Railway applications - Current collection systems - Technical criteria for the interaction between pantograph and overhead line (to achieve free access)

IEC 62486:2010 defines parameters for interoperability in the field of interaction between the pantograph and the overhead contact line. Specifies the interface requirements of rolling stock and infrastructure to achieve free access. Also describes parameters and values for all planned lines and future lines.

Applications ferroviaires - Systèmes de captage de courant - Critères techniques d'interaction entre le pantographe et la ligne aérienne de contact (réalisation du libre accès)

La CEI 62486:2010 définit les paramètres pour l'interopérabilité dans le domaine d'interaction entre le pantographe et la ligne aérienne de contact. Spécifie les exigences d'interface du matériel roulant et de l'infrastructure pour réaliser le libre accès. Décrit aussi des paramètres et les valeurs pour toutes les lignes en projet et futures lignes.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
27-Jul-2010
Current Stage
DELPUB - Deleted Publication
Start Date
10-Aug-2017
Completion Date
26-Oct-2025
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Standard
IEC 62486:2010 - Railway applications - Current collection systems - Technical criteria for the interaction between pantograph and overhead line (to achieve free access) Released:7/28/2010
English and French language
74 pages
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IEC 62486 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Railway applications – Current collection systems – Technical criteria for the
interaction between pantograph and overhead line (to achieve free access)

Applications ferroviaires – Systèmes de captage de courant – Critères
techniques d'interaction entre le pantographe et la ligne aérienne de contact
(réalisation du libre accès)
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IEC 62486 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Railway applications – Current collection systems – Technical criteria for the
interaction between pantograph and overhead line (to achieve free access)

Applications ferroviaires – Systèmes de captage de courant – Critères
techniques d'interaction entre le pantographe et la ligne aérienne de contact
(réalisation du libre accès)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
W
CODE PRIX
ICS 45.060 ISBN 978-2-88912-064-2
– 2 – 62486 © IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4
1 Scope.6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .6
4 Symbols and abbreviations.9
5 Geometry .9
5.1 General .9
5.2 Overhead contact line characteristics .9
5.3 Pantograph characteristics .11
6 Material interfaces.12
6.1 General .12
6.2 Contact wire .12
6.3 Contact strips .12
7 Interaction performance.13
7.1 General .13
7.2 Current capacity .13
7.3 Interaction dynamic performance.14
Annex A (normative) Special requirements .17
Annex B (normative) Special national conditions.25
Annex C (informative) Materials for contact strips .35
Bibliography.36

Figure A.1 – Symbol visualisation .17
Figure A.2 – Short neutral section.18
Figure A.3 – Long neutral section .18
Figure A.4 – Neutral section with insulators .18
Figure A.5 – Split neutral section .19
Figure A.6 – Arrangement of pantographs on trains .19
Figure A.7 – Standard profile of pantograph head .20
Figure A.8 – Space for passage of pantograph heads on interoperable lines.22
Figure A.9 – Space for passage of pantograph heads and pantograph gauge (JP).23
Figure B.1a – Mean contact force F (+ 10 %) depending on running speeds for FR
m
(see Table B.5) .29
Figure B.1b – Mean contact force F (–10 %) depending on running speeds CH, DE
m
(see Table B.5) .30
Figure B.2 – Pantograph head with length of 1 450 mm .30
Figure B.3 – Pantograph head with length of 1 950 mm (Type 1) .31
Figure B.4 – Pantograph head with length of 1 600 mm (GB, CTRL) .31
Figure B.5 – Pantograph head with length of 1 950 mm (Type 2) .32
Figure B.6 – Pantograph head with length of 1 800 mm (NO, SE) .32
Figure B.7 – Pantograph head with length of 1 600 mm (GB) .33
Figure B.8 – Pantograph head with length of 1 950 mm (PL).34
Figure B.9 – Pantograph head with length of 1 760 mm to 1 880 mm (JP).34

