IEC 61287-1:2014

Railway applications - Power converters installed on board rolling stock - Part 1: Characteristics and test methods

IEC 61287-1:2014 defines terminology, service conditions, general characteristics and test methods of electronic power converters onboard of rolling stock. This International Standard is applicable to power electronic converters mounted on board railway rolling-stock and intended for supplying traction circuits; auxiliary circuits of power vehicles, coaches and trailers. This edition includes the following main technical changes with regard to the previous edition: it includes updates as necessary in order to meet the current technical state of the art and to improve clarity. It also takes into account generic railway standards as relevant parts of IEC 62497 and IEC 62498.

Applications ferroviaires - Convertisseurs de puissance embarqués sur le matériel roulant - Partie 1: Caractéristiques et méthodes d'essais

L'IEC 61287-1:2014 définit la terminologie, les conditions de service, les caractéristiques générales et les méthodes d'essais des convertisseurs électroniques de puissance embarqués sur le matériel roulant. La présente Norme internationale est applicable aux convertisseurs électroniques de puissance, embarqués sur le matériel roulant ferroviaire et destinés à alimenter les circuits de traction; les circuits auxiliaires des matériels moteurs, des véhicules et des remorques. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: elle inclut des mises à jour nécessaires par rapport à l'état actuel de la technique et qui améliorent la clarté. Elle prend aussi en compte des normes génériques sur le matériel ferroviaire comme les parties concernées des séries IEC 62497 et IEC 62498.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Jul-2014
• ICS: 45.060.01 - Railway rolling stock in general
• Technical Committee: TC 9 - Electrical equipment and systems for railways
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 10-Jul-2014
• Completion Date: 15-Jul-2014

Relations

• Revises: IEC 61287-1:2005 - Railway applications - Power convertors installed on board rolling stock - Part 1: Characteristics and test methods
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61287-1:2014 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the characteristics and test methods for power converters installed onboard railway rolling stock. This standard is crucial for the design, testing, and deployment of electronic power converters responsible for supplying traction and auxiliary circuits in power vehicles, coaches, and trailers.

This third edition updates previous versions to reflect the current state of technology and improve clarity. It aligns with related generic railway standards such as IEC 62497 and IEC 62498 to ensure compatibility and comprehensive coverage of railway power electronics.

Key Topics

• Scope and Terminology
  Defines essential terms related to power converters used in railway rolling stock, covering electrical parameters, equipment characteristics, and service conditions.

• Service Conditions
  Details environmental and operational factors including altitude, temperature ranges, mechanical stresses, load profiles, supply system characteristics, electromagnetic interference, and input current limitations that power converters must withstand.

• Converter Characteristics
  Examines properties of semiconductor devices, transformers, reactors, capacitors, and other components integral to power converters. This includes reliability, availability, maintainability, safety, insulation coordination, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

• Test Methods
  Defines standardized tests for various converter types including line-commutated converters, choppers for DC motors, and multiphase converters (inverters) for AC motors. Tests cover performance, durability, fault tolerance, insulation, EMC, mechanical stress, temperature rise, and overload capabilities.

• Auxiliary and Semiconductor Drive Units (SDU)
  Specifies requirements and testing procedures for auxiliary converters and SDUs, focusing on starting conditions, short-circuit protections, voltage and frequency range verification, and insulation standards.

• Technical Documentation and Marking
  Provides guidance on design documentation, marking for identification and safety, and communication protocols between manufacturers and users to ensure conformity and safe integration into railway systems.

Applications

IEC 61287-1:2014 applies to all power electronic converters installed onboard railway rolling stock, ensuring:

• Traction Power Supply
  Reliable and efficient conversion and management of electrical power for traction motors, supporting direct and indirect traction systems.

• Auxiliary Systems Support
  Powering auxiliary equipment such as lighting, HVAC, signaling, and control systems onboard trains and coaches.

• Safety and Reliability
  Enhancing the operational safety of rolling stock through defined test methods and compliance requirements that mitigate risk from electrical faults, environmental stresses, and interference.

