IEC 60913:2024

Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction overhead contact line systems

IEC 60913:2024 specifies the requirements and tests for the design of overhead contact line systems, requirements for structures and their structural calculations and verifications as well as the requirements and tests for the design of assemblies and individual parts. This document is applicable to electric traction overhead contact line systems in heavy railways, light railways, for trolley bus lines, electric road systems (Annex E) and industrial railways of public and private operators. This document is applicable to new installations of overhead contact line systems and for the complete renewal of existing overhead contact line systems. The European standard EN 50119 has served as a basis for the elaboration of this document. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) title modified;
b) requirements for urban rail systems are included;
c) requirements for rigid overhead contact line (ROCL) are included;
d) additional definitions for new terms are included (Clause 3);
e) clearances and geometry of overhead contact line are improved (Clause 5);
f) urban aspects are added, for example wall anchors (Clause 6);
g) requirements for monitoring devices, automatic earthing and short-circuiting equipment are included (Clause 7);
h) requirements for overhead contact line for electric vehicles with pantograph on electrified roads are added (Annex E)
i) improvements on the basis of EN 50119:2020 and the questionnaire 9/2619A/Q

Applications ferroviaires - Installations fixes - Systèmes de lignes aériennes de contact pour la traction électrique

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Apr-2024
• ICS: 45.060.01 - Railway rolling stock in general
• Technical Committee: TC 9 - Electrical equipment and systems for railways
• Drafting Committee: MT 60913 - TC 9/MT 60913
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 08-Apr-2024
• Completion Date: 15-Mar-2024

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60913:2013 - Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction overhead contact lines
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview - IEC 60913:2024 (Railway applications - Electric traction overhead contact line systems)

IEC 60913:2024 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that specifies requirements and tests for the design, structural verification and component design of electric traction overhead contact line systems. Edition 3.0 (2024) applies to new installations and full renewals for heavy and light railways, urban rail, trolleybus lines, industrial railways and includes provisions for electric road systems (Annex E). This edition builds on EN 50119 and adds urban and rigid overhead contact line (ROCL) requirements, improved geometry and monitoring provisions.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers design, testing and verification across electrical, mechanical and structural domains. Key technical topics include:

• Scope and definitions (Clause 3): extended terminology for modern overhead contact line systems including ROCL and urban systems.
• Fundamental design data: line characteristics, electrical power system design, vehicle and current collector parameters.
• System requirements (Clause 5): clearances, geometry of overhead contact lines, contact wire elasticity, vertical movement of contact point, wave propagation velocity, current collection quality, fatigue and mechanical loading.
• Structures and foundations (Clause 6): structural calculations, load cases (wind, ice, temperature, accidental/construction loads), reliability levels, wall anchors and foundation verification.
• Assemblies and component tests (Clause 7): requirements for contact wire, catenary, tensioning devices, monitoring devices, automatic earthing and short‑circuiting equipment.
• Urban rail and trolleybus specifics: added urban aspects such as wall anchors and arrangements above turnouts and crossings.
• New additions: rigid overhead contact line (ROCL) provisions and requirements for pantograph contact on electrified roads (Annex E).

Practical applications

IEC 60913:2024 is used to:

• Specify technical requirements for design and procurement of overhead contact line (OCL) and catenary systems.
• Prepare structural calculations, component tests and verification documentation for installation and renewal projects.
• Define installation, maintenance and safety measures for pantograph current collection and automatic earthing/short‑circuiting systems.
• Support interoperability and asset lifecycle planning for railway and urban electrification projects.

Who should use this standard

• Railway infrastructure designers and electrical/mechanical engineers
• Asset owners, system integrators and operators (heavy rail, light rail, tram, trolleybus)
• Contractors and manufacturers of contact wire, catenary and ROCL components
• Certification bodies and maintenance planners

Related standards

• EN 50119:2020 - served as a basis for this edition of IEC 60913.
• Other IEC and national standards for traction power and electrical safety may be referenced for complementary requirements.