62486 © IEC:2010 – 3 –
Table 1 – Overhead contact line characteristics for a.c. and d.c. systems .10
Table 2 – Pantograph characteristics for a.c. and d.c. systems .12
Table 3 – Maximum current at standstill.14
Table 4 – Values for interaction performance .15
Table 5 – Values for interaction performance (arcs) .15
Table A.1 – Dimensions for dynamic envelope for pantograph passage for high-speed
lines (examples, track radius more than 3 000 m) .22
Table B.1 – Overhead contact line characteristics for a.c. systems .25
Table B.2 – Overhead contact line characteristics for d.c. systems .25
Table B.3 – Rolling stock characteristics for a.c. systems .26
Table B.4 – Rolling stock characteristics for d.c. systems .27
Table B.5 – Interaction performance for a.c. systems.28
Table B.6 – Interaction performance for d.c. systems.29
Table C.1 – Contact strip material normally used .35
Table C.2 – Results of investigation about use of alternative materials (excerpt from
ERRI A 186) .35

– 4 – 62486 © IEC:2010
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS –
CURRENT COLLECTION SYSTEMS –
TECHNICAL CRITERIA FOR THE INTERACTION
BETWEEN PANTOGRAPH AND OVERHEAD LINE
(TO ACHIEVE FREE ACCESS)
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
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
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with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
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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 62486 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 9: Electrical
equipment and systems for railways.
This standard is based on EN 50367.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
9/1396/FDIS 9/1433/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.

62486 © IEC:2010 – 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.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – 62486 © IEC:2010
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS –
CURRENT COLLECTION SYSTEMS –
TECHNICAL CRITERIA FOR THE INTERACTION
BETWEEN PANTOGRAPH AND OVERHEAD LINE
(TO ACHIEVE FREE ACCESS)
1 Scope
Combination of different overhead contact lines and pantographs will provide various
interaction performances.
This International Standard defines parameters for interoperability in the field of interaction
between the pantograph and the overhead contact line. The standard specifies the interface
requirements of rolling stock and infrastructure to achieve free access.
This standard describes parameters and values for all planned lines and future lines.
Annex B gives some essential parameters for existing lines.
The energy supply system is not covered by this standard.
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 60494-1:2002, Railway applications – Rolling stock – Pantographs – Characteristics and
tests – Part 1: Pantographs for mainline vehicles
IEC 62313:2009, Railway applications – Power supply and rolling stock – Technical criteria for
the coordination between power supply (substation) and rolling stock
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:
3.1
maximum collected current
highest value of current that is collected by a pantograph from an overhead contact line
3.2
contact force
vertical force applied by the pantograph to the overhead contact line. The contact force is the
sum of forces for all contact points of one pantograph
3.3
static contact force
mean vertical force exerted upwards by the pantograph head on the overhead contact line,
and caused by the pantograph-raising device, whilst the pantograph is raised and the vehicle
is at standstill
62486 © IEC:2010 – 7 –
3.4
mean contact force
statistical mean value of the contact force
3.5
maximum contact force
maximum value of the contact force
3.6
minimum contact force
minimum value of the contact force
3.7
overhead contact line
contact line placed above (or beside) the upper limit of the vehicle gauge and supplying
vehicles with electric energy through roof-mounted current collection equipment
[IEV 811-33-02]
3.8
neutral section
section of a contact line provided with a sectioning point at each end to prevent successive
electrical sections, differing in voltage, phase or frequency being connected together by the
passage of current collectors
[IEV 811-36-16, modified]
3.9
nominal voltage
voltage by which an installation or part of an installation is designated
[IEC 60850]
3.10
contact wire height
distance from the top of the rail to the lower face of the contact wire, measured perpendicular
to the track
[EN 50119]
3.11
minimum contact wire height
minimum value of the contact wire height occurring in any possible case during the lifetime of
the overhead contact line
3.12
nominal contact wire height
nominal value of the contact wire height at a support in the normal conditions
[EN 50119]
3.13
maximum contact wire height
maximum value of the contact wire height occurring in any possible case during the lifetime of
the overhead contact line
3.14
automatic dropping device
device that lowers the pantograph in the event of pantograph head failure or damage of the
pantograph head
– 8 – 62486 © IEC:2010
[IEC 60494-1]
3.15
arcing
flow of current through an air gap between a contact strip and a contact wire usually indicated
by the emission of intense light
3.16
percentage of arcing
this is given by the following formula:
t
arc

