Stay on Track with E-Tech Components’ Range of Network Rail PADS-Approved Products

Taylor Williams

6 days ago

When working on rail infrastructure projects, using products that are officially Network Rail PADS-approved is essential for safety, reliability and compliance. At E-Tech Components, we supply a comprehensive range of PADS-approved solutions to support engineers, contractors and maintenance teams across the UK rail network. From Cable Management Systems and Crimping Tools to Sealing Solutions, every product in our range has passed rigorous testing, received its PADS Certificate, and completed the Network Rail Product Acceptance process, ensuring it meets Network Rail’s exacting standards. In this blog, we’ll explain what Network Rail PADS is, outline the PADS approval process, cover the different types of certificates, and highlight E-Tech Components’ PADS-approved product range. By the end, you’ll understand why choosing PADS-approved products is vital and how our range can help you stay compliant and on track.

What is Network Rail PADS?

The term Network Rail PADS stands for the Parts and Drawings System. This is a comprehensive catalogue of products that are approved for use across the UK rail infrastructure. PADS includes more than 85,000 products, all rigorously assessed to meet strict safety, reliability and performance standards. You can browse the full list of PADS-approved products on Network Rail’s PADSnet website.

Being PADS-approved means that a product has been catalogued by Network Rail and has either completed the Product Acceptance process or meets criteria for use without full Product Acceptance. In other words, PADS-approved products are safe, reliable and fully compatible with Network Rail infrastructure.

Understanding Network Rail Product Acceptance

While PADS itself is a database, the Network Rail Product Acceptance (PA) process is the formal assurance procedure that validates a product’s suitability for use on live infrastructure. Initiated in 1994 by Railtrack, the PA process ensures that safety-critical products are:

Safe
Fit for purpose
Compatible with existing infrastructure
Reliable under operational conditions
Low risk, with no unacceptable impact on the railway

Applications are typically submitted by a Network Rail Applicant (sponsor) or, for plant assets like on-track machines, by a Plant Assessment Body (PAB). The process involves technical review, Design for Reliability (DFR) evaluation, and, if applicable, trial certification on the operational network.

Common Misunderstandings About Network Rail Product Acceptance

Before we move on, there are some common misconceptions about the Product Acceptance process that can cause unnecessary concern.

PADS Certificates: PA05, Trial and More

Once a product successfully completes the Product Acceptance process, it is issued a PADS Certificate, uniquely identified with a reference number beginning with the prefix, PA05/ (e.g., PA05/00442 or PA05/07403).

Certificates specify:

The product and manufacturer
Scope of approval and installation conditions
Trial requirements, if applicable
Configuration of the product or system

For products that require live operational trials before full acceptance, a Trial Certificate is issued. These are time-bound and include geographic or quantity restrictions to ensure safe testing. It’s important to note that some PADS numbers exist without full Product Acceptance, generally for non-safety-critical items such as civils coatings or products with historical rights.

Design for Reliability (DFR)

Design for Reliability (DFR) is a structured assessment that is run alongside Network Rail Product Acceptance. Introduced under Network Rail Standard NR/L2/RSE/0005, DFR ensures suppliers have considered whole-life reliability, potential risks and operational performance in their product design.

DFR requirements vary depending on product complexity, changes to existing products or the introduction of new technologies. Completing DFR successfully is mandatory before a PA certificate can be issued, guaranteeing that the product is both safe and reliable over its lifecycle.

E-Tech Components’ Range of Network Rail PADS-Approved Products

DuctSeal HG Cable Duct Sealing System

Flexible, re-enterable duct sealing system designed to seal large, heavy cables and pipes in ducted networks. It prevents the ingress of harmful or flammable gases, liquids, smoke and pests, and has been rigorously tested to UL 94:2013 ANSI / UL 94:2018 standards.

GreyStuff Intumescent Duct Sealant

Advanced single-component sealant using FyBrid technology, featuring a neutral-curing, non-hazardous formula. Designed to withstand demanding duct environments, it provides reliable water and gas-tight protection for ducted networks and penetrations.