Using IEC 60913:2024 helps ensure safe, interoperable and durable overhead contact line systems for a wide range of electric traction and electrified road applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60913 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electric traction overhead contact
lines systems
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: [phone]
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Switzerland
About the IEC
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IEC 60913 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electric traction overhead contact
lines systems
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 45.060.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-8244-1
– 2 – IEC 60913:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 9
1 Scope . 11
2 Normative references . 11
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms . 14
3.1 Terms and definition . 14
3.1.1 Systems . 14
3.1.2 Conductors . 18
3.1.3 Return circuit . 19
3.1.4 Electrical . 20
3.1.5 Geometrical . 21
3.1.6 Structures . 23
3.1.7 Foundations . 24
3.1.8 Current collectors . 24
3.1.9 Current collection . 25
3.1.10 Testing . 25
3.1.11 Miscellaneous . 26
3.2 Symbols . 26
3.3 Abbreviated terms . 29
4 Fundamental design data . 29
4.1 General . 29
4.2 Line characteristics . 29
4.3 Electrical power system design . 30
4.4 Vehicle characteristics . 30
4.5 Current collectors . 30
4.6 Environmental conditions . 31
4.7 Design life. 31
5 System requirements . 31
5.1 Design of electrical system . 31
5.1.1 General . 31
5.1.2 Temperature rise in conductors . 31
5.1.3 Clearances between live parts of contact lines and earth . 33
5.1.4 Clearances between adjacent live AC contact lines of differing voltage
phases. 35
5.2 Design of overhead contact line for current collection systems . 36
5.2.1 General . 36
5.2.2 Elasticity and its variation . 37
5.2.3 Vertical movement of contact point . 37
5.2.4 Calculated wave propagation velocity . 37
5.2.5 Quality of current collection . 38
5.2.6 Fatigue of contact wire . 40
5.3 Mechanical design of contact wire loads . 40
5.3.1 Permissible tensile stress σ . 40
w
5.3.2 Maximum temperature K . 40
temp
5.3.3 Allowable wear K . 41
wear
5.3.4 Wind loads K . 41
wind
5.3.5 Ice loads K . 41
ice
5.3.6 Efficiency of tensioning devices K . 41
eff
5.3.7 Termination fittings K . 42
clamp
5.3.8 Joints K . 42
joint
5.4 Mechanical design of catenary wire loads . 42
5.4.1 Permissible tensile loading F . 42
w
5.4.2 Maximum temperature K . 42
temp
5.4.3 Wind loads K . 43
wind
5.4.4 Ice loads K . 43
ice
5.4.5 Efficiency and accuracy of tensioning device K . 44
eff
5.4.6 Termination fittings K . 44
clamp
5.4.7 Additional vertical load K . 44
load
5.5 Mechanical design of other stranded conductors . 44
5.6 Mechanical design of solid wires . 44
5.7 Mechanical design of ropes of non-conducting materials . 44
5.7.1 General . 44
5.7.2 Permissible tensile loading F . 44
w
5.7.3 Wind loads K . 45
wind
5.7.4 Ice loads K . 45
ice
5.7.5 Termination clamps K . 45
clamp
5.7.6 Vertical loads K . 45
load
5.7.7 Minimum bending radius K . 45
radius
5.8 Suspension systems . 45
5.9 Tensioning device for flexible overhead contact lines . 46
5.10 Geometry of overhead equipment . 46
5.10.1 Lateral deviation of contact wire . 46
5.10.2 Uplift . 47
5.10.3 Variation in contact wire height . 47
5.10.4 Contact wire height . 48
5.10.5 Tolerances of lateral contact wire position . 50
5.10.6 Span length . 50
5.11 Contact line arrangement above turnouts and crossings . 50
5.12 Overlap arrangements . 51
5.13 Specific requirements for overhead contact lines for trolleybus systems . 51
5.13.1 General . 51
5.13.2 Line characteristics . 51
5.13.3 Vehicle characteristics . 53
5.13.4 Current collector system . 53
5.13.5 Static contact forces . 53
5.13.6 Trolleybus in the vicinity of tramways . 53
5.14 Tolerances and limits . 54
6 Structures and foundations . 55
6.1 Basis of design . 55
6.1.1 General . 55
6.1.2 Basic requirements . 55
6.1.3 Design with regard to structural limits . 56
6.1.4 Classification of actions . 56

