Electrical inspection cars which check signal/telecommunication and trolley-wire facilities while running, are loaded with instruments to inspect several items instantaneously. Inspection items related to signal/telecommunication are ATS-S ground coils, train detectors for level crossings, track circuits, and train radio waves.
(4) Introduction of new maintenance methods
Maintenance method guidelines are as follows;
a. Service life management: exchange a device when it has reached the end of its life estimated in advance; value limit management: monitor service devices and if they exceed the value limit, readjust or replace them. As a result, maintenance work can be decreased.
b. Conduct inspections not on each device but on the whole system. Judge whether functions are operating well as a total system, and perform efficient maintenance work with the help of the new inspection car.
c. To eliminate initial failures and achieve steady working conditions, inspect facilities thoroughly before actual use.
To keep facilities in top condition during a heavy traffic season, plan a inspection work at a light traffic season beforehand.
Maintenance manuals that described specific maintenance methods for each device were provided to maintenance staff.
(5) Improvement of maintenance organization
Electrical maintenance organization had been subdivided into several sections; substation, catenary, power distribution, signalling and telecommunications, and the experts were specialized in each section, which caused an inefficient disposition of employees. As recent development of electronics technology made the common area among the sections widen, it was required to manage electrical facilities as a system by close cooperation among the sections.
Accordingly, aiming "Technology fusion" among the sections, integration of maintenance organization was implemented giving consideration to the modernized degree of facilities in an area.
Three more maintenance modernization programs mainly involving revision of the maintenance organization, were implemented until JNR was privatized and reorganized to form JR companies in April 1987. The efforts of JR companies to improve facilities and maintenance methods are continuing to this day.
