EN 50121-2:2017

Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2: Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world

This European Standard is intended to define the electromagnetic environment of the whole railway system including urban mass transit and light rail system. It describes the measurement method to verify the emissions, and gives the cartography values of the fields most frequently encountered. This European Standard specifies the emission limits of the whole railway system to the outside world. The emission parameters refer to the particular measuring points defined in Clause 5. These emissions should be assumed to exist at all points in the vertical planes which are 10 m from the centre lines of the outer electrified railway tracks, or 10 m from the fence of the substations. Also, the zones above and below the railway system may be affected by electromagnetic emissions and particular cases need to be considered individually. These specific provisions need to be used in conjunction with the general provisions in EN 50121-1. For existing railway lines, it is assumed that compliance with the emission requirements of EN 50121-3-1, EN 50121-3-2, EN 50121-4 and EN 50121 5 will ensure the compliance with the emission values given in this part. For newly build railway systems it is best practice to provide compliance to the emission limits given in this part of the standard (as defined in the EMC plan according to EN 50121-1).

Bahnanwendungen - Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit - Teil 2: Störaussendungen des gesamten Bahnsystems in die Außenwelt

Applications ferroviaires - Compatibilité électromagnétique - Partie 2: Emission du système ferroviaire dans son ensemble vers le monde extérieur

Železniške naprave - Elektromagnetna združljivost - 2. del: Sevanje celotnega železniškega sistema v okolje

Ta evropski standard je namenjen opredelitvi elektromagnetnega okolja celotnega železniškega sistema, vključno z mestnim množičnim prevozom in lahkim železniškim sistemom. Opisuje merilno metodo za preverjanje sevanja in podaja kartografske vrednosti polj, ki se pojavljajo najpogosteje.
Ta evropski standard določa mejne vrednosti sevanja celotnega železniškega sistema v okolje.
Parametri sevanja se nanašajo na posebne merilne točke, opredeljene v točki 5. Za sevanje se šteje, da obstaja na vseh točkah v navpičnih ravninah, ki so 10 m od osi zunanjih elektrificiranih železniških tirov ali 10 m od ograje podpostaje.
Tudi na območja nad in pod železniškim sistemom lahko vpliva elektromagnetno sevanje, pri čemer je treba določene primere obravnavati posamično.
Te posebne določbe je treba uporabljati v povezavi s splošnimi določbami standarda EN 50121-1.
Pri obstoječih železniških progah se predpostavlja, da bo izpolnjevanje zahtev standardov EN 50121-3-1, EN 50121-3-2, EN 50121-4 in EN 50121 5 glede sevanja zagotovilo skladnost z vrednostmi sevanja, podanimi v tem delu.
Pri na novo zgrajenih železniških sistemih je najboljša praksa zagotoviti skladnost z mejnimi vrednostmi sevanja, podanimi v tem delu standarda (kot je opredeljeno v načrtu elektromagnetne združljivosti v skladu s standardom EN 50121-1).

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Jan-2017
• ICS: 29.280 - Electric traction equipment
• ICS: 33.100.10 - Emission
• ICS: 45.020 - Railway engineering in general
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 9X - Electrical and electronic applications for railways
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 9X - Electrical and electronic applications for railways
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Nov-2021
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 50121-2:2017 - Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2: Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world

Relations

• Replaces: EN 50121-2:2015 - Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2: Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022
• Revised: prEN 50121-2:2025 - Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2: Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world
• Effective Date: 09-Apr-2024