– 4 – IEC 60913:2024 © IEC 2024
6.1.5 Reliability levels. 57
6.1.6 Models for structural analysis and resistance . 57
6.1.7 Design values and verification methods . 57
6.1.8 Wall anchors . 59
6.2 Actions on overhead contact lines . 59
6.2.1 General . 59
6.2.2 Permanent loads . 60
6.2.3 Variable loads. 60
6.2.4 Wind loads . 60
6.2.5 Ice loads . 64
6.2.6 Combined wind and ice loads . 64
6.2.7 Temperature effects. 65
6.2.8 Construction and maintenance loads . 65
6.2.9 Accidental loads . 65
6.2.10 Special actions . 65
6.3 Types of structures and related load cases . 66
6.3.1 Load cases and load combinations . 66
6.3.2 Type of structures and application of load cases . 67
6.3.3 Partial factors for actions . 70
6.4 Design of cross-span supports and structures . 71
6.4.1 Analysis of internal forces and moments . 71
6.4.2 Analysis of resistance . 71
6.4.3 Material partial factors . 72
6.4.4 Verification of resistance . 72
6.4.5 Verification of serviceability . 72
6.4.6 Material for structures . 72
6.4.7 Corrosion protection and finishes . 73
6.5 Foundations . 73
6.5.1 General . 73
6.5.2 Design of foundations . 73
6.5.3 Calculation of actions . 74
6.5.4 Geotechnical design . 74
6.5.5 Partial factors for foundations . 77
6.5.6 Verification of stability . 77
6.5.7 Calculation of displacements . 78
6.5.8 Materials for foundations . 78
6.5.9 Structural details . 79
6.5.10 Protection against corrosion and weathering . 79
6.5.11 Electrical design . 80
6.5.12 Installation of foundations . 80
7 Assembly and Component requirements . 81
7.1 General . 81
7.1.1 Design life . 81
7.1.2 Component identification . 81
7.1.3 Corrosion and erosion . 81
7.2 Supporting assemblies . 81
7.3 Contact wire . 82
7.4 Other conductors and ropes . 82
7.5 Tensioning devices . 82

7.6 Mechanical midpoints. 83
7.6.1 General . 83
7.6.2 Catenary wire fixed points . 83
7.6.3 Contact wire fixed points. 83
7.7 Droppers . 83
7.7.1 Mechanical requirements . 83
7.7.2 Electrical requirements . 84
7.8 Clamps and line fittings . 84
7.8.1 Mechanical requirements . 84
7.8.2 Electrical requirements . 84
7.9 Electrical connectors . 85
7.10 Insulators . 85
7.10.1 General requirements . 85
7.10.2 Mechanical requirements . 85
7.10.3 Insulator surface . 86
7.11 Sectioning devices . 86
7.11.1 Definition . 86
7.11.2 Mechanical requirements . 86
7.11.3 Electrical requirements . 86
7.12 Disconnectors and drives . 86
7.13 Protection devices . 87
7.13.1 Covers and obstacles . 87
7.13.2 Surge protection and voltage limiting devices . 87
7.14 Specific components for trolleybus systems . 87
7.14.1 General . 87
7.14.2 Turnouts and crossings . 88
7.15 Automatic earthing and short-circuiting equipment . 88
7.16 Monitoring devices . 88
8 Testing . 89
8.1 Testing of components and assemblies – General . 89
8.2 Support assemblies . 89
8.2.1 Type test . 89
8.2.2 Sampling test . 98
8.2.3 Routine test . 100
8.3 Contact wires . 100
8.4 Other conductors . 100
8.5 Tensioning devices . 100
8.5.1 Tests required . 100
8.5.2 Type tests for tensioning devices with balance weights . 101
8.5.3 Type tests for tensioning device without balance weight . 102
8.6 Mechanical midpoints. 102
8.7 Droppers . 102
8.7.1 Tests required . 102
8.7.2 Mechanical fatigue test . 102
8.7.3 Mechanical tests . 105
8.8 Clamps, splices and other fittings. 105
8.9 Electrical connectors . 105
8.9.1 General . 105
8.9.2 Mechanical fatigue tests . 106

