IEC 62520:2011

Railway applications - Electric traction - Short-primary type linear induction motors (LIM) fed by power converters

IEC 62520:2011 applies to short-primary type linear induction motors (LIM) for propelling rail and road vehicles. This standard applies to a specific configuration of LIM that has the primary mounted on either the vehicle body or trucks and a secondary that is fixed to the track and that is connected only by a magnetic field with the primary. The object of this standard is to allow the performance of a LIM to be confirmed by tests and to provide a basis for assessment of its suitability for a specified duty.

Applications ferroviaires - Traction électrique - Moteurs à induction linéaires (LIM) du type à primaire court alimentés par des convertisseurs de puissance

La CEI 62520:2011 s'applique aux moteurs à induction linéaires (LIM) de type à primaire court pour propulser des véhicules ferroviaires et routiers. La présente norme s'applique à une configuration spécifique de LIM dont le primaire est monté soit sur la carrosserie du véhicule, soit sur des wagons, et qui a un secondaire fixé à la voie et qui n'est connecté au primaire que par un champ magnétique. La présente norme a pour objet de permettre la confirmation des performances d'un LIM par des essais et de fournir une base d'évaluation de son aptitude à assurer un service spécifié.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-May-2011
• ICS: 45.060.01 - Railway rolling stock in general
• Technical Committee: TC 9 - Electrical equipment and systems for railways
• Drafting Committee: PT 62520 - TC 9/PT 62520
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 25-May-2011
• Completion Date: 15-Jun-2011

Overview

IEC 62520:2011 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on railway applications utilizing electric traction systems. Specifically, it addresses the requirements, characteristics, and testing methods for short-primary type linear induction motors (LIMs) fed by power converters. These LIMs are used to propel rail and road vehicles, with the primary component mounted on the vehicle and the secondary fixed to the track, linked only by a magnetic field. The standard's main objective is to enable consistent performance verification of LIMs through rigorous testing, offering a basis for assessing their suitability in various applications.

Key Topics

• Configuration and Scope
  IEC 62520:2011 covers LIMs with the primary mounted on the vehicle and the secondary fixed to the track. It addresses LIMs fed by electronic converters, typically voltage source converters.

• Collaboration and Information Exchange
  The standard emphasizes the necessary exchange of technical information between LIM and converter designers, as well as secondary and system integrators, to ensure optimal system integration and performance.

• Testing and Assessment
  The document defines three main categories of tests:

  • Type Tests: To verify ratings, characteristics, and performance of new LIM designs.
  • Routine Tests: Regular tests to confirm conformity during production.
  • Investigation Tests: Special tests for performance-related inquiries or research and development purposes.

• Environmental Conditions
  Standard environmental limits include altitude up to 1,200 meters and ambient temperatures up to 40°C. Special arrangements are required for operations in harsher conditions.

• Marking and Identification
  LIM primary and secondary components must be permanently marked with essential identification information, including the manufacturer, type designation, and serial numbers.

• Performance Characteristics
  The standard defines key parameters in LIM performance, such as thrust, efficiency, gap lengths, and force distributions. It stipulates both "specified" (design-stage) and "declared" (test-result) characteristics for comprehensive evaluation.

Applications

IEC 62520:2011 is vital for any project or system involving electric linear induction motors for railways where the propulsion system relies on a short-primary LIM. Key application areas include:

• Urban Transit and Light Rail: Ensuring reliable testing and operation of LIM-driven trains in metro and tram systems.
• High-Speed and Maglev Railways: Providing standardized criteria for LIMs in advanced transit solutions, including magnetic levitation vehicles where normal and lateral forces are critical.
• Automated People Movers (APMs): Supporting robust testing methods for LIMs in airport shuttles and campus transport systems.
• Guided Road Vehicles: Applicable for systems where road vehicles utilize a track-fixed secondary for propulsion.

The standard's comprehensive approach to performance verification, information sharing, and testing supports higher safety, interoperability, and reliability for railway operators, manufacturers, and system integrators.

