LED strips for subway tunnels

The main problem with lighting in train and subway tunnels is the separation of luminaires that form light and dark stripes and that is why it is called the zebra effect, a phenomenon that manifests itself as a flickering in the lighting when passing between light and dark rings due to the separation of the LED lighting tubes inside a tunnel.

This uncomfortable sensation is perceived mainly by train and subway operators and gradually increases at higher speeds, it can cause visual fatigue that could cause the operator to fall asleep, especially if the autopilot system does not work properly, this can end in a train collision.

The Iluminatronics LED lighting strip for subway tunnels provides uniform and continuous illumination along the tunnel, solving the problem of luminaire spacing and preventing the problem of visual fatigue for train and subway operators.

Lighting using LED strips solves also other safety problems presented by LED tubes made of PVC material, a highly flammable material that produces halogens or toxic gases that could poison train passengers in the event of a fire caused by a short circuit.

The Iluminatronics LED strips have an insulating fuse to prevent the fire from spreading and are also extruded with transparent food-grade silicone, a fire-retardant material that does not produce halogens or toxic gases when burned.

The Iluminatronics LED strip model 15W-L10-230V-W exceeds the safety standard for tunnel lighting.

In a 6m diameter metro tunnel with capacity for a single train, we will only need to install one LED strip per side to achieve an illuminance or luminous efficiency of 180 to 200 lux.

However, if we have a 12m diameter tunnel scenario with capacity for two trains, we will have to install two LED strips, one on each side of the tunnel, but the illuminance or luminous efficiency will be around 200 to 220 lux.

This type of lighting is not only safer for train operators and passengers, but it is also a more economical solution than PVC tubes or any other type of LED floodlights, it is necessary to install very close together to reduce the problem of the zebra effect due to the separation of luminaires but this would be more expensive.

As you can see, our LED strips can be easily installed over cable trays, power distribution cables, or on 1/8 steel cable catenaries.

It is a 10m modular LED strip for easy maintenance, which means that if a segment is damaged it can be replaced quickly, saving on maintenance costs.

Each 10m segment of LED strip has an isolation fuse that is recommended by international standards to prevent the fire from spreading to the next 10m LED strip due to a short circuit.

We recommend 10m segments instead of 50m or 100m in those tunnels where the LED strip may be exposed to being hit by trucks. However, in subway tunnels it is less likely to be hit and maintenance replacement is required much faster, we can manufacture 50m LED strip segments for you if you wish.

Each set of LED strip comes in a 10m roll that includes its respective mounting accessories, which are 20 clips and 20 plastic straps, for easy installation by holding it every 0.5m on cable trays, power distribution cables or on 1/8 steel cable catenaries.

LED strips are rugged, resistant to compression, dust, moisture and acid water with an IP68 penetration rating because you can submerge them in water. They are extruded with food grade silicone, a transparent fire-retardant material, halogen-free because when burned it does not generate toxic gases.

When we power the LED strip under the American standard at 220VAC we do it using two 110V phases without the neutral, the polarity of the cables does not matter.

When we do it under the European standard at 230VAC, we do it respecting the polarity by connecting the brown to live wire and the blue to the neutral wire.

It is worth mentioning that 99% of the LED strips that are powered at 220VAC have a tolerance range of 200 to 230VAC but the American standard has live wires of 110V, 115V, 120V and 127V and you never know which of these voltages you will find in a tunnel. At Iluminatronics, we guarantee that our surge protectors will prevent them from burning out in this scenario.

Box contains 10 pieces of LED strip with a total length of 100m.

Cardboard boxes are a biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. However, couriers often leave these cardboard boxes exposed to rain and moisture, the cardboard disintegrates and the goods are lost during transport.

Our company Iluminatronics seals the cardboard boxes with adhesive nylon to prevent them from being destroyed by moisture during transport.