– 6 – IEC 60913:2024 © IEC 2024
8.10 Insulators . 106
8.11 Sectioning devices . 107
8.11.1 Type test . 107
8.11.2 Field test . 108
8.11.3 Sampling tests . 108
8.11.4 Routine tests . 108
8.12 Disconnectors and drives . 108
8.13 Surge protection and voltage limiting devices. 108
8.14 Specific components for trolleybus systems . 108
8.15 System test . 109
8.15.1 Demonstration of conformity . 109
8.15.2 Acceptance tests . 109
8.15.3 Commissioning tests . 110
9 Minimum documentation . 110
9.1 General . 110
9.2 System specification . 110
9.3 Basic design . 110
9.4 Installation design . 110
9.5 Installation and maintenance. 111
Annex A (informative) Structural details . 112
Annex B (informative) Information on wind load calculation . 113
B.1 Peak velocity pressure calculation . 113
B.2 Drag factors C . 114
str
Annex C (informative) Recommendations for ultimate limit state (ULS) design . 115
C.1 General . 115
C.2 Material partial factors for structural calculations . 115
C.3 Design limits for pre-stresses concrete poles . 115
C.4 Partial factors for foundations . 116
Annex D (informative) Geotechnical soil investigation and soil characteristics . 117
Annex E (informative) Overhead contact line for electric vehicles with pantographs on
electrified roads . 119
E.1 General OCL properties and road characteristics . 119
E.2 Electrical properties of the OCL . 119
E.3 Capacity and service life of the OCL system . 120
E.4 OCL properties . 120
E.4.1 OCL mechanical properties, horizontal and vertical dimensions . 120
E.4.2 Design of begin and end of OCLS . 122
E.4.3 Uplift and dynamic properties of the OCL . 123
E.5 Contact forces . 123
E.6 ERS clearance requirements . 124
E.6.1 General . 124
E.6.2 Contact wire clamps . 126
E.6.3 Miscellaneous structure gauges and clearance requirements . 126
E.6.4 Structure gauge width – Lateral clearance requirements . 127
E.6.5 Clearance under bridges or height-limiting structures . 127
Annex F (informative) Information on uniformity of elasticity of OCL within a span
length . 128
Annex G (informative) Seismic actions for OCS poles on viaducts . 129

Annex H (normative) Special national conditions . 130
Bibliography . 133

Figure 1 – Scope of contact line systems . 11
Figure 2 – Static electrical clearance in air between live parts of an insulator and
earthed equipment . 35
Figure 3 – Relationship between contact wire heights and pantograph operating

position . 49
Figure 4 – Position of return wire in relation to right-of-way . 52
Figure 5 – Wind action on lattice steel structures . 63
Figure 6 – Definition of drag factors for double channel pole . 64
Figure 7 – Description of dimensions and minimum conductor lengths . 96
Figure 8 – Potential measuring points . 97
Figure 9 – Potential measuring points at a T-type infeed terminal . 98
Figure 10 – Example of a tensioning device measurement test . 101
Figure 11 – Examples of a dropper test cycle . 104
Figure 12 – Example of a dropper tension test assembly . 105
Figure 13 – Example of a test cycle for an electrical connection . 106
Figure E.1 – Overlap span (plan view, exemplary design for anchoring, representation
without electrical connections) . 122
Figure E.2 – Defined points along the OCL (side view, idealized) . 122
Figure E.3 – Clearance gauge overview . 124
Figure E.4 – Clearance gauge detail . 125
Figure G.1 – Simulation method for evaluation for the safety of poles against
earthquakes . 129

Table 1 – Temperature limits for material mechanical properties . 32
Table 2 – Typical electrical clearances. 34
Table 3 – Typical clearances between adjacent live AC contact line systems of

differing voltage phase . 36
Table 4 – Contact force limits . 39
Table 5 – Factor K for contact wires . 40
temp
Table 6 – Factor K for contact wires. 41
wind
Table 7 – Factor K for contact wires . 41
ice
Table 8 – Factor K for stranded conductors . 43
temp
Table 9 – Factor K for stranded conductors . 43
wind
Table 10 – Factor K for stranded conductors . 43
ice
Table 11 – Factor K for ropes of non-conducting materials . 45
radius
Table 12 – Recommended maximum contact wire gradients for flexible contact lines . 47
Table 13 – Important parameters to assist in the definition of tolerances and limits . 54
Table 14 – Parameters for wind load calculation . 61
Table 15 – Load cases to be considered for each type of structures . 69
Table 16 – Partial factors for actions to be considered . 71

– 8 – IEC 60913:2024 © IEC 2024
Table 17 – Tightening torques M for regularly used bolts . 90
t
Table 18 – Examples of bolt connections . 91
Table 19 – Assignment of the strength of bolt and nut . 91
Table 20 – Conversion factor for tightening torques . 92
Table 21 – Minimum conductor lengths . 96
Table A.1 – Recommended dimensions of connections and edge distances of jointing
components . 112
Table B.1 – Recommended values for gust response factor G . 113
q
Table B.2 – Recommended values for terrain factor G . 113
t
Table B.3 – Recommended values for factor C for different pole types . 114
str
Table C.1 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for steel structures . 115
M
Table C.2 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for concrete structures . 115
M
Table C.3 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for foundations . 116
M
Table D.1 – Geotechnical characteristic parameters of some standard soils according
to EN 50341-1:2012, Table M.2 . 118
Table E.1 – Standard contact wire specifications . 120
Table E.2 – Contact wire vertical position parameters, all values measured
perpendicular to the idealized top of the road surface . 121
Table E.3 – Contact wire horizontal position parameters . 121
Table E.4 – Defined points along the OCL (side view) . 123
Table E.5 – Contact forces pantograph – OCL . 123
Table E.6 – Clearance gauge overview description . 125
Table E.7 – Pantograph clearance definitions . 126
Table F.1 – Uniformity u of elasticity . 128
Table H.1 – Typical tolerances of overhead contact line system . 130

