prEN IEC 62973-3:2025
(Main)Railway applications - Rolling stock - Batteries for auxiliary power supply systems - Part 3: Lead acid batteries
General Information
- Abstract
The part 3 of IEC 62973 shall be transferred to a EN IEC by this NWIP. Later, in a second step, by a further NWIP, common modifications to the EN IEC version will be added. The scope of the original IEC version remains unchanged for the endorsement as EN IEC.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 25-Jul-2027
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 9X - Electrical and electronic applications for railways
- Drafting Committee
- WG 45 - RS - Auxiliary Batteries
- Current Stage
- 4060 - Enquiry results established and sent to TC, SR, BTTF - Enquiry
- Start Date
- 02-Jan-2026
- Due Date
- 24-Apr-2026
- Completion Date
- 02-Jan-2026
Overview
prEN IEC 62973-3:2025 specifies standardized requirements and guidance for the use of lead acid batteries in auxiliary power supply systems on railway rolling stock. Developed under the CLC and based on the IEC 62973-3:2024 edition, this draft European Standard defines technical parameters, performance expectations, and testing protocols for lead acid batteries-specifically VRLA (valve-regulated lead acid) types-when deployed in diverse environmental and operational conditions across the rail industry. The document supports compatibility and safety in the integration of batteries into railway vehicles, ensuring alignment with broader international standards and the future directives of the EN IEC series.
Keywords: railway rolling stock, lead acid battery, auxiliary power supply, battery system standard, valve-regulated lead acid, VRLA, railway battery requirements
Key Topics
- Scope and Definitions:
Specifies requirements for interface, sizing, and operation of VRLA lead acid batteries as auxiliary power sources in railway rolling stock, excluding charging systems. - System Components:
Addresses battery trays, crates, single cells, monoblocs, electrical and electromechanical components involved in railway battery systems. - Environmental Conditions:
Defines acceptable ranges for ambient temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock based on application environment, referencing important standards such as IEC 62498-1 and IEC 61373. - Battery Types and Operation:
Details lead acid battery chemistries, focusing on VRLA designs (AGM and gel technologies), and their application in both horizontal and vertical orientations depending on design. - System and Safety Requirements:
Outlines operational voltage, charge/discharge characteristics, deep discharge prevention, and the necessity of temperature compensation during charging for longevity and safety. - Testing and Qualification:
References qualification test procedures for batteries, cells, and monoblocs (from standards like IEC 60896-21/22) and provides requirements for shock, vibration, and dielectric tests. - Mechanical and Electrical Interface:
Sets out guidelines for mechanical design, ventilation, interface mechanisms, and standardized marking (e.g., safety labels, nameplates) for traceability and maintenance. - Routine Maintenance:
Incorporates guidance for monitoring systems, safety checks, and maintenance routines tailored for railway applications. - Storage and Transport:
Specifies best practices for safe transport and storage of lead acid batteries intended for railway rolling stock.
Applications
This standard is highly relevant for:
- Rail Vehicle Manufacturers:
Ensuring that auxiliary power supply systems utilize compliant, reliable lead acid batteries. - Systems Integrators:
Designing and specifying power supply architectures that safely incorporate VRLA lead acid batteries and meet international railway standards. - Battery Manufacturers:
Testing, certifying, and supplying lead acid batteries tailored to railway environments, supporting lifecycle management and operational efficiency. - Operators and Maintenance Providers:
Implementing best practices for safety, maintenance, and monitoring of batteries on in-service rolling stock, extending equipment service life and minimizing downtime. - Certification Bodies:
Assessing compliance of battery systems and installations with prEN IEC 62973-3 requirements.
Applications cover all forms of railway rolling stock, from commuter trains and metros to long-distance and freight locomotives, wherever a robust and standardized auxiliary power source is essential.
Related Standards
prEN IEC 62973-3:2025 aligns closely with several key international and European standards for railway battery systems and safety:
- EN IEC 62973-1: General requirements for batteries in railway auxiliary power systems
- IEC 60896-21/-22: Valve regulated lead acid battery test methods and requirements
- IEC 61373: Shock and vibration testing for railway equipment
- IEC 62498-1: Environmental conditions for railway equipment on board rolling stock
- IEC 62485-2: Safety requirements for secondary batteries
- ISO/IEC 17025: Competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Together, these standards create a comprehensive framework for the safe, effective, and interchangeable use of lead acid batteries in European and international railway rolling stock applications.
For stakeholders in the railway sector, understanding and applying prEN IEC 62973-3 ensures continued safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance when using lead acid batteries for auxiliary power supply systems.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 20-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Refers
EN 60896-22:2004 - Stationary lead-acid batteries - Part 22: Valve regulated types - Requirements - Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Refers
EN 60896-21:2004 - Stationary lead-acid batteries - Part 21: Valve regulated types - Methods of test - Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Feb-2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
prEN IEC 62973-3:2025 is a draft published by CLC. Its full title is "Railway applications - Rolling stock - Batteries for auxiliary power supply systems - Part 3: Lead acid batteries". This standard covers: The part 3 of IEC 62973 shall be transferred to a EN IEC by this NWIP. Later, in a second step, by a further NWIP, common modifications to the EN IEC version will be added. The scope of the original IEC version remains unchanged for the endorsement as EN IEC.
The part 3 of IEC 62973 shall be transferred to a EN IEC by this NWIP. Later, in a second step, by a further NWIP, common modifications to the EN IEC version will be added. The scope of the original IEC version remains unchanged for the endorsement as EN IEC.
prEN IEC 62973-3:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.220.20 - Acid secondary cells and batteries; 45.040 - Materials and components for railway engineering. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
prEN IEC 62973-3:2025 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC TS 61430:1997, IEC 62498-1:2010, EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017, EN 2155-14:1993, EN 61373:2010, EN 60896-22:2004, prEN IEC 62973-1:2025, EN 60896-21:2004, EN IEC 62485-2:2018, prEN IEC 62973-3:2025/prAA:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
prEN IEC 62973-3:2025 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.