NQ = × 100
t
total
where
t is the duration of an arc lasting longer than 5 ms;
arc
t is the measuring time with a current greater than 30 % of the nominal current.
total
The result, given in per cent, is a characteristic for a given speed of the vehicle
3.17
maximum width
maximum distance measured along the axis of the track between the outer edges of the
contact strips
3.18
kinematics envelope
maximum envelope of the pantograph head under all operating conditions
3.19
skew of pantograph head
vertical distance between the highest point of the pantograph head and the contact point
3.20
percentage of all arcing
this is given by the following formula:
t
∑ arc
AQ = × 100
t
total
where
t is the duration of an arc measured with visible light of arcing;
arc
t is the measuring time with a current greater than 30 % of the nominal current.
total
The result, given in per cent, is a characteristic for a given speed of the vehicle
3.21
percentage of contact loss
this is given by the following formula:
t
∑ cl
CQ = × 100
t
total
where
62486 © IEC:2010 – 9 –
t is the duration of contact loss (e.g. measurement with waveform of collected current of
cl
pantograph which is connected with another pantograph);
t is the measuring time with a current greater than 30 % of the nominal current.
total
The result, given in per cent, is a characteristic for a given speed of the vehicle
4 Symbols and abbreviations
C length of common part
D overall length of neutral section
D’ length of neutral zone
D length of insulator inserted in the contact wire
F mean contact force
m
F maximum contact force
max
F minimum contact force
min
GC gauge C according UIC leaflet 506
L distance between closest pantographs
L’ distance covered by farthest pantographs
L” distance between 3 consecutive pantographs
l maximum width
NQ percentage of arcing
AQ percentage of all arcing
CQ percentage of contact loss
σ maximum standard deviation of contact force
max
5 Geometry
5.1 General
The infrastructure manager shall ensure that the values for the geometric characteristics of
the overhead contact line are as shown in Table 1 and Table 2.
The pantographs of the train shall fulfil the geometric characteristics as shown in Table 4,
according to the type of infrastructure on which it will circulate under the rules of free access.
5.2 Overhead contact line characteristics
For free access, the parametric requirements to achieve interaction that are dependent on the
geometry of the overhead contact line are as follows:
– contact wire height;
– gauge;
– permissible contact wire gradient;
– permissible lateral deflection of the contact wire under action of cross wind;
– contact wire uplift at the support;
– neutral section.
Newly built high-speed lines shall allow the circulation of vehicles complying with GC as
defined in UIC leaflet 506. For line speed more than 250 km/h, the contact wire height shall
not exceed a certain limit for aerodynamic reasons, which excludes gauges higher than GC
(as for piggyback services). The requirements for the contact wire uplift at the support are

– 10 – 62486 © IEC:2010
defined in 5.2.1.3 of EN 50119:2001 in Europe. The permissible contact wire gradient is
defined in 5.2.8.2 of EN 50119:2001 in Europe. The wind speed to be considered will be
defined by the infrastructure manager.
The functional requirements of neutral sections are defined as follows:
– trains shall be able to move from one section to an adjacent one (which is fed from a
different phase or system) without bridging the neutral section;
– the neutral section shall be designed in such a way that trains with several pantographs at
an overall distance of maximum 400 m can cross with their pantographs up;
– power consumption of the train shall be brought to zero, except in case of changeover
section, when entering the phase separation section. See also IEC 62313;
– the infrastructure manager shall provide adequate means to allow a train that stops
underneath the neutral section to restart. See also IEC 62313;
– in the case of trains with several pantographs, the pantographs shall be lowered for the
entire length of the neutral section if some of the above requirements cannot be met.
Technical or operational measures shall be taken to meet safety and availability
requirements.
For compatibility between neutral sections and pantograph arrangements, see 5.2 and Clause
A.1.
Range of nominal contact wire height shall be in accordance with Table 1.
Minimum contact wire height shall be calculated in accordance with 5.10.4 of EN 50119:2001
in Europe.
Table 1 – Overhead contact line characteristics for a.c. and d.c. systems
Dimensions in metres
Line speed
v ≤ 200 200 < v < 250 v ≥ 250
(km/h)
Range of nominal contact wire height 5,0 up to 5,75 5,0 up to 5,5 5,00 up to 5,3

