EN 15153-4:2020
(Main)Railway applications - External visible and audible warning devices - Part 4: Audible warning devices for urban rail
Railway applications - External visible and audible warning devices - Part 4: Audible warning devices for urban rail
This document defines the functional and technical requirements for exterior audible warning devices for urban rail vehicles as defined in the CEN-CENELEC Guide 26, i.e. metro systems, trams, light rail, and local rail systems.
This document also defines the requirements for testing and conformity assessment.
NOTE The requirements for exterior audible warning devices for heavy rail vehicles are found in EN 15153 2:2020.
Bahnanwendungen - Äußere optische und akustische Warneinrichtungen - Teil 4: Signalhörner für städtische Schienenbahnen
Dieses Dokument legt die funktionalen und technischen Anforderungen an äußere akustische Warn-einrichtungen für städtische Schienenfahrzeuge nach Definition in CEN-CENELEC Guide 26 fest, d. h. Unter-grundbahnen, Straßenbahnen, Stadtbahnen und lokale Schienensysteme.
Dieses Dokument enthält auch Anforderungen für Prüfungen und die Konformitätsbewertung.
ANMERKUNG Die Anforderungen für äußere akustische Warneinrichtungen für Vollbahnen enthält EN 15153 2:2020.
Applications ferroviaires - Dispositifs externes d'avertissement optiques et acoustiques - Partie 4 : Dispositifs d'avertissement sonores pour le rail urbain
Le présent document spécifie les exigences fonctionnelles et techniques pour les avertisseurs sonores extérieurs pour les véhicules du rail urbain tels qu’ils sont définis dans le CEN-CENELEC Guide 26, c’est-à-dire les métros, les tramways, les systèmes ferroviaires légers, et les réseaux ferroviaires locaux.
Le présent document définit également les exigences des essais et d’évaluation de conformité.
NOTE Les exigences pour les avertisseurs sonores extérieurs pour le matériel roulant lourd sont données dans l’EN 15153-2:2020.
Železniške naprave - Zunanje vidne in zvočne opozorilne naprave - 4. del: Zvočne opozorilne naprave za mestno železnico
Ta evropski standard določa zvočne zahteve in preskusne zahteve za zvočne signale, zvonce (enojni in ponavljajoči zvok) ter piščalke za mestna železniška vozila, kot so opredeljene v vodilu 26 CEN-CENELEC, t.j. pri sistemih podzemnih železnic, tramvajih, lahkih železnicah in sistemih lokalne železnice. Vključuje tudi zahteve za »tramvaje/vlake«.
OPOMBA: Zahteve za zunanje zvočne opozorilne naprave za glavne proge so navedene v standardu prEN 15153-2.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 14-Jan-2020
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Jul-2020
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 256 - Railway applications
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 256/WG 9 - Lighting
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 03-Sep-2025
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2025
Overview
EN 15153-4:2020 - published by CEN - specifies the functional and technical requirements for exterior audible warning devices on urban rail vehicles (metro, tram, light rail and local rail systems, per CEN‑CENELEC Guide 26). The standard covers device types, acoustic performance, mounting/placement principles, testing procedures and conformity assessment. It complements other parts of the EN 15153 series (visible warning devices and heavy‑rail horns).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Device classes: long‑range, medium‑range and short‑range audible warnings, with permitted device types including warning horns, warning bells, soft bells (gongs) and whistles.
- Range guidance: typical use ranges are noted (long ≈ up to 500 m, medium ≈ up to 50 m, short ≈ up to 10 m).
- Acoustic performance (examples from the text):
- Medium‑range warning horns: fundamental frequency 370 Hz ± 20 Hz or 660 Hz ± 30 Hz; A‑weighted level LpAF,max = 96 dB ± 5 dB.
- Whistles (medium/short): peak frequency 1 300 Hz ± 300 Hz; LpAF,max = 96 dB ± 5 dB.
- Warning bells (single impulse): duration 0.5–1.0 s, rise time ≤ 0.1 s, relevant frequency 1 000–4 000 Hz; LpAF,max = 96 dB ± 5 dB.