Overview

EN 50121-2:2017 - Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2: Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world - defines the allowed electromagnetic emissions from an entire railway system (including urban mass transit and light rail) into its surroundings. The standard specifies the measurement methods, typical field cartography, and emission limits to be assumed at measurement points positioned 10 m from track centre lines or 10 m from substation fences. It is intended to be used together with EN 50121-1 (General) and other parts of the EN 50121 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of emissions: Defines the electromagnetic environment and emission limits for the whole railway system, covering frequencies from 150 kHz to 1 GHz (with guidance for lower frequencies in informative Annex C).
• Measurement distance and reference points: Emissions are assumed at vertical planes 10 m from the outer electrified track centre lines or 10 m from substation fences; measurements can be converted to a 10 m equivalent when taken at other distances.
• Measurement parameters and antennas:
  • Frequency bands/bandwidths per EN 55016-1-1: 0.15–30 MHz (9 kHz BW), 30–300 MHz (120 kHz BW), 300 MHz–1 GHz (120 kHz BW).
  • Antenna types: loop/frame for H-field (150 kHz–30 MHz), biconical dipole (30–300 MHz), log‑periodic (300 MHz–1 GHz); combined antennas allowed for 30 MHz–1 GHz.
  • Antenna heights: loop antenna 1.0–2.0 m, E-field antennas 2.5–3.5 m (select and record one height).
• Substation emissions: Radio-frequency noise from substations must not exceed the defined quasi-peak limits; measurement at 10 m from fence or enclosure applies.
• Measurement uncertainty and methods: Equipment uncertainty must comply with EN 55016-1-1 and EN 55016-1-4. Special acquisition methods (fixed-frequency, frequency-sweeping) and treatment of transients are described.
• Practical conversions: A formula and conversion factors are provided to normalize measurements taken at distances other than 10 m.

Applications and who uses it

• Infrastructure managers and rail operators for system design, EMC planning and compliance.
• Rolling stock designers and substation/traction power engineers to ensure emissions meet system limits.
• EMC test laboratories, certifiers and procurement teams for acceptance testing and regulatory conformity.
• Signalling and telecommunications engineers to assess potential interference with adjacent services.

Related standards

• EN 50121-1 (General EMC provisions)
• EN 50121-3-1 / EN 50121-3-2 (Rolling stock)
• EN 50121-4 (Signalling & telecoms)
• EN 50121-5 (Power supply installations)
• EN 55016-1-1 / EN 55016-1-4 (measuring apparatus and antennas)