Related Standards

Implementing IEC 62520:2011 often requires integration with other IEC standards to ensure full compliance and safety. Key related standards include:

• IEC 60034-8: Rotating electrical machines - Terminal markings and direction of rotation
• IEC 60085: Electrical insulation - Thermal evaluation and designation
• IEC 60850: Railway applications - Supply voltages of traction systems
• IEC 60349-2: Electric traction - Rotating electrical machines for rail and road vehicles - Part 2: Converter-fed AC motors
• IEC 61133: Railway applications - Rolling stock - Testing of rolling stock on completion and before entry into service
• IEC 61373: Railway applications - Rolling stock equipment - Shock and vibration tests

Adhering to IEC 62520:2011 enhances the quality, dependability, and international compatibility of linear induction motor systems in electric railway traction applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62520 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Railway applications – Electric traction – Short-primary type linear induction
motors (LIM) fed by power converters

Applications ferroviaires – Traction électrique – Moteurs à induction linéaires
(LIM) du type à primaire court alimentés par des convertisseurs de puissance

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IEC 62520 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Railway applications – Electric traction – Short-primary type linear induction
motors (LIM) fed by power converters

Applications ferroviaires – Traction électrique – Moteurs à induction linéaires
(LIM) du type à primaire court alimentés par des convertisseurs de puissance

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX V
ICS 45.060 ISBN 978-2-88912-490-9

– 2 – 62520  IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Environmental conditions . 12
5 Characteristics . 13
5.1 Exchange of information . 13
5.2 Reference temperature . 14
5.3 Specified characteristics . 14
5.4 Declared characteristics . 14
5.5 Efficiency characteristics . 15
5.6 Traction motor characteristics . 15
6 Marking . 15
6.1 Primary nameplate . 15
6.2 Secondary marking. 15
7 Test categories . 16
7.1 Test categories . 16
7.1.1 General . 16
7.1.2 Type tests . 16
7.1.3 Routine tests . 17
7.1.4 Investigation tests . 17
7.2 Summary of tests . 17
8 Type tests . 18
8.1 Temperature-rise tests . 18
8.1.1 General . 18
8.1.2 Ventilation during temperature-rise tests . 18
8.1.3 Measurement of temperature . 18
8.1.4 Judgement of results . 18
8.1.5 Limits of temperature rise . 18
8.2 Characteristic tests and tolerances . 19
8.2.1 General . 19
8.2.2 Tolerances . 20
8.3 Shock and vibration tests . 20
9 Routine tests . 20
9.1 Routine tests of primary . 20
9.1.1 General . 20
9.1.2 Characteristic tests and tolerance . 21
9.1.3 Dielectric tests . 21
9.1.4 Structural tests . 22
9.2 Routine tests of secondary . 23
9.2.1 Dimension test. 23
9.2.2 Chemical composition test . 23
9.2.3 Tension test. 23
9.2.4 Bending test . 23

62520  IEC:2011 – 3 –
9.2.5 Shear test . 23
9.2.6 Ultrasonic flaw detection . 23
9.2.7 Friction test . 23
9.2.8 Electrical conductivity test . 23
10 Investigation tests . 24
10.1 General . 24
10.2 Noise test . 24
Annex A (normative) Measurement of temperature . 25
Annex B (informative) Test method using a rotary test facility of a LIM. 27
Annex C (normative) Supply voltages of traction systems . 29
Annex D (normative) Agreement between user and manufacturer . 30
Bibliography . 31

Figure B.1 – Rotary test facility for LIM . 28

Table 1 – Technical items transferred and requested between the manufacturer of the
primary and his counterparts . 14
Table 2 – Summary of tests for the primary . 17
Table 3 – Summary of tests for secondary . 18
Table 4 – Limits of temperature rise for continuous and other ratings . 19
Table 5 – Dielectric test voltages . 22

– 4 – 62520  IEC:2011
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS –
ELECTRIC TRACTION –
SHORT-PRIMARY TYPE LINEAR INDUCTION
MOTORS (LIM) FED BY POWER CONVERTERS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62520 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 9: Electric
equipment and systems for railways.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
9/1531/FDIS 9/1544/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

