Class 66
News Article

Climate Control Solution for British Rail Class 66 (EMD JT42) Locomotives

Friday, September 17, 2010

DC Airco has supplied its DC17000 74 Vdc split air conditioning system for British Rail Class 66 (EMD JT42) locomotives, delivering reliable cab climate control for heavy duty freight operations.

Due to the restricted loading gauge and low overpasses commonly encountered on rail networks, a rooftop air conditioning unit is not feasible on this locomotive platform. For this reason, DC Airco developed a custom made retrofit split solution, specifically designed for EMD JT42 / Class 66 applications.

The DC17000 74 vdc is a fully dc powered system providing 5,0 kW (17,000 BTU) of cooling capacity, with low power consumption and soft start operation suitable for onboard electrical systems. The design combines a ceiling mounted evaporator in the cab with an under mounted condenser, connected via self sealing quick connectors for efficient installation and maintenance.

Engineered for demanding rail environments, the system withstands vibration and continuous operation while meeting relevant European railway standards. This solution improves driver comfort, operational safety, and equipment reliability across Class 66 freight fleets.