Maximum contact wire height a.c. 6,2 6,0 5,5
Maximum contact wire height d.c 6,2 6,2 5,3

The wind speed and the pantograph length to be considered will be defined by the
infrastructure manager.
Maximum lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line under action of a
cross wind is calculated for pantographs 1 450 mm, 1 600 mm.
The permissible contact wire deviation under the action of a cross wind shall be calculated for
contact wire heights above 5300 mm and/or on curved track. It shall be calculated using the
half-width of the dynamic envelope of the pantograph passage, L . L shall be calculated in
2 2
accordance with Clause A.3.
The smaller value of either 0,4 m or (1,4 – L ) m for 1 600 mm pantograph.
The smaller value of either 0,55 m or (1,7 – L ) m for 1 950 mm pantograph.
The overhead contact line shall conform to EN 50119 in Europe.

62486 © IEC:2010 – 11 –
5.3 Pantograph characteristics
The geometry of the pantograph is characterised by the following major interaction
parameters (see Table 2):
• geometric profile of pantograph head;
• range of working height;
• length of contact strips;
• maximum width;
• skew of pantograph head.
For a current collection without interruption, functional requirements are described in this
clause. These requirements are related to the geometric profile of the pantograph head and to
the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle (i.e. kinematics envelope) and ensure that at least one
contact wire is always inside the conducting range of the pantograph head (including all
tolerances).
The permissible value for the skew of the pantograph head is 60 mm.
The maximum lateral deviation of the pantograph head is specified in Clause A.3.
Additional characteristics, related to the train, shall also be implemented as follows:
• automatic dropping device;
• minimum and maximum spacing between two operating pantographs;
• an electrical connection between operating pantographs in a.c. systems shall not be used
(except in case of changeover section);
• lowering times under normal conditions. From the moment of initiation, the pantograph
shall lower to the minimum voltage insulating distance in less than 3 s. The pantograph
shall lower to the housed position in less than 10 s.
NOTE 1 The limits for maximum width are important for the correct operation of sectioning devices. The limits for
distances between operating pantographs are important for the correct operation of neutral sections. See Clause
A.1.
NOTE 2 For d.c. systems, when an electrical connection between operating pantographs exists, a device to
interrupt this connection should be provided.
The design of the pantograph shall ensure performance in accordance with Clause 7 for the
speed range and a contact wire height according to Table 1. The maximum value of working
height shall be the value which has sufficient margin to infrastructure.
For compatibility between pantographs arrangement and neutral sections, see Clause A.1.

– 12 – 62486 © IEC:2010
Table 2 – Pantograph characteristics for a.c. and d.c. systems
Line speed v ≤ 160 v ≥ 250
(km/h)
Category
a
Profile of pantograph head See Clause A.2
b
Maximum width (m) 0,65
c
Automatic dropping device Necessary
Minimum and maximum spacing between two operating pantographs See Clause A.1
(m)
Skew of pantograph head (mm) 60
Maximum lateral deviation of the pantograph head See Clause A.3
a
See Figures B.2 to B.8 for the national profiles for existing lines.
b
Maximum width, see Clause A.1.
c
If do not use recommended contact strips – to be discussed by infrastructure manager.

The pantograph shall conform to IEC 60494-1.
6 Material interfaces
6.1 General
The wear of contact wire and contact strips as well as the permissible current at the contact
point depend significantly on the materials of these two components. In order to achieve a
satisfactory performance, the characteristics of contact wire and contact strips shall be in
accordance with 6.1 and 6.2.
6.2 Contact wire
The contact wire shall comply with the requirements of EN 50149 in Europe and shall be used
in accordance with EN 50119 in Europe.
Permissible materials of contact wire are copper and copper-alloy.
NOTE If other materials are used, it is recommended to furnish proof that the characteristics are equal to or better
than the characteristics of the permitted materials.
6.3 Contact strips
The contact strips shall comply with the requirements of IEC 60494-1. The type of contact
strip used shall be in accordance with the following properties:
– current capacity;
– contact force;
– contact strip material.
The material of the contact strips shall be subject to acceptance by the infrastructure manager.
Recommended material for the contact strips is plain carbon, if necessary impregnated with
added material.
For the use of other materials, it is necessary to furnish proof that the characteristics are
equal to or better than the characteristics of the recommended materials.
NOTE 1 Other commonly used materials for contact strips are