62520  IEC:2011 – 5 –
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – 62520  IEC:2011
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard is introduced because there are significant differences between
the rotary induction motor and the linear induction motor (LIM). These differences necessitate
a different testing standard to ensure consistency, repeatability and dependability of the test
results. For clarification, the significant differences are listed below:
a) The LIM has a power factor and an electric efficiency substantially lower than those of
rotary motors, because its magnetic gap length is several times that of the rotary motors.
As such, the assumption made for the rotary induction motor that the primary leakage
reactance is significantly less than the mutual reactance is no longer valid.
b) The traction efficiency of a LIM does not include the mechanical transmission, typical of
rotary motor propulsion.
c) LIMs produce direct thrust between the primary and secondary without the need for
mechanical contact. Therefore, there are no adhesion limits due to the rail and wheels
contact of the typical rotary drive. No spin/slide controls are needed with LIMs and thus
there is no need for testing of this function.
d) LIMs produce not only thrust (which is in the longitudinal direction) but also normal and
lateral forces which are effectively eliminated in the rotary induction motor, due to the
symmetrical geometry of rotary motor. The normal force is either an attraction or a
repulsion between the primary and secondary. The effect of these forces should be
considered on deflection of primary and secondary and for their mechanical strength and
rigidity, particularly as the deflection will affect the gap between primary and secondary
and thereby change the LIM performance.
e) The normal force mentioned in d) has a direct effect on the design of magnetically
levitated vehicles. Depending on whether the normal force is attractive or repulsive, this
force will either assist the suspension of the vehicle or oppose it. Thus testing of the LIM
must ensure that the force occurs in the appropriate part of the LIM operating range.
f) Information in Table 1 should be shared with subsystem component designers. Particular
attention is drawn to the need for collaboration between the designers of the LIM and its
associated converter as detailed in 5.1.

62520  IEC:2011 – 7 –
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS –
ELECTRIC TRACTION –
SHORT-PRIMARY TYPE LINEAR INDUCTION
MOTORS (LIM) FED BY POWER CONVERTERS

1 Scope
This International standard applies to short-primary type linear induction motors (LIM) for
propelling rail and road vehicles.
This standard applies to a specific configuration of LIM that has the primary mounted on
either the vehicle body or trucks and a secondary that is fixed to the track and that is
connected only by a magnetic field with the primary.
The object of this standard is to allow the performance of a LIM to be confirmed by tests and
to provide a basis for assessment of its suitability for a specified duty.
The rating of LIMs fed in parallel by a common converter should take into account the effect
on load-sharing due to differences of gap length and of LIM characteristics. The user should
be informed of the maximum permissible difference in gap length for the particular application.
The electrical input to LIMs covered by this standard should come from an electronic
converter.
NOTE At the time of drafting, only the following combination of LIMs and converters had been used for traction
applications, but it may also apply to other combinations which may be used in the future:
– LIMs fed by voltage source converters.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
IEC 60034-8, Rotating electrical machines – Part 8: Terminal markings and direction of
rotation
IEC 60050-131, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 131: Circuit theory
IEC 60050-151, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 151: Electrical and magnetic
devices
IEC 60050-411, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 411: Rotating machinery
IEC 60050-811, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 811: Electric traction
IEC 60085, Electrical insulation – Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC 60349-2:2010, Electric traction – Rotating electrical machines for rail and road vehicles –
Part 2: Electronic convertor-fed alternating current motors
IEC 60850, Railway applications – Supply voltages of traction systems

– 8 – 62520  IEC:2011
IEC 61133:2006, Railway applications – Rolling stock – Testing of rolling stock on completion
of construction and before entry into service
IEC 61373, Railway applications – Rolling stock equipment – Shock and vibration tests
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-131,
IEC 60050-151, IEC 60050-411 and IEC 60050-811, apply, as do the following.
3.1
LIM rating
combination of simultaneous values of electrical and mechanical quantities, with their duration
and sequence assigned to the LIM by the manufacturer
3.2
rated value
numerical value of any quantity included in a rating
3.3
continuous rating
mechanical output that the LIM can deliver on the test bed for an unlimited time under the
conditions specified in 8.1 without exceeding the limits of temperature rise given in Table 4,
all other appropriate requirements in this part also being satisfied
NOTE Several continuous ratings may be specified.
3.4
short-time rating (for example, one hour)
mechanical output that the LIM can deliver on the test bed for the stated time without
exceeding the limits of temperature rise given in Table 4
NOTE The test being carried out as specified in 8.1 starting with the LIM cold, all other appropriate requirements
in this part being also satisfied.
3.5
intermittent duty rating
duty cycle in which the LIM may be operated without the temperature rises exceeding the
limits given in Table 4 at any point
3.6
equivalent rating
continuous rating with constant values of voltage, current and speed that, as far as
temperature rise is concerned, is equivalent to the intermittent duty cycle which the LIM has
to withstand in service
NOTE This rating should be agreed between user and manufacturer.
3.7
guaranteed rating
rating assigned by the manufacturer for test purposes
NOTE Normally this is continuous rating but in special cases the user and manufacturer may agree that it be a
short-time or intermittent rating.
3.8
rated voltage
root-mean-square value of the fundamental component of the line-to-line voltage applied to a
LIM when it is operating at a guaranteed rating

