Certification of On-Site Bonded Insulated Rail Joints: A broadening of our product range
ProRail has introduced a new product specification for the assembly of on-site bonded insulated rail joints (hereafter IRJs) directly in the track. This change, documented in ProRail’s Directive SPC00342-2, provides clear regulations and quality assurance, especially in locations where prefab insulated rail joints are not feasible, such as within a double-slip switch or in tight curves. Our new 4-hole NRG joint offers the ideal solution for such situations.
The Dutch railway network is complex, with large shunting yards and stations where intensive train traffic intersects with many switches in restricted spaces. This sometimes creates conditions in which a prefab IRJs cannot be used, and an on-site bonded IRJ must be assembled in place. These prefab joints require a metallurgical weld in the rail, but due to minimal spacing requirements from other joints and objects (as defined in Directive OVS00056), installation in or near switches and crossings is not always possible. In such cases, ProRail may permit the use of an on-site bonded ES joint in accordance with SPC00342-2.
Until recently, only prefab insulated rail joints were governed by a clear product specification. With the introduction of SPC00342-2, there is now also a defined standard for on-site assembled (glued) IRJs. In practice, it was difficult to consistently ensure quality when assembling these joints on site, due to factors like weather. That is now changing. With this Directive, ProRail mandates that only certified bonded IRJs, whether prefab or on-site, may be used, assembled according to a defined procedure. For these situations, we offer a kit that works and complies with the requirements of SPC00342-2.
4-Hole NRG Joint: A reliable addition for the tightest spaces.
Our new 4-hole NRG joint bonded kit is specifically developed for situations where prefab IRJs are not suitable, such as switches, tight curves, and other complex, space-restricted environments. In these cases, a standard 6-hole NRG joint is too long or too rigid. Our 4-hole NRG joint is the perfect solution for such challenges. And it's not limited to on-site use—we can also supply this joint as a prefab version. This means less work on track and faster installation.
The kit has been extensively tested and has proven itself to be reliable. The results are positive and demonstrate that this solution is effective. These tests were successfully conducted in collaboration with ProRail.
Only IRJs that comply with this specification are now permitted. We ensure that all our work meets these requirements. It’s essential that on-site bonded IRJs are assembled according to this specification. As this concerns a new product, specific training is required.
Certification, Training, and Support for Contractors
We believe it’s important that our customers can continue their work without delay or dependence on others. We're happy to help. Together with our partner Hird, closely involved in the certification process, we provide everything needed: delivery of the right products, hands-on training, and the associated certification. All of this takes place at our own location in Hilversum.
The training sessions are currently being prepared and are expected to start in September, coinciding with the availability of the new kits. Are you already interested or have questions about the schedule? Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’ll be happy to help you think things through.
With our experience in installing prefab IRJs in the track, we know exactly what’s needed in practice. Our approach is practical and tailored to daily operations. This enables contractors to continue meeting ProRail’s requirements
Comprehensive Service Offering: online configurating
Did you know that in addition to services like our IRJ repair kit and the digital IRJ registration app , we also developed the NRG joint configurator? With this tool, you can easily configure all applicable combinations used in the Dutch railway system online, including curved rails, pre-mounted cembre connectors, milled indepths , asymmetrical designs, and lengths of up to 20 meters! The visual configurator makes all available options easy to understand. You can explore the possibilities of an NRG joint and configure your own setup as desired.
Would you like to learn more about the correct application of the 4-hole or 6-hole NRG joint? Don’t hesitate to contact our Product Manager, Martijn van de Beek.
