bright blue LEDs always show the location of the ETS unit along that section and a flashing amber LEDs shows train drivers the presence of a work crew on a track section.

The status conditions of each ETS unit along the track and the fact that personnel are present on that section of line are relayed to the nearest ePAQ data concentrator for local display (via touch screen HMI) as well as relaying this information to the central SCADA Operations Center.

  • Works With Distributed DIO Modules for Trip Condition Monitoring, Hardware Fail Alarms and Worker Presence Warnings
  • Monitors Safety Shutdowns of Feeders
  • Local Amber/Blue LED Indicators for Announcing ETS Unit Location and Safety Indication of Personnel Being Present
  • Notifies Nearest Data Concentrator and SCADA Master Station of Current Trip Condition
  • Redundant Communications for High Reliability
  • Supports IEEE Standard DNP3 Protocol
  • Status Changes are Time Stamped via Distributed I/O Clock
  • 19″ Rack or Panel Mountable

Communication

  • Operations Center signaling of a Trip Condition via a IEEE Standard protocol, DNP 3

    Level 2.

  • Substation signaling warning notification at each end of the Track Segment.
  • Redundant communication channels for reliability of data.
  • USB Maintenance Port for easy configuration and local monitoring.
  • Communication over many media options (Fiber, RS-485, CAT5e) in one module.

Capabilities

  • IRIG-B Time Interface, designed to provide time synchronization, time stamping of all events and sequence of events (SOEs).
  • Local & Remote Switch for safety, disengaging controls when onsite service is taking place.
  • Light Indication (Blue & Amber) logic/intelligence to signify trackside as “clear” or “occupied”.
  • Controls work with a “select-before-operate” (SBO) to avoid misoperations.
  • “Broken Wire” detection made possible by the topology of the ETS Controller Network.

Physical

  • Ruggedized for trackside conditions
  • Tested to IEEE standards; C37.90.1-2000
  • Temperature ranges to -40 to +85 degrees C, 5 to 95% humidity (non-condensing)

Power

  • 12 Vdc, 125Vdc, 120Vac, 277 Vac.

What Our Customers Have to Say

“Our relationship with QEI began in 1986 with the deployment of a PDP-11 based SCADA system and four RTUs. Over the decades, that system has been continuously upgraded and expanded to support the growing needs of our rail operations. QEI’s solutions have provided the real-time visibility, control, and reliability required for mission-critical traction power infrastructure. With hundreds of field RTUs installed and control houses to advanced master station software, QEI has remained a trusted technology partner in supporting safe and efficient operations across our network.”

The National Passenger Rail System across USA

“Our relationship with QEI spans more than 50 years of continuous SCADA modernization. From early traction power control systems to today’s redundant enterprise platform QSCADA, QEI has consistently delivered solutions that support safe, efficient, and reliable rail operations. Their systems now provide centralized control of electric traction, signal power, and facilities power across an extensive commuter and city rail network with hundreds of RTUs in service.”

One of the largest transit systems in North East Corridor

“City of Concord has partnered with QEI since 1986, and throughout that time their solutions have continued to support our evolving operational needs. From early-generation RTUs to latest upgraded RTUs, capacitor controllers and multiple SCADA master station enhancements, QEI has been a dependable technology provider for our system. Our most recent investment in February 2025 to upgrade to QSCADA reflects the confidence we have built through decades of successful collaboration.”

SCADA Coordinator at City of Concord, North Carolina

“QEI’s mCAP and eCAP capacitor bank controller solutions are well-suited for Vietnam’s power distribution networks. The products not only meet technical requirements but also deliver clear economic benefits by optimizing system operation and reducing power losses. In addition, QEI’s professional support services represent a significant added value, contributing to the overall success of project implementations.”

My Phuong Trading Company Ltd. (MPCO)

“QEI is always making improvements to their product, and it is almost always a result of customer feedback. QEI listens, acts, and highlights the improvements every year at the user conferences. Great job QEI!”

North American Utility

“QEl did a fabulous job installing and configuring four SCADA servers for our Quad-Redundant QEI SCADA system.”

Florida Water Utility

“For over the last 10 years, we have had a QEI SCADA system that monitors our two substations and line reclosers. We have been very happy with the quality of their product and more importantly, the service that they provide to maintain the system. Everyone at QEl really seems to know their product inside and out. QEI is a company that not only makes a great product but backs it up with outstanding service.”

Village of Lake Placid

“We have utilized QEl for our SCADA needs for over 20 years. They provide an excellent system, both software and hardware. QEl’s staff has alwavs been there for our needs and is always helpful and friendly We highly recommend QEl’s system and their maintenance contracts to keep your system current.”

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA)

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City of Wilson, NC

“We have always been able to rely on QEl for their technical knowledge and support. Thank you QEI.”

Mid-Atlantic Municipal Utility

“It was a pleasure working with the QEI Engineer during the Onsight installations, He was very professional and worked through the few hiccups that we encountered to get the system up and running.”

Controls & Communications Engineer at Easley Combined Utilities

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