62520  IEC:2011 – 9 –
NOTE For LIMs fed directly or indirectly from a contact system, it is normally the highest voltage (excluding
transients) which can be applied to the LIM when it is drawing the rated current with the contact system at its
nominal voltage as defined in Annex C.
3.9
rated speed
speed at a guaranteed rating
3.10
maximum voltage
highest root-mean-square value of the fundamental component of the line-to-line supply
voltage which can be applied to the LIM in service
3.11
repetitive peak voltage
peak value of the waveform of the converter output voltage, any random transient peaks
arising from line voltage transients or other causes being disregarded
3.12
maximum current
maximum current shown on the specified characteristic as defined in 5.3
3.13
maximum output
maximum value of output in an operation
3.14
thrust
longitudinal accelerating or decelerating force produced when a LIM is in operation
3.15
maximum thrust
maximum value of thrust in an operation
3.16
efficiency
ratio of measured/calculated output power to measured/calculated input power
3.17
linear induction motor
LIM
type of electrical machine which operates on the same principles as the classical rotary
induction motor
NOTE Similar to the rotary motor, the LIM’s primary and secondary are magnetically coupled and the magnetic
field from the primary induces eddy current in the secondary. This magnetic interaction produces a thrust/braking
force between the primary and the secondary.
3.18
single-sided linear induction motor
SLIM
LIM whose primary exists only on one side of the secondary side
3.19
end effect
performance deterioration and three-phase asymmetry which appear in high-speed operation
of an LIM due to the finite longitudinal length of primary
NOTE The primary core has finite length. The travelling magnetic field at both longitudinal ends is zero. When
there is motion between the primary and secondary there is a non-uniform distribution of the flux density in the air

– 10 – 62520  IEC:2011
gap. This non-uniform magnetic flux density causes an asymmetry among three-phase currents and a reduction of
thrust that increase with high speed.
3.20
transverse edge effect
phenomena caused by the finite lateral width of the primary and secondary sides
3.21
primary
the primary comprises three parts; a three-phase winding, a slotted laminated ferromagnetic
core and a mechanical support structure
3.22
short primary type
short primary type has the primary installed on board the vehicle and the secondary fixed to
the track or guideway; the secondary is essentially almost continuous along the track
3.23
secondary
reaction plate, reaction rail
conductor and ferromagnetic iron core distanced more than several millimetres from the
primary
3.24
cladding reaction plate
method of bonding or securing the conductive reaction plate to the surface of the secondary
core
3.25
secondary conductor
non-magnetic conductive reaction plate secured to the surface of the secondary ferromagnetic
iron core
3.26
secondary overhangs
additional width of secondary reaction plate in comparison with primary core width
3.27
secondary supporting structure
steel fabricated structure which secures the conductive reaction plate and secondary
ferromagnetic iron core to the guideway surface and provides for any adjustment
3.28
mechanical gap
physical vertical separation between the bottom surface of the primary and the top surface of
the secondary
3.29
nominal gap length
mechanical gap applicable to LIM-rated performance design
3.30
magnetic gap
gap length in a magnetic circuit; the physical distance between the primary and the secondary
ferro-magnetic cores
62520  IEC:2011 – 11 –
3.31
travelling magnetic field
magnetic field produced by primary windings of a LIM, which corresponds to the rotating field
in a rotary AC-machine
3.32
pole pitch
τ
longitudinal distance between two adjacent poles of the magnetic field
3.33
synchronous speed
speed of the fundamental wave of travelling magnetic field of LIMs
v =2fτ   (m/s)
s
where
f is the frequency of a power supply, i.e., primary frequency (Hz);
τ is the pole pitch (m).
3.34
slip
difference between the synchronous speed and speed of the primary divided by the
synchronous speed:
ν –ν
s p
s=
ν
s
where
v is the primary speed (m/s).
p
3.35
slip frequency
frequency of the secondary currents :
f = s f
s
3.36
normal force
vertical force between primary and secondary and which is perpendicular to the direction of
motion and to the surface of the primary
3.37
electric braking
means of decelerating the vehicle by means of electric energy transfer
NOTE There are two different methods as described below.
3.38
regenerative braking
braking force caused by converting mechanical power to electrical power that is returned to
the electric power supply system used to power onboard vehicle electrical systems or
dissipated in a braking resistor