• Design and Manufacturing
  Assisting manufacturers in designing converters that meet stringent railway standards for performance, durability, and safety, facilitating global interoperability and certification.

• Maintenance and Lifespan Management
  Providing guidelines on maintainability and expected useful lifetime to optimize lifecycle costs and reduce downtime of rolling stock power electronics.

Related Standards

IEC 61287-1:2014 aligns with and complements several international standards, including:

• IEC 62497 – Generic railway standards for power electronic converters
• IEC 62498 – Requirements for electronic equipment onboard railway vehicles
• Other IEC Railway Standards – Covering electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), insulation coordination, and safety for electrical rail systems.

These related standards collaboratively ensure a holistic framework for development, testing, and deployment of electrical and electronic equipment on railway rolling stock.

---

Adopting IEC 61287-1:2014 enables railway system designers, manufacturers, and operators to implement robust, standardized power converters that meet evolving technological demands while ensuring safety, reliability, and environmental compatibility.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61287-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2014-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Railway applications – Power converters installed on board rolling stock –
Part 1: Characteristics and test methods

Applications ferroviaires – Convertisseurs de puissance embarqués sur
le matériel roulant –
Partie 1: Caractéristiques et méthodes d'essais

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IEC 61287-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2014-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Railway applications – Power converters installed on board rolling stock –

Part 1: Characteristics and test methods

Applications ferroviaires – Convertisseurs de puissance embarqués sur

le matériel roulant –
Partie 1: Caractéristiques et méthodes d'essais

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XA
ICS 45.060 ISBN 978-2-8322-1658-3

– 2 – IEC 61287-1:2014 © IEC 2014
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 9
3.1 General . 9
3.2 Terms and definitions related to equipment . 9
3.3 Terms and definitions related to electrical parameters . 11
4 Common clauses . 12
4.1 General . 12
4.1.1 Design . 12
4.1.2 Marking . 12
4.1.3 Technical documentation . 12
4.1.4 Reliability, availability, maintainability and safety . 13
4.1.5 Useful lifetime . 14
4.2 Service conditions . 14
4.2.1 General . 14
4.2.2 Altitude . 14
4.2.3 Temperature . 14
4.2.4 Other environmental conditions . 15
4.2.5 Mechanical stress . 15
4.2.6 Load profile . 15
4.2.7 Supply-system characteristics . 16
4.2.8 Interference . 17
4.2.9 Input current limitations . 18
4.2.10 Influence on the environment . 18
4.3 Characteristics . 19
4.3.1 Characteristics of components . 19
4.3.2 Characteristics of semiconductor devices . 19
4.3.3 Characteristics of transformers, reactors and capacitors . 19
4.3.4 Characteristics of converters . 20
4.4 Technical requirements . 22
4.4.1 Insulation co-ordination . 22
4.4.2 EMC requirements for converters . 22
4.4.3 Fault effects . 23
4.5 Tests . 23
4.5.1 General . 23
4.5.2 Converter tests . 24
4.5.3 Description of tests . 27
4.5.4 Failure of components during type tests . 36
5 Direct traction converters . 36
5.1 Line-commutated converters for DC motors . 36
5.1.1 General . 36
5.1.2 Characteristics . 36
5.1.3 Tests . 37
5.2 Choppers for DC motors . 40
5.2.1 Characteristics . 40

