Safe High-speed Railway
Alert system for train drivers
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This system is designed to ensure the safety of passengers in the event that a train driver is incapacitated due to a sudden heart attack or stroke.If the driver fails to follow the routine of pressing a switch or a pedal periodically to indicate that he is alert, the first alarm goes off. If the driver still does not react, the train automatically makes an emergency stop, and the emergency alarm also goes off at the Centralized Traffic Control Center.
State-of-the-art braking system
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3-fold Braking SystemA strong braking system is needed to ensure the safe stopping of a high-speed train. TGV, the high-speed train of France, incorporates a 2-fold braking system: dynamic and friction braking. To ensure stronger braking power, KORAIL has adopted a 3-fold braking system by adding regenerative braking, which enables a safer stopping of trains.
Shock absorber
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Absorbing impact in collisionThe honeycomb-shaped shock absorber installed in the front of the high-speed train absorbs shocks even when the train collides with a 700kg object while running at 300km/hr, thus preventing derailment and ensuring safe driving.
On-board fire prevention equipment
To prevent fire accidents on trains, flame-resistant and non-toxic materials which release little toxic gas are used for all parts of the train, including the ceiling, floor, seats, and electric wires. A full set of fire detectors and alarm systems are also incorporated.
| Equipment | Purpose | KTX (for 1 train set) | KTX-Sancheon(for 1 train set) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire detector | The pressure sensor is activated when the temperature exceeds 175℃, indicating the location of fire and setting off an alarm. | 37 units are installed in motive power units and passenger cars | 36 units are installed in motive power units and passenger cars. |
| Emergency alarm device | In an emergency, if a passenger pulls the device, the on-board computer system sets off the alarm and notifies the driver’s cab of the number of car where the emergency has occurred. | 36 units are installed in the upper part of each door to` a car. | Installed at the upper part of each door to a car |
| Intercom and broadcasting devices | Emergency calls between train drivers, on-board crew members and passengers | 18 intercom devices10 broadcasting devices | 8 intercom devices11 broadcasting devices |
| Emergency control switch | Emergency stop of a train | 1 unit in the driver’s cab2 units in the crew’s cabin | 1 unit in the driver’s cab 2 units in the crew’s cabin |
| Emergency door opening device | Manual opening of a passenger door | Installed at every passenger door | Installed at every passenger door |
| Fire extinguisher | Prompt fire fighting | 30 units | 16 units |
| Emergency storage battery | Operation of the ventilation and lighting systems in emergency | Installed in each car | Installed in each car |
| Emergency window and hammer | Emergency exit | 4 units in each car | 4 units in each car (6 units in car 6) |
| Emergency ladder | Evacuation of the elderly and infirm | 2 units | 3 units |
Other safety equipment
A series of other safety equipment is incorporated in KORAIL’s high-speed trains, which includes a speed and incident recording system, a snake motion and derailment prevention system, and a variety of rail track safety equipment.