A rail fish plate is a mechanical joint element that connects adjacent rail segments by clamping their webs together, allowing jointed rail to behave as a continuous load-carrying member under traffic. Without it, rail ends would deform rapidly. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY manufactures fish plates suitable for GB light rail and heavy rail, UIC standard rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 sections, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE profiles, and provides rail profile matching confirmation.
Types of Rail Fish Plate
Rail fish plates, or joint bars, are metal bars bolted to rail ends to connect them, classified mainly as standard, insulated, compromise, or joggled types. They are essential for maintaining track continuity and are categorized by rail weight (light, heavy, crane) and standards like UIC, BS, or AREMA.
Key Types of Rail Fish Plates
- Standard Fish Plate: The most common type used for joining rails of the same profile and weight. They typically feature 4 or 6 bolt holes.
- Insulated Fish Plate (Joint Bar): Used in signaled tracks to prevent electrical conductivity between rail ends. They are made of composite materials, polyurethane, or epoxy resin for insulation.
- Compromise Fish Plate (Transition): Designed to join two rails with different profiles or weights (e.g., 50kg to 60kg rails).
- Joggled Fish Plate: A specially forged plate used for temporary repairs, particularly on fractured or broken welded rails.
- Glued Insulated Joint (GIJ): A high-strength, insulated, and glued joint designed for heavy-duty, long-service life.
- Bridge Joint Bar: Specialized plates often used in areas requiring enhanced support or in specific bridge applications.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
Why Insulated Fish Plates Are Critical for U.S. Railway Signaling Systems?
Insulated fish plates (or joints) are critical for U.S. railway signaling systems because they maintain electrical isolation between track circuits, ensuring accurate, independent, and safe train detection. They prevent electrical interference, manage stray current in electrified routes, and ensure signaling reliability, preventing accidents caused by false signals or system failures.
Key Reasons for Their Importance:
- Track Circuit Integrity: Signal systems use low-voltage current in the rails to detect trains. Insulated fish plates act as a physical barrier that stops this current from passing between rail segments, isolating specific blocks to prevent signal mix-ups.
- Preventing Stray Current: In electrified railways, these plates prevent traction return currents from interfering with turnout control circuits and signaling equipment.
- Signal Accuracy in Challenging Environments: They are essential on bridges, in tunnels, and at level crossings, where moisture-induced corrosion can cause electrical leakage.
- Modernization & Safety: As key components of modern, automated rail systems, they ensure that if one section is occupied, the signal for that block correctly indicates a stop.
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.