	Battery Crimping Tools PVX1300 – Cu terminals (KR/KRT/KS/KST 10–400mm²), Al terminals (16–400mm², up to 240mm² solid), DIN 46235 (10–300mm²), C-sleeves up to 240mm² PVX1300C2 – Cu terminals (KR/KRT/KS/KST 10–400mm²), C-sleeves up to 240mm² PVX611 / PVX611DB – Cu terminals KR/KS 10mm², KRF/KSF 16–150mm², KRD/KSD 16–185mm², KRT/KST 10–240mm²; Al terminals 16–25mm² (-35 solid); C-sleeves 6/6–50/50mm²; DIN 46235 10–95mm² Mini PVL350 (Cu 4–95mm²) – Tube terminals and through connectors (KR/KS/KRF/KSF/KRT/KST 10–70mm²; KRD/KSD up to 95mm² with MB dies), featuring a compact design and high-performance Li-Ion battery for improved efficiency
	Crimping Heads DV1300 / DV1300C2 C-Fork – Tested and certified crimping heads with patented DUAL technology for contact crimping Cu terminals (KR/KRF/KS/KSF 10–300mm²)
	Copper Lugs and Connectors KR (0.75–10mm²) – Designed for flexible (Class 5) and stranded (Class 2) Cu conductors, produced from 99.95% electrolytic copper and tin plated (Cu/Sn). KRF (16–800mm²) – Produced from electrolytic copper and tin plated, suitable for both stranded and flexible Cu conductors. KRFS Extra Narrow Palm (50–400mm²) – A new series of tube terminals with extra narrow palms, where the palm width is the same or smaller than the tube diameter, enabling pre-installation through cable glands. KRF Two Hole (16–400mm²) – Produced from electrolytic copper and tin plated for reliable connection. KRF Angled 45° (10–150mm²) – Produced from 99.95% electrolytic copper and tin plated (Cu/Sn). KRF Angled 90° (10–150mm²) – Produced from electrolytic copper and tin plated.
	Bimetallic Lugs and Through Connectors AKK Bimetallic Lugs (16–1200mm²) – Primarily for connecting Al conductors to Cu apparatus outlets and busbars. Requires two crimps. AKS Bimetallic Through Connectors (16–400mm²) – Designed for connecting Al to Cu conductors, including stranded/solid Al and stranded/multi-stranded Cu. AKS Aluminium-Copper Through Connectors (300–400mm²) – Used for connecting stranded/solid Al and stranded/flexible Cu conductors.
	Crimp Dies and Storage Kits DUAL Crimp Dies for DV1300 & PVX1300 (flexible Cu conductors) – For Cu terminals KR/KRF and KS/KSF, compatible with flexible Cu conductors. DUAL Crimp Dies for DV1300C2 & PVX1300C2 (flexible Cu conductors) – For Cu terminals KR/KRF and KS/KSF, compatible with flexible Cu conductors. Crimp Dies for T2600, V600, V611, PVX611 and the discontinued PVL611 – Designed for C-sleeves, Cu and Al terminals. LV350-KIT1-MINI Storage Box for Dies – Complete kit for hexagonal crimping of 10–70mm² using the V350 Mini system (Mini PVL350), supplied in a waterproof, impact-resistant box.
	Cable Cutting Tools HKS34 Cable Cutting Tool (up to Ø 34mm) – Mechanical cutter for Cu and Al cables up to 34mm diameter. HKS50 Cable Cutting Tool (up to Ø 50mm) – Cutter for steel, Cu, and Al cables up to 50mm diameter, with interchangeable blades. KL2585 Hydraulic Cable Cutting Head (up to Ø 85mm) – Hydraulic cutter for Cu and Al cables, cutting up to 4 × 150mm² Cu conductors and Ø 85mm Al conductors with paper or plastic insulation. CT20 Cable Cutting Tool (up to Ø 20mm) – Cutter for Cu and Al cables up to 20mm outer diameter.

