Railway

Railway cables are crucial for maintaining connectivity and safety in these complex environments. They ensure effective communication between critical lighting, signaling, and railway traffic control systems, supporting efficient operations and safe travels.

Key Features

These cables must withstand challenging environmental conditions and offer durability to reduce maintenance costs, ensuring vital reliable connectivity for the safe and continuous operation of railway infrastructure as a whole.

Core Benefits

The operational reliability of railway cables is fundamental to prevent interruptions and failures in critical systems. Their performance ensures travel safety and operational efficiency in railway operations overall.

Types of Railway Cables

Among the types of cables used in railways are those for electrical power, lighting, signaling, and communications. Each type is adapted to specific needs, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of various railway installations.

Regulations and Standards

The regulation of electrical cables for railways is governed by UNE-EN 50343, which is a European standard that specifies requirements for the installation of wiring in railway vehicles and electrical enclosures also in railway vehicles, including maglev trains and trolleybuses.

The UNE-EN 50343 standard establishes the following requirements for electrical cables for railways:

• Fire resistance: Cables must meet the fire resistance requirements established in standard EN 45545-2-2. This means that cables must be able to withstand fire for a specified time without propagating it.
• Corrosion resistance: Cables must be corrosion-resistant, as they will be exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as moisture and chemicals.
• Tensile strength: Cables must be strong enough to withstand the forces exerted on them during vehicle operation.
• Vibration resistance: Cables must be able to withstand the vibrations occurring during vehicle operation.
• Impact resistance: Cables must be able to withstand the impacts occurring during vehicle operation.

In addition to these requirements, the UNE-EN 50343 standard also establishes specific requirements for each type of cable. For example, cables for power circuits must have a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes, while cables for control circuits may have a fire resistance of at least 30 minutes.

The UNE-EN 50343 standard is important to ensure the safety of railway passengers and personnel. Electrical cables that comply with this standard are fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and resistant to other adverse environmental conditions. This helps prevent fires and other accidents, contributing to maintaining railway safety.