– 12 – 62520  IEC:2011
3.39
reversing-phase braking
electric braking method produced by reversing the longitudinal direction of the magnetic field
in the air-gap thereby creating a slip greater than 1 and dissipating the power in the
secondary conductor as eddy currents
3.40
electromagnetic suspension
magnetic levitation method achieved by using attractive magnetic force between
electromagnets onboard and ferromagnetic rails
3.41
magnetic levitation force
net vertical repulsive or attractive reactive forces generated between the LIM primary on the
vehicle and the LIM secondary
3.42
magnetic lateral guidance force
net horizontal repulsive reactive forces generated between the LIM primary on the vehicle and
the LIM secondary
3.43
space-harmonic analysis
electromagnetic analysis method for calculating the characteristics of a LIM
NOTE The method uses the space harmonic spectrum derived by a Fourier series representation of the current
sheets produced by a periodic sequence of virtual primaries.
3.44
user
agency responsible for defining the operational requirements of the LIM and for signing the
acceptance certificate
3.45
manufacturer
company responsible for validating that the LIM meets the user’s performance requirements
NOTE It is possible that a number of different companies may be involved in the design, manufacture and test of
the components of the LIM.
4 Environmental conditions
Unless otherwise specified by the user, the following environmental conditions apply:
a) altitude: height above sea level not exceeding 1 200 m;
b) temperature: air temperature in the shade not exceeding 40 °C.
Whenever LIMs are intended to operate where one or both of these limits will be exceeded,
special requirements may be agreed between user and manufacturer.
Furthermore, the user shall inform the manufacturer of any particularly severe environmental
condition such as dust, humidity, temperature, snow, dynamic effects, etc. to which the LIMs
will be subjected.
62520  IEC:2011 – 13 –
5 Characteristics
5.1 Exchange of information
The LIM and converter designers shall collaborate to produce all the technical information
necessary to ensure that the combined unit will meet the requirements of this standard.
To fulfil this requirement, the LIM designer shall provide the converter designer with all
information necessary to fully evaluate the interaction between the LIM and the converter.
The converter designer shall also provide the LIM designer with the characteristics showing,
for example, the converter line-to-line output voltage (including the repetitive voltage peaks),
current, fundamental frequency, harmonics and power over the whole range of the application,
including operation at the maximum and minimum values of the contact-system voltage.
The documents recording this exchange of information shall form an integral part of the
specification of the LIM and of the converter.
NOTE 1 This requirement for the exchange of information is also included in IEC 61287-1.
NOTE 2 The length of cable run between LIM and converter and the effect on peak voltages seen at the LIM
terminals should be considered.
In addition, the designer of the primary of a LIM, the designer of the secondary, the fastening
device of the secondary, and the system integrator should coordinate all the necessary
technical items so that the LIM fulfills the requests described in this standard.
The designer of the primary of the LIM shall supply necessary technical information to the
designer of the secondary and fastening devices of the secondary, the system integrator, for
sufficient investigation on interaction between the primary and the secondary.
Also the designer of the secondary shall supply all the necessary technical information to the
primary and the fastening devices of the secondary and the system integrator.
Technical items transferred and requested between the manufacturer of the primary and his
counterparts are shown in Table 1. The documents recording this exchange of information
shall form an integral part of the specification of the LIM.