Elpress UK – PADS Certificate (PA05/07403)

	Prysmian BICON MRPJ-U Resin Cable Joints for Network Rail Enhanced and non-toxic cold pour resin joint kits for connecting unarmoured Signalling Power Distribution Cables in accordance with NR/L2/SIGELP/27423.
	Prysmian BICON G10TS Hydraulic Crimping Hand Tool Hydraulic hand tool delivering reliable crimps for lugs up to 400mm² and splices up to 300mm², with an insulated handle, audible overload protection and interchangeable dies.
	Prysmian BICON FP10 Hydraulic Footpump Hydraulic footpump for use with Prysmian BICON heads, delivering reliable crimps with two-stage operation, audible overload protection and compatibility with the full connector range.
	Prysmian BICON E10C Hydraulic Cable Cutting Head Hydraulic cable cutting head for use with Prysmian BICON pumps, designed to cut aluminium or copper cables up to 100mm in diameter and cross section areas not exceeding 1200mm².

Prysmian – PADS Certificate (PA05/06494)

	TTS Green Trough – Straight Series (Standard and With Dividers) Straight trough with or without movable dividers to separate different cable types. Lightweight, easy to install and modifiable on-site with basic hand tools.
	TTS Green Trough – Bend Series (45 Degrees) For obstacle avoidance and sharp bends. Lightweight, easy to install, modifiable on-site and multiple units can create 90° or 135° bends.
	TTS Green Trough – T-Junction Series Made for cable junctions, the T-Junction Series is lightweight, easy to install and modifiable on-site with basic tools.
	TTS Green Trough – Gradient Series (Upward and Downward) Made for cable routes on slopes or gradients, the Gradient Series is lightweight, easy to install and modifiable on-site with basic tools.

GRP GMAX® Cable Troughing System

Elevated Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GRP) system for railways, infrastructure and heavy-duty industrial applications. Lightweight and durable, it provides safe, flexible and cost-effective cable management with minimal maintenance over its lifetime.

Wibe Group – PADS Certificate (PA05/0044)

Benefits of Choosing PADS-Approved Products

By choosing E-Tech Components, you access trusted PADS-approved products with expert support for specification, ordering and technical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use products approved elsewhere on Network Rail projects?

No. Products approved for other infrastructure do not automatically meet Network Rail standards. Only PADS-approved products can be used safely and compliantly.

How can I verify a product is PADS-approved?

Each PADS-approved product comes with a PA05 or Trial Certificate. You can request the certificate or check its reference when purchasing to ensure compliance.

Can I modify a PADS-approved product for my project?

Any significant changes that affect the product’s configuration or installation conditions require a formal change application. Always confirm with Network Rail before using modified products.

Do all products need Product Acceptance before being PADS-approved?

Not all items require full Product Acceptance. Low-risk assets such as PPE, boundary fencing or station displays are generally exempt.

Where can I find a list of all PADS-approved products?

The full catalogue is available through Network Rail’s PADSnet website, which includes more than 85,000 products that meet safety, reliability and compatibility standards for rail infrastructure.

Why Choose E-Tech Components for PADS-Approved Products?

For contractors, engineers and maintenance teams working on the UK rail network, using Network Rail PADS-approved products is essential for safety, compliance and operational reliability. As a leading distributor, E-Tech Components provides a trusted, extensive range of solutions, including Elpress Crimping Tools, AC Cable Solutions Sealing Systems, TTS Green Trough Products, and the Wibe Group GRP GMAX® System.

Here at E-Tech, we offer:

A comprehensive product range covering Cable Management, Crimping, Sealing and Troughing
Access to technical datasheets, manuals and PADS certificate references
Expert guidance to select the right solutions for your project requirements
Fast delivery and reliable UK-wide support

All aforementioned products are fully PADS-approved, carry a PA05 certificate and meet Network Rail’s strict safety, reliability and performance standards. With E-Tech Components, you can be confident that your infrastructure projects use only the highest quality, fully compliant and PADS-approved products, giving you peace of mind on every rail project.

📞 +44 (0)1744 762 929	📧 sales@etechcomponents.com