Keywords: EN 50121-2:2017, railway EMC, electromagnetic compatibility, emission limits, measurement method, railway substations, rolling stock, EMC plan.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 50121-2:2015
Železniške naprave - Elektromagnetna združljivost - 2. del: Sevanje celotnega
železniškega sistema v okolje
Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2: Emission of the whole
railway system to the outside world
Bahnanwendungen - Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit - Teil 2: Störaussendungen des
gesamten Bahnsystems in die Außenwelt
Applications ferroviaires - Compatibilité électromagnétique - Partie 2: Emission du
système ferroviaire dans son ensemble vers le monde extérieur
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50121-2:2017
ICS:
33.100.10 Emisija Emission
45.020 Železniška tehnika na Railway engineering in
splošno general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 50121-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2017
ICS 29.280; 33.100.10; 45.020 Supersedes EN 50121-2:2015
English Version
Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 2:
Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world
Applications ferroviaires - Compatibilité électromagnétique - Bahnanwendungen - Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit -
Partie 2: Emission du système ferroviaire dans son Teil 2: Störaussendungen des gesamten Bahnsystems in
ensemble vers le monde extérieur die Außenwelt
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2016-11-07. CENELEC 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 CENELEC 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 CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2017 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50121-2:2017 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 5
3.1 Terms and definitions . 5
3.2 Abbreviations . 6
4 Emission limits . 6
4.1 Emission from the open railway system during train operation . 6
4.2 Radio frequency emission from railway substations . 6
5 Method of measurement of emission from moving rolling stock and substations . 7
5.1 General and specific measurement parameters . 7
5.1.1 General measurement parameters . 7
5.1.2 Measurement parameter for moving trains . 9
5.1.3 Measurement parameter for railway substations . 10
5.2 Acquisition methods . 10
5.2.1 General . 10
5.2.2 Fixed frequency method . 11
5.2.3 Frequency sweeping method . 11
5.3 Transients . 11
5.4 Measuring conditions . 11
5.4.1 Weather conditions. 11
5.4.2 Railway system operating modes . 12
5.4.3 Multiple sources from remote trains . 12
5.5 Test report . 12
Annex A (informative) Background to the method of measurement. 18
A.1 Introduction . 18
A.2 Requirement for a special method of measurement . 18
A.3 Justification for a special method of measurement . 18
A.4 Frequency range . 19
A.5 Antenna positions . 19
A.6 Conversion of results if not measured at 10 m . 19
A.7 Measuring scales . 19
A.8 Repeatability of results . 19
A.9 Railway system conditions . 20
A.9.1 Weather . 20
A.9.2 Speed, traction power . 20
A.9.3 Multiple sources from remote trains . 20
A.10 Number of traction vehicles per train . 20
Annex B (informative) Cartography — Electric and Magnetic fields at traction frequencies . 21
Annex C (informative) Emission values for lower frequency range . 22
Bibliography . 25
European foreword
This document (EN 50121-2:2017) has been prepared by CLC/TC 9X, “Electrical and electronic
applications for railways”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be implemented at (dop) [2017-11-07]
national level by publication of an identical national standard
or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with (dow) [2019-11-07]
this document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50121-2:2015.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
EN 50121-2:2016 includes the following significant technical change with respect to EN 50121-2:2015:
a) deletion of Annex ZZ.
This European Standard will be read in conjunction with EN 50121-1.
EN 50121, Railway applications — Electromagnetic compatibility, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: General;
— Part 2: Emission of the whole railway system to the outside world [the present document];
— Part 3-1: Rolling stock — Train and complete vehicle;
— Part 3-2: Rolling stock — Apparatus;
— Part 4: Emission and immunity of the signalling and telecommunications apparatus;
— Part 5: Emission and immunity of fixed power supply installations and apparatus.
1 Scope
This European Standard is intended to define the electromagnetic environment of the whole railway
system including urban mass transit and light rail system. It describes the measurement method to
verify the emissions, and gives the cartography values of the fields most frequently encountered.
This European Standard specifies the emission limits of the whole railway system to the outside world.
The emission parameters refer to the particular measuring points defined in Clause 5. These
emissions should be assumed to exist at all points in the vertical planes which are 10 m from the
centre lines of the outer electrified railway tracks, or 10 m from the fence of the substations.
Also, the zones above and below the railway system may be affected by electromagnetic emissions
and particular cases need to be considered individually.
These specific provisions need to be used in conjunction with the general provisions in EN 50121-1.
For existing railway lines, it is assumed that compliance with the emission requirements of
EN 50121-3-1, EN 50121-3-2, EN 50121-4 and EN 50121-5 will ensure the compliance with the