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS – FIXED INSTALLATIONS –
ELECTRIC TRACTION OVERHEAD CONTACT LINE SYSTEMS

FOREWORD
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IEC 60913 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 9: Electrical equipment and systems
for railways. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2013. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The European standard EN 50119 has served as a basis for the elaboration of this document.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) title modified;
b) requirements for urban rail systems are included;
c) requirements for rigid overhead contact line (ROCL) are included;
d) additional definitions for new terms are included (Clause 3);

– 10 – IEC 60913:2024 © IEC 2024
e) clearances and geometry of overhead contact line are improved (Clause 5);
f) urban aspects are added, for example wall anchors (Clause 6);
g) requirements for monitoring devices, automatic earthing and short-circuiting equipment are
included (Clause 7);
h) requirements for overhead contact line for electric vehicles with pantograph on electrified
roads are added (Annex E)
i) improvements on the basis of EN 50119:2020 and the questionnaire 9/2619A/Q
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
9/3031/FDIS 9/3052/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types dev
...

IEC 60913 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-04
COMMENTED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electric traction overhead contact
lines systems
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé [e-mail]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews, graphical symbols and the glossary.
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced With a subscription you will always have access to up to date
and withdrawn publications. content tailored to your needs.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
details all new publications released. Available online and
containing more than 22 500 terminological entries in English
once a month by email.
and French, with equivalent terms in 25 additional languages.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
(IEV) online.
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: [e-mail].
IEC 60913 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-04
COMMENTED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electric traction overhead contact
lines systems
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 45.060.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-8740-8
– 2 – IEC 60913:2024 CMV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD .9
1 Scope . 12
2 Normative references . 12
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms . 16
3.1 Terms and definition . 16
3.1.1 Systems . 17
3.1.2 Conductors. 21
3.1.3 Return circuit . 22
3.1.4 Electrical . 23
3.1.5 Geometrical. 25
3.1.6 Structures . 26
3.1.7 Foundations . 27
3.1.8 Current collectors . 28
3.1.9 Current collection . 28
3.1.10 Testing . 29
3.1.11 Miscellaneous . 29
3.2 Symbols . 29
3.3 Abbreviated terms . 32
4 Fundamental design data . 33
4.1 General . 33
4.2 Line characteristics . 33
4.3 Electrical power system design . 33
4.4 Vehicle characteristics . 34
4.5 Current collectors . 34
4.6 Environmental conditions . 35
4.7 Design life . 35
5 System requirements . 35
5.1 Design of electrical system . 35
5.1.1 General . 35
5.1.2 Temperature rise in conductors . 35
5.1.3 Clearances between live parts of contact lines and earth . 37
5.1.4 Clearances between adjacent live AC contact lines of differing voltage
phases . 40
5.2 Design of overhead contact line for current collection systems . 40
5.2.1 General . 40
5.2.2 Elasticity and its variation . 41
5.2.3 Vertical movement of contact point . 42
5.2.4 Calculated wave propagation velocity . 42
5.2.5 Quality of current collection . 43
5.2.6 Fatigue of contact wire . 45
5.3 Mechanical design of contact wire loads . 45
5.3.1 Permissible tensile stress σ . 45
w
5.3.2 Maximum temperature K . 45
temp
5.3.3 Allowable wear K . 46
wear
5.3.4 Wind and ice loads K K . 46
icewind wind
5.3.5 Ice loads K . 46
ice
5.3.6 Efficiency of tensioning devices K . 47
eff
5.3.7 Termination fittings K . 47
clamp
5.3.8 Joints K . 47
joint
5.4 Mechanical design of catenary wire loads . 47
5.4.1 Permissible tensile loading F . 47
w
5.4.2 Maximum temperature K . 47
temp
5.4.3 Wind loads K . 48
wind
5.4.4 Ice loads K . 48
ice
5.4.5 Automatic tensioning accuracy and efficiency K Efficiency and
eff
accuracy of tensioning device K . 49
eff
5.4.6 Termination fittings K . 49
clamp
5.4.7 Additional vertical load K . 49
load
5.5 Mechanical design of other stranded conductors . 49
5.6 Mechanical design of solid wires . 49
5.7 Mechanical design of ropes of non-conducting materials . 49
5.7.1 General . 49
5.7.2 Permissible tensile loading F . 49
w
5.7.3 Wind loads K . 50
wind
5.7.4 Ice loads K . 50
ice
5.7.5 Termination clamps K . 50
clamp
5.7.6 Vertical loads K . 50
load
5.7.7 Minimum bending radius K . 50
radius
5.8 Suspension systems . 51
5.9 Tensioning systems device for flexible overhead contact lines . 51
5.10 Geometry of overhead equipment . 51
5.10.1 Horizontal deflection Lateral deviation of contact wire . 51
5.10.2 Uplift . 52
5.10.3 Variation in contact wire height . 52
5.10.4 Contact wire height . 53
5.10.5 Tolerances of lateral contact wire position . 57
5.10.6 Span length . 57
5.11 Contact line arrangement above turnouts and crossings. 57
5.12 Overlap arrangements . 58
5.13 Specific requirements for overhead contact lines for trolleybus systems . 58
5.13.1 General . 58
5.13.2 Line characteristics. 59
5.13.3 Vehicle characteristics . 60
5.13.4 Current collector system . 60
5.13.5 Static contact forces . 60
5.13.6 Trolleybus in the vicinity of tramways . 60
5.14 Tolerances and limits . 61
6 Structures and foundations . 62
6.1 Basis of design . 62
6.1.1 General . 62
6.1.2 Basic requirements . 62
6.1.3 Design with regard to structural limits . 63