– 14 – 62520  IEC:2011
Table 1 – Technical items transferred and requested between the manufacturer of the
primary and his counterparts
Manufacturer
System
Manufacturer Manufacturer of secondary
Items
a
of primary of secondary  fastening
integrator
device
Nominal gap length
O O ■
LIM type
■  O  O
Technical data on primary
O ■  O  O
Technical data on secondary (type and
form including its base)
■  O  O
Dimension and material of conductor
Dimension and material of core
Maximum thrust
■  O  O  O
Maximum normal force
■  O  O  O
Distribution of the normal force ■  O  O O
Primary
■  O
Secondary
■  O
Maximum deflection
Secondary
■  O
fastening
device
Primary ■  O
Secondary  ■  O
Strength
Secondary
■  O
fastening
device
O  O  ■
Stress of support by secondary

fastening device
■ Primary information supplier.
O Information sharer.
a
System integrator may be either a system supplier or a transport authority.
5.2 Reference temperature
All characteristics, irrespective of the class of insulation used on the LIM to which they apply,
shall be drawn for a winding reference temperature of 150 °C which shall be stated in the
characteristics.
5.3 Specified characteristics
LIM specifications shall, as a general rule, include characteristic curves in accordance with
the relevant clauses of this standard. These curves, defined as the “specified characteristics”,
shall be plotted to the designed operating limits of each variable. Unless otherwise agreed
between user and manufacturer, the characteristics shall show the LIM performance at the
nominal voltage of the supply system as defined in Annex C, and shall be submitted to the
user before the order for the LIMs is placed.
5.4 Declared characteristics
Declared characteristics are derived from the results of type tests carried out in accordance
with 8.2.1 and shall meet the requirements of 8.2.2.

62520  IEC:2011 – 15 –
Unless previously agreed, the declared characteristics of LIMs electromagnetically identical
with any previously manufactured for the same user or application shall be those of the
existing LIMs, in which case, the compliance with the characteristics shall be demonstrated by
routine tests only.
5.5 Efficiency characteristics
Efficiency characteristics shall take into account losses arising from the harmonics in the
supply from the converter.
5.6 Traction motor characteristics
The specified and declared characteristics of a traction motor shall be for the converter-
supplied variable frequency characteristics, which show LIM line-to-line voltage, current,
frequency, slip frequency, mean thrust and efficiency as a function of speed over the whole
range of application of the LIM at the nominal gap length. Voltage curves shall show the root-
mean-square value of the fundamental component. Current curves shall show the root-mean-
square value of the fundamental component and the total root-mean-square value. For LIMs
used in the braking mode, similar characteristics shall be produced showing the thrust input
and the electrical output as a function of motor speed.
NOTE 1 The system integrator determines the nominal gap length considering tolerance of the attachment of
primary and secondary, abrasion of wheel and rail, the deflection of gap length according to vibration and shocks in
running.
NOTE 2 Subclause 5.1 refers to the need for the exchange of information between the designers of the LIM and
of the converter.
6 Marking
6.1 Primary nameplate
All LIM primaries covered by this standard shall carry a nameplate. The nameplate will include
at least the following information:
a) manufacturer’s name;
b) primary type designation;
c) primary serial number;
d) year of manufacture.
Furthermore, a serial number shall be punched on the primary of every LIM. Those LIMs
designed for unidirectional motion shall carry an arrow indicating the direction of motion.
NOTE 1 The primary serial number and direction arrow should be easily readable when the primary is installed in
the vehicle.
Terminal and lead markings shall be in accordance with IEC 60034-8 unless otherwise agreed.
If the standard direction is not easily determined by the appearance of the LIM, it shall be
indicated by the manufacturer.
NOTE 2 Example of marking for windings having 6 terminals:
– U1; U2; V1; V2; W1; W2.
6.2 Secondary marking
All LIM secondaries shall be permanently marked with an identification serial number. The
marking will be placed on both sides of the support frame and have the following information:
a) secondary type;
– 16 – 62520  IEC:2011
b) length;
c) manufacturer sequence number;
d) special features.
7 Test categories
7.1 Test categories
7.1.1 General
There are three categories of tests:
a) type tests;
b) routine tests;
c) investigation tests.
7.1.2 Type tests
7.1.2.1 General
Type tests are intended to prove the ratings, characteristics and performance of new types of
LIM. They shall be carried out as specified in Clause 8 and on one primary of the LIM of every
new design. Unless otherwise agreed, the LIM shall be one of the first ten manufactured.
Where there is a change in place and/or method of manufacture, requirements of 7.1.2.3
apply.
Before testing commences, the manufacturer shall provide the user with a test specification
outlining the tests to be undertaken to demonstrate compliance with this standard. Following
completion of the type tests, the manufacturer shall supply the user with a full test report.
7.1.2.2 Type tests on converter supply
If each LIM is fed by its own converter, the type test shall preferably be carried out using the
converter to be employed in service, but, as an alternative, a supply which closely resembles
the supply from the vehicle converter in the magnitude and harmonics may be employed.
If several LIMs are fed in parallel from a single converter, the type test shall be carried out on
a single primary of the LIM using a supply closely resembling the supply from the vehicle
converter in magnitude and harmonic content of the waveform.
7.1.2.3 Type tests on sinusoidal supply
This test is to provide a reference for the characteristics of a LIM.
The test shall include a temperature rise test at a rating determined by the manufacturer.
Voltage, frequency, thrust, ventilation and test duration can be at the manufacturer’s
discretion, but the duration of the test shall be at least 1 h and at values that do not over-
stress the LIM above those normally seen in service.
The test parameters shall be retained for any subsequent test on that design of LIM.
The temperature-rise measurements shall be carried out as detailed in 8.1.
7.1.2.4 Repeat type test
Subject to agreement, and to the results of both the type test on sinusoidal supply (refer to
7.1.2.3), and the routine test for the new LIM being within the tolerances established on the
previous LIM’s, a full type test is not required for the new LIM provided that the manufacturer