- Recurring bell rates: 1.5–4.0 cycles/s (single‑stroke) or 20–40 cycles/s (motor‑driven).
- Safety note: long‑range devices can cause hearing damage to persons close to the vehicle when sounded.
- Testing & conformity: Clause 6 sets test conditions and required test reports for acoustic verification and conformity assessment. Simultaneous operation of devices is permitted; however, superimposed sounds are not subject to separate acoustic performance requirements.
Applications and practical use
- Intended for vehicle OEMs, system integrators, acoustic and safety engineers, urban rail operators, procurement teams and conformity assessors who need to:
- Design and select audible warning equipment that meets harmonized European acoustic and functional criteria.
- Verify installation, commissioning and maintenance in line with defined test methods.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and safe, effective warning of pedestrians, road users and staff in urban environments.
- Use cases include tram and light‑rail vehicle specification, metro fleet procurement, retrofit of audible systems, and safety risk mitigation where audible alerts are essential.
Related standards
- EN 15153-2:2020 - warning horns for heavy rail (see for heavy‑rail requirements).
- EN 15153 series (other parts) and CEN‑CENELEC Guide 26 for urban guided transport definitions.
Keywords: EN 15153-4:2020, audible warning devices, urban rail, warning horn, warning bell, tram, light rail, metro, sound pressure level, conformity assessment, railway safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 15153-4:2020 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Railway applications - External visible and audible warning devices - Part 4: Audible warning devices for urban rail". This standard covers: This document defines the functional and technical requirements for exterior audible warning devices for urban rail vehicles as defined in the CEN-CENELEC Guide 26, i.e. metro systems, trams, light rail, and local rail systems. This document also defines the requirements for testing and conformity assessment. NOTE The requirements for exterior audible warning devices for heavy rail vehicles are found in EN 15153 2:2020.
This document defines the functional and technical requirements for exterior audible warning devices for urban rail vehicles as defined in the CEN-CENELEC Guide 26, i.e. metro systems, trams, light rail, and local rail systems. This document also defines the requirements for testing and conformity assessment. NOTE The requirements for exterior audible warning devices for heavy rail vehicles are found in EN 15153 2:2020.
EN 15153-4:2020 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 45.060.10 - Tractive stock; 45.140 - Metro, tram and light rail equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 15153-4:2020 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/486. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
You can purchase EN 15153-4:2020 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2020
Železniške naprave - Zunanje vidne in zvočne opozorilne naprave - 4. del: Zvočne
opozorilne naprave za mestno železnico
Railway applications - External visible and audible warning devices - Part 4: Audible
warning devices for urban rail
Bahnanwendungen - Optische und akustische Warneinrichtungen am Schienenfahrzeug
- Teil 4: Akustische Warneinrichtungen für städtische Schienenbahnen
Applications ferroviaires - Dispositifs externes d'avertissement optiques et acoustiques -
Partie 4 : Avertisseurs sonores pour le rail urbain
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15153-4:2020
ICS:
45.060.10 Vlečna vozila Tractive stock
45.140 Oprema za podzemne vlake, Metro, tram and light rail
tramvaje in lahka tirna vozila equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 15153-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
January 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 45.060.10; 45.140
English Version
Railway applications - External visible and audible
warning devices - Part 4: Audible warning devices for
urban rail
Applications ferroviaires - Dispositifs externes Bahnanwendungen - Optische und akustische
d'avertissement optiques et acoustiques - Partie 4 : Warneinrichtungen am Schienenfahrzeug - Teil 4:
Avertisseurs sonores pour le rail urbain Akustische Warneinrichtungen für städtische
Schienenbahnen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 October 2019.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 15153-4:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 7
5 Requirements . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Devices for long-range audible warning . 9
5.3 Devices for medium-range audible warning . 9
5.4 Devices for alerting / drawing attention at short range . 10
6 Test requirements . 11
6.1 General . 11
6.2 Test conditions . 11
6.3 Test report . 11
Bibliography . 12
European foreword
This document (EN 15153-4:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by July 2020, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by July 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This series of documents Railway applications — External visible and audible warning devices consists
of the following parts:
— Part 1: Head, marker and tail lamps for heavy rail;
— Part 2: Warning horns for heavy rail;
— Part 3: Visible warning devices for urban rail;
— Part 4: Audible warning devices for urban rail (this document).