62486 © IEC:2010 – 13 –
– copper-steel, copper alloy, copper,
– copper-clad carbon,
– sintered material.
The operation with different contact strip material on the infrastructure network (see Table C.1)
shall be based on an agreement between infrastructure manager and transport company.
NOTE 2 If mixed materials for contact strips in the networks are used, the wear of contact strips and/or contact
wire could increase. For the results of investigation, see Table C.2.
The contact strips material shall conform to EN 50405 in Europe.
For additional tests for d.c.-systems, see Clause A.4.
7 Interaction performance
7.1 General
The performance of the overhead contact line and pantograph interface shall be subject to
approval by the infrastructure manager.
7.2 Current capacity
The current in the overhead contact line depends on speed, train weight, distance between
trains, line gradient, overhead contact line construction. The properties of pantograph and
contact wire shall be such that overheating does not occur.
The maximum current depends on the following parameters:
– number and material of contact wires;
– number and material of contact strips;
– actual contact forces at the contact point;
– train speed;
– environmental conditions.
The current demand of the train shall comply with the working limits of the overhead contact
line. See IEC 62313.
The static contact force should be adjustable for safe current collection at standstill.
+ 20 N + 20 N
A static contact force at standstill of 70 N for a.c. systems and 90 N for d.c.
− 10 N − 20 N
+ 10 N
systems 1,5 kV and 110 N for 3 kV shall be used.
− 20 N
For some d.c. systems, it may be necessary to use a static contact force around 140 N to
improve the contact of carbon collector strips with the contact wire to avoid a hazardous
heating of the contact wire when the train is at standstill with its auxiliaries working.
The maximum current at standstill shall be specified according to the auxiliary load, if not
values given Table 3 shall applied.