5.2.2 Tests . 41
5.3 Multiphase converters for AC motors (inverters) . 43
5.3.1 General . 43
5.3.2 Characteristics . 43
5.3.3 Tests . 44
6 Indirect traction converters . 44
6.1 General . 44
6.2 Line converter . 44
6.2.1 General . 44
6.2.2 Characteristics . 45
6.2.3 Tests . 45
6.3 Motor converter . 46
6.3.1 Motor converter for DC motors (chopper or rectifier) . 46
6.3.2 Motor converter for AC motors (inverter) . 46
7 Auxiliary converters . 46
7.1 General . 46
7.2 Characteristics . 46
7.2.1 Auxiliary converter starting conditions . 46
7.2.2 Input conditions and characteristics . 47
7.2.3 Output characteristics . 47
7.3 Short-circuit protection . 48
7.4 Choice of rated insulation voltage . 48
7.5 Tests . 49
7.5.1 General . 49
7.5.2 Output characteristics test. 49
7.5.3 Starting and restarting test . 50
7.5.4 Short-circuit test . 50
7.5.5 Voltage and frequency ranges verification . 50
7.5.6 Overload capability test . 50
7.5.7 Temperature rise test . 51
7.5.8 Load break test . 51
8 Semiconductor drive units (SDU) . 51
8.1 Equivalent expressions . 51
8.2 Printed circuit board assemblies . 52
8.3 Function of the SDU . 52
8.4 Particular requirements for the SDU . 52
8.5 Service conditions . 52
8.6 Insulation requirements for the SDU . 52
8.7 Electromagnetic compatibility requirements . 52
8.8 Tests of the SDU . 52
Annex A (normative) Arrangement of basic circuit diagrams . 54
Annex B (informative) Recapitulation of agreements between the manufacturer and the
user . 55
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for magnetic field and induced voltage requirements . 58
Bibliography . 59

Figure 1 – Partial discharge test – Voltage versus time . 26
Figure 2 – Configuration of series motors . 39

– 4 – IEC 61287-1:2014 © IEC 2014
Figure A.1 – Examples of combinations . 54

Table 1 – General classes of start-up load characteristics . 15
Table 2 – Classes of acoustic noise . 19
Table 3 – List of tests . 27
Table 4 – Additional tests for direct traction converters . 38
Table 5 – Additional tests for choppers for DC motors . 41
Table 6 – Additional tests for auxiliary converters . 49
Table B.1 – Recapitulation of agreements between the manufacturer and the user . 55

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS –
POWER CONVERTERS INSTALLED
ON BOARD ROLLING STOCK –
Part 1: Characteristics and test methods

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
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
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.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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 61287-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 9: Electrical
equipment and systems for railways.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2005. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following main technical changes with regard to the previous edition: it
includes updates as necessary in order to meet the current technical state of the art and to
improve clarity. It also takes into account generic railway standards as relevant parts of
IEC 62497 and IEC 62498. Especially the clauses considering temperature rise test and
auxiliary converter characteristics have been revised.

– 6 – IEC 61287-1:2014 © IEC 2014
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
9/1918/FDIS 9/1946/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.
A list of all parts of IEC series 61287, under the general title Railway applications – Power
converters installed on board rolling stock, can be found on the IEC website.
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.
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS –
POWER CONVERTERS INSTALLED
ON BOARD ROLLING STOCK –
Part 1: Characteristics and test methods