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Introduction
This document sets out the requirements for external audible warning devices for urban rail vehicles as
defined in the CEN-CENELEC Guide 26.
1 Scope
This document defines the functional and technical requirements for exterior audible warning devices
for urban rail vehicles as defined in the CEN-CENELEC Guide 26, i.e. metro systems, trams, light rail, and
local rail systems.
This document also defines the requirements for testing and conformity assessment.
NOTE The requirements for exterior audible warning devices for heavy rail vehicles are found in
EN 15153-2:2020.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15153-2:2020, Railway applications - External visible and audible warning devices for trains - Part 2:
Warning horns for heavy rail
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. ISO and IEC maintain
terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
Urban Guided Transport (UGT) systems
system covering metro, tram and light rail, and defined as public transport systems permanently guided
at least by one rail, intended for the operation of local, urban and suburban passenger services with
self-propelled vehicles and operated either segregated or not from general road and pedestrian traffic
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from CEN-CENELEC Guide 26.
3.2
metro system
UGT system operated on its own right of way and segregated from general road and pedestrian traffic;
consequently designed for operations in tunnels, viaducts or on surface level but with physical
separation in such a way that inadvertent access is not possible
Note 1 to entry: In different parts of the world, Metro systems are also known as the underground, the subway
or the tube. Rail systems with specific construction issues operating on a segregated guideway (e.g. monorail, rack
railways) are also treated as Metros as long as they are designated as part of the urban public transport network.
Note 2 to entry: Adapted from CEN-CENELEC Guide 26.
3.3
tram
UGT system not segregated from general road and pedestrian traffic, which shares its right of way with
general road and/or pedestrian traffic and is therefore embedded in its relevant national road traffic
legislation (highway codes and specific adaptations)
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from CEN-CENELEC Guide 26.
3.4
light rail
UGT system operated on parts of the system not segregated from general road and pedestrian traffic,
and on parts of the system with segregated right-of-way. The segregation may include some sections of
line where inadvertent access is not possible
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from CEN-CENELEC Guide 26.
3.5
local rail system
system connecting city centres with their suburban hinterland or regional local centres, operated on
rights of way which are basically segregated from general road and/or pedestrian traffic and/or which
can be declared by law as independent from the public environment even if they are not segregated by
location, form of construction or appropriate measures
Note 1 to entry: Local rail systems, by national decision complying with Article 1.3 (a) or (b) of Directive
2008/57/EC, may be excluded from the European Community Rail System.
Note 2 to entry: For historical reasons local rail systems may be strongly influenced by conventional railway
parameters and their operations procedures.
Note 3 to entry: Adapted from CEN-CENELEC Guide 26.
3.6
tram/train
vehicle designed for combined use on both a tram or light rail infrastructure and a heavy rail
infrastructure
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/797.
3.7
vehicle
complete assembly of one or more cars
3.8
vehicle front
leading edge of the vehicle in its operational condition
Note 1 to entry: This would be the extreme front edge of any of the following - couplers, buffers, structures and
vehicle profile.
3.9
warning horn
warning device, generating an extended single lower frequency sound
Note 1 to entry: A warning horn may also be referred to as a ‘klaxon’, ‘makrophon’, or ‘typhon’ (similar to that
used in cars).
Note 2 to entry: The adjustment of a set of appropriate sound pressure levels enables the warning horn to be
used for different ranges including short-range, medium-range and long-range.
3.10
warning bell
medium-range warning device, generating a single impulse sound or series of recurring impulse sounds
-------
...