– 14 – 62486 © IEC:2010
Table 3 – Maximum current at standstill
Category AC  DC
1,5 kV 3 kV
a
Maximum current at standstill per pantograph (A) 80 300 200
a
In the case using carbon contact strips, consideration is required.
7.3 Interaction dynamic performance
Safety and performance of train operation, wear of the contact strips and contact wire are
influenced by the dynamic interaction between the pantograph and the overhead contact line.
The dynamic behaviour depends on the characteristics of the pantograph and overhead
contact line and the operating conditions. The principal operating conditions to be considered
are the train speed, the number, the distance and the position of the pantographs.
The acceptable number of pantographs and their minimum spacing are limited by the dynamic
performance of pantograph and overhead contact line.
For the safe operation of the system, the necessary space for contact wire uplift at the
support is required in accordance with 5.2.1.2 of EN 50119 in Europe.
Good quality dynamic interaction performance with minimum wear is assured by consideration
of quality of current collection. This can be evaluated by
– F ; σ,
m
– percentage of arcing (NQ).
The infrastructure manager shall decide which measurement system will be used. The
acceptance criteria are considered to be met, if F ; σ or percentage of arcing and uplift at the
m
support is fulfilled.
The values shall be measured in accordance with EN 50317 taking the weather conditions
into account in Europe.
For the qualification of the performance with more than one pantograph, the pantograph which
shows the most critical values shall be considered. The worst performing pantograph should
be determined by simulation in accordance with EN 50318 in Europe or testing in accordance
with EN 50317 in Europe.
In Table 4 values for interaction performance are shown. These values shall be respected for
any pantograph also in the case of trains with multiple pantographs simultaneously in
operation.
62486 © IEC:2010 – 15 –
Table 4 – Values for interaction performance
Requirements v ≤ 200 v ≥ 200 v ≤ 200 v < 250 DC
AC AC DC 3 kV
v ≤ 200
DC 1,5 kV
b 2
F (N) 60 < F < 0,00047 70 < F < 0,00097 × v
F ≤ 0,00097 F ≤ 0,00097
m m m
m m
× v + 90 [N] + 110 [N]
× v + 110 [N]
× v + 70 [N]
b
70 < F < 0,000228 × v
m
+ 140 [N]
σ 0,3 F 0,3 F
(N)
max m m
at maximum speed
a
Space for free and See 5.2.1.3 of EN 50119
unrestricted uplift of
the contact wire
For lines with extremely heavy passage of pantographs it is possible to use the parameter stress of the contact
wire. The value shall be not more than the value at which fatigue breakdown of the contact wire is assumed with
respect to the expected number of passage of pantographs.
NOTE If simulation will be used, they are referred to in EN 50318 in Europe.
a
For JP, the uplift of the contact wire by the passing of pantograph should be under 2/3 of the free space for the
uplift.
b
For JP minimum is 55 N.
Table 5 – Values for interaction performance (arcs)
Requirements
for v ≤ 160 km/h for 160 < v ≤ 250 km/h v > 250 km/h
≤ 0,1 for AC
Percentage of arcing at maximum line
systems ≤ 0,1 for AC systems a
b ≤ 0,2 for AC
speed, NQ (%) (minimum duration of arc
systems
≤ 0,1 for DC ≤ 0,2 for DC systems
5 ms)
systems
c
AQ (%)
(by detecting an arc with visible light) 5 5 5
d
CQ (%)
(based on the waveform of collected 30 30 30
current)
a
If, in the event of a failure of the normal operating pantograph, continued operation at normal speed using the
backup pantograph is required, the value of NQ shall be not more than 0,5. If operation at normal speed is not
required, the train shall operate at such a speed that maintains the normal value of NQ.
b
Measurement of an arc with UV light shall be conducted under weather conditions free from frost, ice, snow
and heavy rainfall. If NQ does not meet the acceptance criteria because of local irregularity, it may be accepted
based on an agreement between the infrastructure manager and operation manager.
c
Measurement of an arc with visible light shall be conducted at night or in a tunnel under weather conditions
free from frost, ice, snow and heavy rainfall. AQ measured in a place where a light source other than arc exists
shall not be subject to evaluation. If AQ does not meet the acceptance criteria because of local irregularity, it
may be accepted based on an agreement between the infrastructure manager and operation manager.
d
Measurement of CQ using the waveform of collected current shall be applied only when the pantographs are
equipped with metal contact strips and also electrically connected. If CQ does not meet the acceptance criteria
because of local irregularity, it may be accepted based on an agreement between the infrastructure manager
and operation manager. If for inevitable reason this method is applied to pantographs with carbon contact
strips, criteria shall be based on an agreement between the infrastructure manager and operation manager,
because CQ may be overevaluated.

– 16 – 62486 © IEC:2010
F represents a target value which should be achieved to ensure on the one hand a current
m
collection without undue arcing and which should not be exceeded and on the other hand to
limit wear and damage to contact strips.
F for any pantograph shall be lower than or equal to the value given by the curve, knowing
m
that for each pantograph, the criteria for current collection quality shall be fulfilled.
F for the existing a.c. lines is given in Table B.5, Figures B.1a and B.1b.
m
F for the existing d.c. lines is given in Table B.6.
m
62486 © IEC:2010 – 17 –
Annex A
(normative)
Special requirements
A.1 Neutral sections
A.1.1 General
The type of different source sections shall conform to IEC 62313.
The following arrangements (Figures A.2 to A.5) shall be employed to ensure interoperability
between pantographs and neutral sections.
The symbols used are the following and are shown in Figure A.1 and Figure A.4.
C length of the overlapping zone
D overall length of neutral section
D’ length of neutral zone
d length of insulator inserted in contact wire
L distance between closest pantographs
L’ distance covered by farthest pantographs
L” distance between 3 consecutive pantographs
l maximum width of pantograph head

Isolation distances and rolling stock tolerances shall be considered.