emission values given in this part.
For newly built railway systems it is best practice to provide compliance to the emission limits given in
this part of the standard (as defined in the EMC plan according to EN 50121-1).
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 55016-1-1, Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods —
Part 1-1: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus — Measuring apparatus (CISPR 16-1-
1)
EN 55016-1-4, Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods —
Part 1-4: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus — Antennas and test sites for radiated
disturbance measurements (CISPR 16-1-4)
IEC 60050-161, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary. Chapter 161: Electromagnetic compatibility
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161 and the following
apply.
3.1.1
apparatus
device or assembly of devices which can be used as an independent unit for specific functions
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-11-22]
3.1.2
environment
surroundings in which a product or system exists, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora,
fauna, humans and their interrelation
[SOURCE: IEC Guide 109:2012, 3.3]
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-901:2013, 901-07-01]
3.1.3
railway substation
installation whose main function is to supply a contact line system at which the voltage of a primary
supply system, and in some cases the frequency, is transformed to the voltage and frequency of the
contact line
3.1.4
rolling stock
all the vehicles with or without one or more motors
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811: CDV2015, 811-02-01]
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviations apply.
AC alternating current
bw band width
DC direct current
E electric (field)
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
FFT Fast Fourier transform
H magnetic (field)
HV high voltage
4 Emission limits
4.1 Emission from the open railway system during train operation
The emission limits in the frequency range 150 kHz to 1 GHz are given in Figure 1 and the
measurement method is defined in Clause 5.
Annex B gives guidance values for typical maximum field values at fundamental frequency of different
electrification systems which may occur. They depend on numerous geometrical and operational
parameters which may be obtained from the infrastructure manager.
It is not possible to undertake complete tests with quasi-peak detection due to the reasons stated in
Annex A.
There may be cases in which radio or other railway external services with working frequencies below
150 kHz are in operation close to the railway system. The EMC management plan covers these cases
and an adequate level of emission from the railway system on these working frequencies may be found
in the values given in informative Annex C hence no guarantee can be given for an undisturbed
operation.
4.2 Radio frequency emission from railway substations
Radio frequency noise emission from the railway substation to the outside environment measured
according to the method defined in Clause 5 shall not exceed the limits in Figure 2.
The limits are defined as quasi-peak values and the bandwidths are those used in EN 55016-1-1:
Bandwidth
frequencies from 150 kHz to 30 MHz 9 kHz
frequencies above 30 MHz 120 kHz
The distance of 10 m defined in Clause 5 shall be measured from the fence of the substation. If no
fence exists, the measurements shall be taken at 10 m from the apparatus or from the outer surface of
the enclosure if it is enclosed.
For other kinds of fixed installations like auto-transformers, the same limit and measuring distance
shall be applied.
There may be cases in which radio or other railway external services with working frequencies below
150 kHz are in operation close to the railway substation. The EMC management plan covers these
cases and an adequate level of emission from railway substation on these working frequencies may be
found in the values given in informative Annex C hence no guarantee can be given for an undisturbed
operation.
5 Method of measurement of emission from moving rolling stock and
substations
NOTE The method of measurement is adapted from EN 55016–2–3 to a railway system with moving rolling
stock and substations. The background to the method of measurement of moving rolling stock is given in
Annex A.
5.1 General and specific measurement parameters
5.1.1 General measurement parameters
5.1.1.1 Frequency bands
Frequency bands and bandwidths at –6 dB used for measurements are in accordance with
EN 55016-1-1.
These are:
Frequency bands: 0,15 MHz to 30 MHz 30 MHz to 300 MHz 300 MHz to 1 GHz
Bandwidth: 9 kHz 120 kHz 120 kHz
Other bandwidth for peak measurement can be chosen according to EN 55016-1-1. Data measured
with the reference bandwidth shall take precedence.
5.1.1.2 Measurement uncertainty
The measurement uncertainty of the measuring equipment shall comply with the requirements in
EN 55016-1-1 and EN 55016-1-4.
Due to the measurement method, the normalized site attenuation may not be considered in the
measurement uncertainty.
5.1.1.3 Types of antennas
To cover the full frequency range, antennas of different design are required. Typical equipment is
described below:
— for 150 kHz to 30 MHz, a loop or frame antenna is used to measure H field (see Figure 3);
— for 30 MHz to 300 MHz, a biconical dipole is used to measure E field (see Figure 4);
— for 300 MHz to 1,0 GHz, a log-periodic antenna is used to measure E field (see Figure 5).
For measurements in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 1 GHz a combined antenna may be used.