The EN 15153-4:2020 standard provides a comprehensive framework for the functional and technical requirements of exterior audible warning devices specifically for urban rail applications. Its defined scope includes critical areas such as metro systems, trams, light rail, and local rail systems, ensuring that a wide range of urban rail scenarios are effectively addressed. One of the notable strengths of this standard is its emphasis on safety and reliability. By establishing clear requirements for audible warning devices, EN 15153-4:2020 plays a crucial role in enhancing passenger and pedestrian safety in urban environments, where awareness of rail operations is paramount. The inclusion of detailed testing and conformity assessment requirements ensures that the devices meet stringent performance standards, thus boosting user confidence in their functionality during operational conditions. Additionally, the clear definition given for exterior audible warning devices aligns with various existing guidelines, such as those presented in the CEN-CENELEC Guide 26. This alignment not only aids in maintaining consistency across related standards but also facilitates compliance for manufacturers and operators in the urban rail sector. Moreover, the specificity of the standard to urban rail applications underlines its relevance in an increasingly urbanized global landscape, where the need for efficient and safe public transport systems is more critical than ever. By focusing on urban contexts, EN 15153-4:2020 is instrumental in ensuring that urban rail vehicles can effectively communicate their presence to avoid accidents and enhance operational efficiency. Overall, the EN 15153-4:2020 standard stands out for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and direct relevance to urban rail environments, making it a pivotal document for stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, and assessment of audible warning devices for urban rail applications.
EN 15153-4:2020は、都市鉄道用の外部可視および可聴警告装置に関する標準の一部として、特に可聴警告装置に焦点を当てています。この標準の範囲は、メトロシステム、トラム、ライトレール、地方鉄道システムといった都市鉄道車両における外部可聴警告装置の機能的および技術的要件を明確に定義している点が特徴です。 本標準の強みは、都市環境において安全性を高めるための明確な基準を提供していることです。都市鉄道車両は高い頻度で人と接触するため、効果的な警告装置が必要とされます。この標準は、ユーザーのニーズや環境に応じた警告装置の設計と実装の指針を提示し、様々な条件下においても信頼性を担保するための要求事項を網羅しています。 また、EN 15153-4:2020は、試験および適合性評価に関する要件も定義しているため、実際の運用において安全かつ効果的な可聴警告装置の導入が促進されます。これにより、都市鉄道のオペレーションが円滑に行われるだけでなく、利用者や歩行者に対しても高い安全性が保障されることになります。都市交通の一部として、この標準の適用は地域社会にとって重要な意義を持つと言えます。 EN 15153-4:2020は、他の標準、特にEN 15153-2:2020における重鉄道車両用の外部可聴警告装置に関する要件との差別化を行い、特有のニーズに対応しています。都市環境に特化したこの規格は、鉄道業界全体の安全性向上に寄与するものであり、広範な適用性を持つことからも、その重要性が強調されます。 このように、EN 15153-4:2020は、都市鉄道の安全確保や運用効率性向上に至るまで、多岐にわたる面での重要なガイドラインを提供しており、実務者や設計者にとって必須の標準と言えるでしょう。
Die Norm EN 15153-4:2020 behandelt die funktionalen und technischen Anforderungen an äußere hörbare Warnvorrichtungen für städtische Schienenfahrzeuge, wie beispielsweise U-Bahn-Systeme, Straßenbahnen, Stadtbahnen und lokale Schienensysteme. Diese umfassenden Anforderungen sind entscheidend, um die Sicherheit im urbanen Schienenverkehr zu gewährleisten. Ein zentrales Merkmal der Norm ist die Definition der spezifischen Anforderungen für die Geräuschentwicklung und die Wahrnehmbarkeit der Warnsignale. Diese Aspekte sind nicht nur für die Sicherheit der Fahrgäste wichtig, sondern auch für die Kommunikation zwischen Fahrzeugen und Fußgängern. Darüber hinaus wird in der Norm EN 15153-4:2020 ein klarer Rahmen für Tests und Konformitätsbewertung festgelegt, wodurch die Qualität und Effizienz der installierten Systeme erhöht werden. Ein weiterer starker Punkt der Norm ist ihre enge Orientierung an den Richtlinien des CEN-CENELEC Guide 26. Dies stellt sicher, dass die Anforderungen mit bestehenden europäischen Standards konsistent sind und somit eine breite Akzeptanz in der Branche finden. Der Fokus auf städtische Anwendungen macht diese Norm besonders relevant in einem sich ständig weiterentwickelnden urbanen Umfeld, in dem die Nachfrage nach sicheren und effizienten Verkehrsmitteln stetig wächst. Die Norm berücksichtigt auch technologische Fortschritte und Entwicklungen im Bereich der akustischen Warnsysteme. Dies ermöglicht es Herstellern, innovative Lösungen zu entwickeln, die den modernen Anforderungen an Umweltfreundlichkeit und Benutzerfreundlichkeit gerecht werden. In der Zusammenfassung zeigt die EN 15153-4:2020 eine klare und strukturierte Herangehensweise an die standardisierten Anforderungen für akustische Warnvorrichtungen, die nicht nur die Sicherheit erhöhen, sondern auch die Integration in bestehende Systeme fördern.
