What is CENELEC for Railway Applications?

CENELEC, which stands for the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization, develops voluntary electrotechnical standards that help facilitate trade, ensure safety, and support the interoperability of products and services across Europe.

History and Purpose

1. CENELEC was created in 1973 due to the merger of two previous European organizations: CENELCOM and CENEL.
2. CENELEC was created to be responsible for European standardization in the area of electrical engineering
3. CENELEC prepares both voluntary and harmonized standards, which help facilitate trade between countries and support European regulations (New Approach Directive).
4. Nowadays, CENELEC is a non-profit technical organization set up under Belgian law and composed of the National Electro-technical Committees of?28 European countries.

European Standards Organisations

1. In the European Union, only standards developed by CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI are recognized as 'European Standards.'
2. CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI are the regional mirror bodies to their international counterparts, i.e., ISO, IEC, and ITU-T.

Main CENELEC products are classified by order of importance:

1. European Standard (EN): Standards relate to products, services, or systems. This applies whether the manufacturer is based in the CENELEC territory or not.
2. Technical Specification (TSI): is a normative document. A Technical Specification is not permitted to conflict with an EN.
3. Technical Report (TR): is an informative document. Technical Reports may be established in cases when it is considered urgent or advisable to provide information.

Key Aspects of CENELEC in Railway Applications

1. Safety Standards CENELEC develops comprehensive safety standards for railway systems, covering everything from electrical equipment to signaling and communication systems. These standards are designed to minimize risks and enhance overall safety in rail transport.
2. Interoperability One of CENELEC's primary goals is to promote interoperability among European railway systems. This ensures that trains can operate seamlessly across borders, facilitating smoother international rail travel and freight transport.
3. Harmonization CENELEC works to harmonize national standards with European norms, creating a unified approach to railway technology and operations across the continent.
4. Efficiency: Railway operators can reduce costs and streamline maintenance procedures by adhering to standardized processes and components. This leads to more efficient operations and better service for passengers and freight customers.

RAMS Approach

CENELEC introduced the concept of RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) for electronic railway systems through the EN 50126 standard This holistic approach has become fundamental in railway system design and operation, considering multiple factors that contribute to overall safety.

Risk Assessment and Reduction

CENELEC provides guidelines for safety-related risk assessment and risk reduction. For example, CENELEC Guide 32 establishes practical guidelines for achieving safety in low voltage (LV) equipment, which applies to various railway system components.

The following are a few of the key CENELEC standards for railways:

• EN 50126: This standard covers the specification and demonstration of reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) for railway applications. It outlines a process for managing and assessing the risks associated with railway systems throughout their lifecycle.
• EN 50128: This standard focuses on railway control and protection system software. It provides requirements for developing, deploying, and maintaining such software, ensuring that it meets the necessary safety and reliability standards.
• EN 50129: This standard deals with safety-related electronic systems for signaling. It provides guidelines for designing, validating, and maintaining these systems, ensuring their safe operation.
• EN 50159: This standard addresses the safety of communication systems in railway applications. It provides guidelines for ensuring the integrity and security of data transmitted over communication networks used in railway signaling and control systems.
• EN 50155: This standard applies to electronic equipment used on rolling stock. It covers aspects such as temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, and electromagnetic compatibility, ensuring that electronic devices can withstand the harsh conditions of railway environments.
• EN 50121: This standard series deals with the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of railway systems. It includes guidelines for managing EMC between railway and other electronic systems, ensuring they can operate without interference.
• EN 50238: This standard guides the approval processes for rolling stock, ensuring they meet the safety and interoperability requirements before being put into service.
• EN 50388: This standard addresses the technical aspects of the interface between rolling stock and the railway infrastructure. It includes guidelines for ensuring the compatibility of trains with the tracks, signaling systems, and power supply.
• EN 45545: This standard series concerns fire protection on railway vehicles. It provides guidelines for trains' materials, components, and systems to ensure they meet fire safety requirements.
• EN 14752:2022 This standard focuses on body-side entrance systems for rolling stock, including all newly designed railway vehicles like trams, metros, and trains. It also covers existing vehicles undergoing refurbishment of door equipment, specifying requirements for manual and power-operated entrance systems.
• EN 12663-1:2023 is a standard that sets structural requirements and load capacities for railway vehicle bodies, guiding the use of materials and detailing methods for design validation through analysis and testing in locomotives and passenger rolling stock. EN 12663-2 extends these standards to freight wagons.

Conclusion

CENELEC standards are critical in shaping the future of railway applications in Europe. They ensure that safety, interoperability, and efficiency remain at the forefront of railway operations, supporting the development of a robust and reliable rail network.