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6.1.4 Classification of actions . 63
6.1.5 Reliability levels . 64
6.1.6 Models for structural analysis and resistance . 64
6.1.7 Design values and verification methods . 64
6.1.8 Wall anchors . 66
6.2 Actions on overhead contact lines . 66
6.2.1 General . 66
6.2.2 Permanent loads . 67
6.2.3 Variable loads . 67
6.2.4 Wind loads . 67
6.2.5 Ice loads . 72
6.2.6 Combined wind and ice loads . 73
6.2.7 Temperature effects . 73
6.2.8 Construction and maintenance loads . 73
6.2.9 Accidental loads . 74
6.2.10 Special actions . 74
6.3 Types of structures and related load cases . 75
6.3.1 Load cases and load combinations . 75
6.3.2 Type of structures and application of load cases . 76
6.3.3 Partial factors for actions . 79
6.4 Design of cross-span supports and structures. 80
6.4.1 Analysis of internal forces and moments . 80
6.4.2 Analysis of resistance . 81
6.4.3 Material partial factors . 81
6.4.4 Verification of resistance . 82
6.4.5 Verification of serviceability . 82
6.4.6 Material for structures . 83
6.4.7 Corrosion protection and finishes . 84
6.5 Foundations . 84
6.5.1 General . 84
6.5.2 Design of foundations . 84
6.5.3 Calculation of actions . 85
6.5.4 Geotechnical design . 85
6.5.5 Partial factors for foundations . 88
6.5.6 Verification of stability . 89
6.5.7 Calculation of displacements. 89
6.5.8 Materials for foundations . 90
6.5.9 Structural details . 90
6.5.10 Protection against corrosion and weathering . 90
6.5.11 Electrical design . 91
6.5.12 Installation of foundations . 91
7 Assembly and Component requirements . 92
7.1 General . 92
7.1.1 Design life . 92
7.1.2 Component identification . 92
7.1.3 Corrosion and erosion . 92
7.2 Supporting assemblies . 93
7.3 Contact wire . 93
7.4 Other conductors and ropes . 93