SIST EN 15153-4:2020 표준 문서는 도시 철도 차량을 위한 외부 가청 경고 장치에 대한 기능적 및 기술적 요구 사항을 정의하고 있습니다. 이 표준은 메트로 시스템, 트램, 경전철, 그리고 지역 철도 시스템과 같은 다양한 도시 철도 응용 프로그램에 적용됩니다. 이 표준의 강점은 명확하고 구체적인 요구 사항을 제공하여 도시 철도 차량의 안전성을 높이는 데 기여한다는 점입니다. 특히, 외부 가청 경고 장치의 성능을 보장하기 위한 테스트 및 적합성 평가 요구 사항 또한 포함되어 있어 철도 운영자의 안전 기준 준수를 지원합니다. 이러한 요구 사항들은 유럽 및 국제 안전 기준에 일관되게 적합하며, 도시 철도 시스템의 신뢰성을 증대시킵니다. 또한, EN 15153-4:2020 표준은 CEN-CENELEC 가이드 26에 따라 정립되어 있어, 도시 철도 설계 및 운영에 필수적인 요소로 자리잡고 있습니다. 이를 통해 도시 환경에서의 소음 기준을 충족시키면서도, 안전한 운행을 보장할 수 있는 가청 경고 장치의 사용을 촉진합니다. 결론적으로, 이 표준은 도시 철도 시스템에서 외부 가청 경고 장치의 중요성을 강조하며, 관련 업계 이해관계자들에게 반드시 필요한 지침을 제공합니다.
La norme EN 15153-4:2020, intitulée "Applications ferroviaires - Dispositifs d'avertissement visibles et audibles externes - Partie 4 : Dispositifs d'avertissement audibles pour rail urbain", établit des exigences fonctionnelles et techniques claires pour les dispositifs d'avertissement audibles destinés aux véhicules ferroviaires urbains. Cette norme est particulièrement pertinente pour les systèmes de métro, les tramways, les tram-trains et les réseaux ferroviaires locaux, ce qui élargit son champ d'application à diverses applications ferroviaires urbaines. L'un des points forts de cette norme réside dans sa capacité à définir non seulement les exigences techniques, mais aussi à détailler les méthodes de test et d'évaluation de conformité. Cela garantit que les dispositifs d'avertissement audibles répondent à des critères rigoureux, offrant ainsi un niveau de sécurité optimal aux usagers des transports publics. La normalisation des exigences contribue à l'harmonisation des niveaux de sécurité à travers différents systèmes urbains, ce qui est essentiel dans un contexte où la mobilité urbaine est en constante évolution. En outre, la norme souligne l'importance de la visibilité et de l'audibilité des avertissements dans un environnement urbain complexe, où le bruit ambiant et les diverses sources de distraction peuvent réduire l'efficacité des avertissements sonores. Cela en fait un élément crucial pour assurer une communication appropriée avec les usagers du rail urbain, favorisant ainsi une plus grande sécurité et un meilleur fonctionnement des systèmes de transport. Il est également à noter que les exigences spécifiques pour les dispositifs audibles externes dans les véhicules de poids lourd sont traitées dans la norme EN 15153-2:2020, ce qui permet une distinction claire entre les besoins des différents types de véhicules ferroviaires. En conclusion, la norme EN 15153-4:2020 constitue un document essentiel qui garantit que les dispositifs d'avertissement audibles pour le rail urbain répondent à des standards élevés de sécurité et d'efficacité.
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