British Rail Class 150
News Article

Cab Air Conditioning Retrofit for British Rail Class 150

Sunday, July 8, 2012

A British Rail Class 150 – 153 diesel multiple units have been upgraded with a DC11000 split air conditioning system, improving operator comfort and cab climate control on a widely used regional passenger platform.

Class 150 -153 units operate under varied climatic conditions and extended duty cycles, making reliable cab air conditioning essential for safe and comfortable operation. The DC11000 system, designed specifically for railway operator cabs, uses a split configuration with an internal evaporator and a remotely mounted condenser, allowing retrofit installation with minimal structural modification.

The system delivers approximately 3.0 kW of cooling capacity with low energy consumption and a soft start characteristic, eliminating high inrush currents. An integrated PLC controller with diagnostics supports reliable operation and straightforward maintenance. The installation complies with key railway fire safety standards, including EN 45545 2, as well as NF F16 101, BS 6853, and DIN 5510 2, supporting use in passenger rolling stock environments. This retrofit demonstrates how modern HVAC solutions can extend the service life of British Rail Class 150 -153 units while improving working conditions and operational reliability.