7.5 Tensioning devices . 94
7.6 Mechanical midpoints . 94
7.6.1 General . 94
7.6.2 Catenary wire fixed points . 94
7.6.3 Contact wire fixed points . 94
7.7 Droppers . 95
7.7.1 Mechanical requirements . 95
7.7.2 Electrical requirements . 95
7.8 Clamps and line fittings . 95
7.8.1 Mechanical requirements . 95
7.8.2 Electrical requirements . 96
7.9 Electrical connectors . 96
7.10 Insulators . 96
7.10.1 General requirements . 96
7.10.2 Mechanical requirements . 97
7.10.3 Insulator surface. 97
7.11 Sectioning devices . 97
7.11.1 Definition. 97
7.11.2 Mechanical requirements . 97
7.11.3 Electrical requirements . 98
7.12 Disconnectors and drives . 98
7.13 Protection devices . 99
7.13.1 Covers and obstacles . 99
7.13.2 Surge protection and voltage limiting devices . 99
7.14 Specific components for trolleybus systems . 99
7.14.1 General . 99
7.14.2 Turnouts and crossings. 99
7.15 Automatic earthing and short-circuiting equipment . 100
7.16 Monitoring devices . 100
8 Testing . 100
8.1 Testing of components and assemblies – General . 100
8.2 Support assemblies . 101
8.2.1 Type test . 101
8.2.2 Random sample Sampling test . 110
8.2.3 Routine test . 112
8.3 Contact wires . 112
8.4 Other conductors . 112
8.5 Tensioning devices . 113
8.5.1 Tests required . 113
8.5.2 Type tests for tensioning devices with balance weights . 113
8.5.3 Type tests for tensioning device without balance weight . 114
8.6 Mechanical midpoints . 114
8.7 Droppers . 114
8.7.1 Tests required . 114
8.7.2 Mechanical fatigue test . 115
8.7.3 Mechanical tests. 118
8.8 Clamps, splices and other fittings . 118
8.9 Electrical connectors . 118
8.9.1 General . 118

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8.9.2 Mechanical fatigue tests . 119
8.10 Insulators . 119
8.11 Sectioning devices . 120
8.11.1 Type test . 120
8.11.2 Field test . 121
8.11.3 Sampling tests. 121
8.11.4 Routine tests . 121
8.12 Disconnectors and drives . 121
8.13 Surge protection and voltage limiting devices . 122
8.14 Specific components for trolleybus systems . 122
8.15 System test . 122
8.15.1 Demonstration of conformity . 122
8.15.2 Acceptance tests . 123
8.15.3 Commissioning tests . 123
9 Minimum documentation . 124
9.1 General . 124
9.2 System specification . 124
9.3 Basic design . 124
9.4 Installation design. 124
9.5 Installation and maintenance . 124
Annex A (informative) Current-carrying capacity of conductors .
Annex A (informative) Structural details . 126
Annex B (informative) Information on wind load calculation . 128
B.1 Peak velocity pressure calculation . 128
B.2 Drag factors C . 129
str
Annex C (informative) Recommendations for ultimate limit state (ULS) design . 130
C.1 General . 130
C.2 Material partial factors for structural calculations . 130
C.3 Design limits for pre-stresses concrete poles . 130
C.4 Partial factors for foundations . 131
Annex D (informative) Geotechnical soil investigation and soil characteristics . 132
Annex E (informative) Overhead contact line for electric vehicles with pantographs on
electrified roads . 135
E.1 General OCL properties and road characteristics . 135
E.2 Electrical properties of the OCL . 135
E.3 Capacity and service life of the OCL system . 136
E.4 OCL properties . 136
E.4.1 OCL mechanical properties, horizontal and vertical dimensions . 136
E.4.2 Design of begin and end of OCLS . 138
E.4.3 Uplift and dynamic properties of the OCL . 139
E.5 Contact forces . 139
E.6 ERS clearance requirements . 140
E.6.1 General . 140
E.6.2 Contact wire clamps . 142
E.6.3 Miscellaneous structure gauges and clearance requirements . 142
E.6.4 Structure gauge width – Lateral clearance requirements . 143
E.6.5 Clearance under bridges or height-limiting structures . 143

Annex F (informative) Information on uniformity of elasticity of OCL within a span
length . 144
Annex G (informative) Seismic actions for OCS poles on viaducts . 145
Annex H (normative) Special national conditions . 146
Bibliography . 149
List of comments . 156

Figure 1 – Scope of contact line systems . 12
Figure 2 – Static electrical clearance in air between live parts of an insulator and
earthed equipment . 39
Figure 3 – Relationship between contact wire heights and pantograph operating
position . 56
Figure 4 – Position of return wire in relation to right-of-way . 59
Figure 5 – Wind action on lattice steel structures . 71
Figure 6 – Definition of drag factors for double channel structure pole . 72
Figure 7 – Description of dimensions and minimum conductor lengths . 108
Figure 8 – Potential measuring points at a connecting clamp and a butt joining clamp . 109
Figure 9 – Potential measuring points at a T-type infeed terminal . 110
Figure 10 – Example of a tensioning device measurement test . 114
Figure 11 – Examples of a dropper test cycle . 116
Figure 12 – Example of a dropper tension test assembly . 118
Figure 13 – Example of a test cycle for an electrical connection. 119
Figure E.1 – Overlap span (plan view, exemplary design for anchoring, representation
without electrical connections) . 138
Figure E.2 – Defined points along the OCL (side view, idealized) . 138
Figure E.3 – Clearance gauge overview . 140
Figure E.4 – Clearance gauge detail . 141
Figure G.1 – Simulation method for evaluation for the safety of poles against
earthquakes . 145