Calibrated antenna factors are used to convert the terminal voltage of the antenna to field strength.
5.1.1.4 Measurement distance and height
The preferred distance of the measuring antenna from the centreline of the track on which the vehicle
is moving (Test track) is 10 m. In the case of the log-periodic antenna, the 10 m distance is measured
to the mechanical centre of the array.
The preferred distance of the measuring antenna while measuring the emission of the substation is
10 m from the outer fence of the substation, at the midpoints of the three sides, excluding the side
which faces the railway system, unless this side is more than 30 m from the centre of the nearest
electrified railway track. In this case all four sides shall be measured. If the length of the side of the
substation is more than 30 m, measurements shall be taken additionally at the corners.
Where the antennas are not at 10 m, the results can be converted to an equivalent 10 m value by
using the following formula:
E10 = Ex + n x 20 × log10 (D/10)
where
E is the value at 10 m
E is the measured value at D m
x
n is a factor taken from Table 1 below.
Table 1 — Conversion factor n
Frequency range n
0,15 MHz to 0,4 MHz 1,8
0,4 MHz to 1,6 MHz 1,65
1,6 MHz to 110 MHz 1,2
110 MHz to 1 000 MHz 1,0
The measured values (at the equivalent 10 m distance) shall not exceed the limits given in Figure 1 for
the appropriate system voltage.
No measurements are necessary for total underground railway systems with no surface operation (no
victim outside this railway system can be affected).
The height above reference level of the antenna centre shall be within the range 1,0 m to 2,0 m for the
loop antenna, and within 2,5 m to 3,5 m to the centre of measuring antenna above 30 MHz. One
measuring height within the given range is sufficient and it is not required to do measurements with
several antenna heights within this range. The selected height shall be noted in the test report.
The reference level for the substation is the ground.
The reference level for moving trains is the top of the rail.
If the actual level of the ground at the antenna differs from the top of the rail by more than 0,5 m, the
actual value shall be noted in the test report.
It is accepted that the fixed antenna position may result in values being less than the absolute
maximum at some frequencies.
5.1.1.5 Values of measurement
The values measured are expressed as:
— dBµA/m for magnetic fields,
— dBµV/m for electric fields.
These are obtained by using the appropriate antenna factors and conversions.
5.1.1.6 Antenna position and orientation
The plane of the loop antenna shall be positioned to measure the horizontal component of the
magnetic field perpendicular to the track respectively to the wall of the substation. The biconical dipole
shall be placed in the vertical and horizontal axis. The log periodic antenna shall be arranged to
measure the vertical and horizontal polarization signal, with the antenna directed towards the track
respectively to the wall of the substation.
The test locations should whenever possible avoid objects with changing of field characteristic like
turnouts, walls and under bridges.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the positions and vertical alignments of the antennas as an example for
measurements at the track.
5.1.1.7 Ambient noise
At the beginning and at the end of the test series the ambient noise shall be recorded.
If at specific frequencies or in specific frequency ranges the ambient noise is higher than the limit
values less 6 dB, the measurements at these frequencies need not be considered. These frequencies
shall be noted in the test report.
5.1.2 Measurement parameter for moving trains
This subclause summarizes the specific conditions for the measurement of moving rolling stock.
— It is not considered necessary to carry out two tests to examine both sides of the rolling stock,
even if it contains different apparatus on the two sides, as in the majority of cases the level of
fields is due to the radiation of catenary and not to the direct radiation from the train. For systems
with a third rail, measurements shall be performed at the same side of it.
— The peak measurement method is used. The duration at selected frequency shall be sufficient to
obtain an accurate reading. This is a function of the measuring set and the recommended value is
50 ms.
— The noise may not attain its maximum value as the traction vehicle passes the measuring point,
but may occur when the vehicle is a long distance away. Therefore, the measuring set shall be
active for a sufficient duration before and after the vehicle passes by to ensure that the maximum
noise level is recorded.
— In the case of elevated railway systems, if the antenna heights specified above cannot be
achieved, the height of the antenna centre can be referenced to the level of the ground instead of
to the top of the rail. The conversion formula in 5.1.1.4 shall be employed where D is the slant
distance between the train and the antenna. The train shall be visible from the location of the
antenna and the axis of the antenna shall be elevated to point directly at the train. A measurement
distance of 30 m from the track centreline is preferred for highly elevated railway systems. Full
details of the test configuration shall be noted in the test report.
— If tests are being carried out on a railway system with overhead electrified supply, the measuring
point shall be at midspan between the support masts of the overhead contact line and not at a
discontinuity of the contact wire. It is r
...