Phase/system 1 Phase/system 2
C D′ C
D
L′
L″
l
L
IEC  1706/10
Figure A.1 – Symbol visualisation

– 18 – 62486 © IEC:2010
A.1.2 Short neutral section
Phase/system 1 Phase/system 2
D
L
IEC  1707/10
Conditions: L > D
Figure A.2 – Short neutral section
A.1.3 Long neutral section
Phase/system 1 Phase/system 2
D′
L′
IEC  1708/10
Conditions: L’ < 400 m
D’ > 402 m
Figure A.3 – Long neutral section
NOTE In case of the arrangement according to Figure A.3 the neutral section is longer than the distance between
the farthest pantographs in operation on an interoperable train which is 400 m.
A.1.4 Neutral section with insulators
Phase/system 1 Phase/system 2
d d
l
IEC  1709/10
Conditions: d > l
Figure A.4 – Neutral section with insulators

62486 © IEC:2010 – 19 –
A.1.5 Split neutral section
Phase/system 2
Phase/system 1
D′ D′
C 1 2 C
D
L′
L″
L l
IEC  1710/10
Conditions: L’ > D + 2 l D < 142 m
L + 2 l < D’ L” > 143 m
L + 2 l < D’
Figure A.5 – Split neutral section
NOTE In case of the arrangement according to Figure A.5, the overall length of the neutral section (D) is shorter
than the spacing between three consecutive pantographs which is more than 143 m (L”).
A.1.6 Arrangement of pantograph on trains
To negotiate the specified types of phase separation sections, the maximum spacing of
pantographs within a train shall be 400 m. In addition, the span covering three consecutive
pantographs shall be greater than 143 m. The intermediate pantograph may be arranged at
any position within this span. Depending on the minimum spacing between two adjacent
operating pantographs, the infrastructure manager shall state the maximum operating train
speed. No electrical connection may exist between pantographs in service. Figure A.6 shows
the pantograph arrangement.
L
L
L
Train Train
IEC  1711/10
Figure A.6 – Arrangement of pantographs on trains
Figure A.6 shows the arrangement of pantographs which is compatible with the solutions
shown in Figures A.3 and A.5.
For the solutions shown in Figures A.2 and A.4, the pantograph arrangement shall be agreed
with the infrastructure manager.

– 20 – 62486 © IEC:2010
Conditions: L’ = L < 400 m
L” = L > 143 m
A.2 Standard profile for pantograph head
∼30°30°30°
R 400
R 150
-2-2,,55 0 480
–2,5
-5-5 0
33 1 200
–5
16016000-1-100
4 1 600
44 –10
IEC  1712/10
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
c Horn made of insulating material (projected length 200 mm)
d Minimum length of the contact strip
e Conducting range of collector head
f Collector head length
Figure A.7 – Standard profile of pantograph head
A.3 Kinematics envelope for the passing of pantograph head
Figure A.8 shows the dimensions for the space necessary for passing of interoperable
pantographs on TSI compliant lines. In addition to this space the infrastructure manager shall
take account of the space necessary for installation of the contact line itself and the
necessary safety clearances. The space depends on the design of individual contact line and
the corresponding voltage.
In Figure A.8 the width b refers to the contact wire height of 5,0 m while b depends on the
1 2
contact wire height as applicable for a specific line. S is the provision for uplift according to
Table 4.
The value b is obtained according to EN 15273:2008
b = b /2 + l/2 – 0,77755 + 0,04 × H + 0,15 × H × C – 0,075 × C + 2,5/R,
2 w
for high speed lines (b = 1,6; l =1,450):
w
RR == 115500
RR == 44 00
+5+5
+5-5-5
–5
R =R = 1 100 0 00000
R 10 000
62486 © IEC:2010 – 21 –
b = 0,74745 + 0,04 × H + 0,15 × H × C – 0,075 × C + 2,5/R;
For conventional lines (b = 1,45;1,6;1,95; l =1,470):
w
b = b /2 – 0,04255 + 0,04 × H + 0,15 × H × C – 0,075 × C + 2,5/R.
2 w
All values are measured in metres.
Behaviour caused by the vehicle itself:
a) pantograph head length: b
w
b) Dynamic displacement caused by the behaviour of the reference vehicle
(EN 15273-1 Annex H2):
e = e +()H − 5 × 0,04, e = 0,11m, e = 0,17 m
p pu pu po
Behaviour of the vehicle caused by the parameters of the lin
...

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