Table 1 – Temperature limits for material mechanical properties . 36
Table 2 – Typical electrical clearances. 38
Table 3 – Clearance between differing phases Typical clearances between adjacent
live AC contact line systems of differing voltage phase . 40
Table 4 – Contact force limits . 43
Table 5 – Factor K for contact wires . 45
temp
Table 6 – Factor K for contact wires . 46
wind
Table 7 – Factor K for contact wires . 46
ice
Table 8 – Factor K for stranded conductors . 48
temp
Table 9 – Factor K for stranded conductors . 48
wind
Table 10 – Factor K for stranded conductors. 48
ice
Table 11 – Factor K for ropes of non-conducting materials . 50
radius
Table 12 – Recommended maximum contact wire gradients for flexible contact lines . 53
Table 13 – Important parameters to assist in the definition of tolerances and limits . 61

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Table 13 – Recommended values for factor C for different structure types .
str
Table 14 – Parameters for wind load calculation . 69
Table 15 – Summary of Load cases to be considered for each type of structures . 79
Table 16 – Summary of Partial factors for actions to be considered . 80
Table 16 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for steel material .
M
Table 17 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for concrete structures .
M
Table 18 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for foundations .
M
Table 17 – Tightening torques M for regularly used bolts . 102
t
Table 18 – Examples of bolt connections . 103
Table 19 – Assignment of the strength of bolt and nut . 103
Table 20 – Conversion factor for tightening torques . 104
Table 21 – Minimum conductor lengths . 108
Table A.1 – Continuous current-carrying capacity of conductors and contact wires .
Table A.1 – Recommended dimensions of connections and edge distances of jointing

components . 126
Table B.1 – Recommended values for gust response factor G . 128
q
Table B.2 – Recommended values for terrain factor G . 128
t
Table B.3 – Recommended values for factor C for different pole types . 129
str
Table C.1 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for steel structures . 130
M
Table C.2 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for concrete structures . 130
M
Table C.3 – Recommended values for partial factors γ for foundations . 131
M
Table D.1 – Geotechnical characteristic parameters of some standard soils according
to EN 50341-1:20012012, Annex N for Europe Table M.2 . 133
Table E.1 – Standard contact wire specifications . 136
Table E.2 – Contact wire vertical position parameters, all values measured
perpendicular to the idealized top of the road surface . 137
Table E.3 – Contact wire horizontal position parameters. 137
Table E.4 – Defined points along the OCL (side view) . 139
Table E.5 – Contact forces pantograph – OCL . 139
Table E.6 – Clearance gauge overview description . 141
Table E.7 – Pantograph clearance definitions. 142
Table F.1 – Uniformity u of elasticity . 144
Table H.1 – Typical tolerances of overhead contact line system . 146

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS – FIXED INSTALLATIONS –
ELECTRIC TRACTION OVERHEAD CONTACT LINE SYSTEMS
FOREWORD
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This commented version (CMV) of the official standard IEC 60913:2024 edition 3.0
allows the user to identify the changes made to the previous
IEC 60913:2013 edition 2.0. Furthermore, comments from IEC TC 9 experts are
provided to explain the reasons of the most relevant changes, or to clarify any part of
the content.
A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change has been made. Additions are
in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text. Experts' comments are identified
by a blue-background number. Mouse over a number to display a pop-up note
with the comment.
This publication contains the CMV and the official standard. The full list of comments
is available at the end of the CMV.

– 10 – IEC 60913:2024 CMV © IEC 2024
IEC 60913 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 9: Electrical equipment and systems
for railways. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2013. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The European standard EN 50119 has served as a basis for the elaboration of this document.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) title modified;
b) requirements for urban rail systems are included;
c) requirements for rigid overhead contact line (ROCL) are included;
d) additional definitions for new terms are included (Clause 3);
e) clearances and geometry of overhead contact line are improved (Clause 5);
f) urba
...