62520  IEC:2011 – 17 –
has produced a full type test report for a previous LIM of the same electromagnetic design at
the same or higher rating. This also applies to repeat orders, and where there is a change of
place and/or method of manufacture.
7.1.3 Routine tests
Routine tests are intended to demonstrate that the primary of a LIM has been assembled
correctly, is able to withstand the appropriate dielectric tests and is in sound working order
both mechanically and electrically. The tests listed in Table 2 shall be carried out on all LIM
primaries.
The routine test on the secondary will demonstrate that the secondary conforms to the design
configuration, meets the dimensional tolerances and other specific requirements agreed in
advance by the user and manufacturer. The routine tests for the secondary are listed in Table
3. The test quantities for the secondary may be agreed between the user and manufacturer.
The routine tests specified in Clause 9 shall normally be carried out on all LIMs but, before
placing an order, the user and manufacturer may agree to adopt an alternative test procedure
(e.g. in the case of LIMs produced in large quantities under a strict quality assurance
procedure). This may permit reduced routine testing of all LIMs or may require the full tests
on a proportion of LIMs chosen at random from those produced on the order. Any such
agreement shall require the dielectric tests specified in 9.1.3 to be carried out on all LIMs.
7.1.4 Investigation tests
Investigation tests are optional special tests performed to obtain additional information. They
shall be carried out only if agreement between user and manufacturer has been reached
before placing the order for manufacture of the LIMs. The results of these tests shall not
influence acceptance of LIMs.
7.2 Summary of tests
Tables 2 and 3 list the tests required for compliance with this standard.
a
Table 2 – Summary of tests for the primary
Test category
Type Routine Investigation
Temperature rise 8.1 ― ―
b
Short-time thermal test /heat run 7.1.2.3 ―
9.1.1
Characteristics 8.2 9.1.2 ―
Dielectric ― 9.1.3 ―
Shock and vibration 8.3 ― ―
Structural tests ― 9.1.4 ―
Noise ― ― 10.2
a
All primaries, including those type tested, shall be routine tested.
b
Optional tests are subject to agreement between user and manufacturer.

– 18 – 62520  IEC:2011
Table 3 – Summary of tests for secondary
Test item Type test Routine test Investigation test
Dimension test ― 9.2.1 ―
Chemical composition test ― 9.2.2 ―
Tension test ― 9.2.3 ―
Bending test ― 9.2.4 ―
Shear test ― 9.2.5 ―
Ultrasonic flaw detection ― 9.2.6 ―
Friction test ― 9.2.7 ―
Electrical conductivity test ― 9.2.8 ―

8 Type tests
8.1 Temperature-rise tests
8.1.1 General
The tests shall be carried out at the guaranteed ratings of the primary.
In the case of continuous rating tests of primary current and frequency, the time to reach a
steady temperature may be shortened by commencing the test at an increased load
...