EAO - Switches, Control Panels and Interfaces for Rail Vehicles

EAO is the leading supplier of switches, control panels and interfaces to the global rail industry. With 60 years' experience, it has become the world's foremost expert in the design and integration of these products within passenger vehicles.

Switches, pushbuttons, buzzers and indicators for driver's cab control panels, toilets, security doors and passenger alarms

Many people will know EAO as the inventors of the Series 56, the door-open button which became a standard on passenger doors across the world. However its switches, pushbuttons, buzzers and indicators are widely used in many different rail applications, including driver's cab control panels, toilet modules, security door systems and passenger alarms.

Safe, easy-to-use and easily accessible switches, control panels and interfaces

Innovation remains at the forefront of EAO product development. Designing products which are easier and safer to use, which improve access for disabled users and which meet the latest vehicle accessibility regulations are just some of the ways EAO stays ahead.

The world's most prestigious train builders, including Alstom, Bombardier and Hitachi, use not only EAO switches but complete, custom-built human machine interfaces (HMI) systems in some of their latest rail vehicles. For this reason, EAO is the proven expert partner for HMI.

Rail-vehicle switch and control panel refurbishment

EAO works with train operators to identify reliability issues caused by outdated technology in switch and control panels, and provides expert advice about preventative refurbishment to reduce the possibility of vehicle downtime. Their many refurbishment projects include driver's cab controls, toilet door locking systems, and passenger door access systems.

Complete control panels and HMI systems

Strength and innovation in component design has lead EAO to the front of HMI system design. Many of the world's largest train builders now turn to EAO to develop unique, fully-wired interfaces which can be integrated within their current systems. Examples include driver's desk control panels, guard's controls and security panels, driver reminder appliances (DRAs), door access systems, and toilet door locking controls.

Driver's cab switches, pushbuttons, levers and dials

A wide range of standards-compliant, illuminated, flush-fitting, square and round pushbuttons, indicators, levers, selectors and key switches for driver's desk control panels are available.

Passenger-door open switches, door alarms and toilet modules

Series 56 provides the complete answer for all passenger access needs. The range comprises pushbuttons with raised LED-illuminated symbols, indicators and a multi-tone sound module (enunciator), and is available in special glass-mounting versions. There are options for 'secret until lit' indicators, and 'call for aid' pushbuttons. They are sealed to IP67 from the front and shock-resistant to IK09.

Bespoke enclosures and control boxes

Any type of specialised switch enclosure can be designed to match the customer's needs. For example, a stainless-steel control box was built for Class 150 locomotives to enable stopping and starting from outside the vehicle. This custom-built enclosure helps prevent corrosion of the main engine control box. It is tamper-proof, vandal-resistant and easy to maintain.

LED lighting for passenger carriages

LED lighting panels can be fitted to drivers' cabs and saloon areas to replace existing filament and halogen lamps. They use a third of the energy, decrease heat generation, last over ten times as long and reduce vehicle downtime. Contact EAO's UK office for more details.