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61287 defines terminology, service conditions, general characteristics and test
methods of electronic power converters onboard of rolling stock.
This International Standard is applicable to power electronic converters mounted on board
railway rolling-stock and intended for supplying
– traction circuits;
– auxiliary circuits of power vehicles, coaches and trailers.
The application of this standard extends as far as possible to all other traction vehicles,
including trolley-buses, for example.
This standard covers the complete converter assembly together with its mounting arrange-
ments containing
– semiconductor device assemblies;
– integrated cooling systems;
– integrated components like inductors, capacitors, transformers, resistors, contactors,
switches;
– semiconductor drive units (SDU) and related sensors;
– incorporated protection circuits.
The following types of power sources are taken into consideration:
– AC contact lines,
– DC contact lines,
– on-board supplies such as generators, batteries and other electric power sources.
This standard excludes converters which provide the electronic control supply for
semiconductor drive units (SDU) and other supplies relevant to the converter operation such as
sensors.
NOTE 1 Electronic control equipment of converters and those sensors not related to semiconductor drive units
and the printed circuit board assemblies of semiconductor drive units (SDU) are covered by IEC 60571.
NOTE 2 Combined tests with the whole traction system or auxiliary supply system are not within the scope of
this standard. E.g. rules for combined tests of a motor fed by a converter are given in the IEC 61377 series.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
– 8 – IEC 61287-1:2014 © IEC 2014
IEC 60050-551:1998, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 551: Power
electronics
IEC 60050-811:1991, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 811: Electric traction
IEC 60076-10:2001, Power transformers – Part 10: Determination of sound levels
IEC 60077-1:1999, Railway applications – Electric equipment for rolling stock – Part 1: General
service conditions and general rules
IEC 60270, High-voltage test techniques – Partial discharge measurements
IEC 60310, Railway applications – Traction transformers and inductors on board rolling stock
IEC 60322, Railway applications – Electric equipment for rolling stock – Rules for power
resistors of open construction
IEC 60349-1, Electric traction – Rotating electrical machines for rail and road vehicles – Part 1:
Machines other than electronic converter-fed alternating current motors
IEC 60349-2, Electric traction – Rotating electrical machines for rail and road vehicles – Part 2:
Electronic converter-fed alternating current motors
IEC 60349-4, Electric traction – Rotating electrical machines for rail and road vehicles – Part 4:
Permanent magnet synchronous electrical machines connected to an electronic converter
IEC 60384-4, Fixed capacitors for use in electronic equipment – Part 4: Sectional specification
– Aluminium electrolytic capacitors with solid (MnO ) and non-solid electrolyte
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60571, Railway applications – Electronic equipment used on rolling stock
IEC 60721-3-5, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3: Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities – Section 5: Ground vehicle installations
IEC 60747 (all parts), Semiconductor devices – Discrete devices
IEC 60850, Railway applications – Supply voltages of traction systems
IEC 61148, Terminal markings for valve device stacks and assemblies and for power
conversion equipment
IEC 61373, Railway applications – Rolling stock equipment – Shock and vibration tests
IEC 61881 (all parts), Railway applications – Rolling stock equipment – Capacitors for power
electronics
IEC 61991, Railway applications – Rolling stock – Protective provisions against electrical
hazards
IEC 62236-3-1, Railway applications – Electromagnetic compatibility – Part 3-1: Rolling stock
– Train and complete vehicle
IEC 62236-3-2, Railway applications – Electromagnetic compatibility – Part 3-2: Rolling stock –
Apparatus
IEC 62278, Railway applications – Specification and demonstration of reliability, availability,
maintainability and safety (RAMS)
IEC 62497-1:2010, Railway applications – Insulation coordination – Part 1: Basic requirements
– Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic equipment
IEC 62497-1:2010/AMD1:2013
IEC 62498-1:2010, Railway applications – Environmental conditions for equipment – Part 1:
Equipment on board rolling stock
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-551:1998 and
IEC 60050-811:1991, as well as the following, apply.
3.1 General
3.1.1
user
party which is responsible for the specification and the integration of the power converter into
the railway vehicle
3.1.2
manufacturer
party which designs and manufactures the power converter
3.1.3
railway authority
organization which allows vehicle operators to operate railway vehicles and defines rules for
safe operation
3.1.4
test specification
document that specifies the requirements for one or more tests
Note 1 to entry: For instance test acceptance criteria, test conditions, test methods.
Note 2 to entry: According to the specific terminologies used in the quality management systems of various
organisations that perform tests on power converters for rolling stock, this document may have another title e.g.
test plan.
3.2 Terms and definitions related to equipment
3.2.1
(electronic) (power) converter
an operative unit for electronic power conversion, comprising one or more electronic valve
devices, transformers and filters if necessary and auxiliaries if any
Note 1 to entry: A converter is defined by the input and output electrical characteristics. The converter may
comprise a discrete chopper, inverter, etc. or a combination of these not necessarily in one cubicle.
Note 2 to entry: The converter is a part of the propulsion (or auxiliary) equipment. The converter may include, for
example, a line circuit breaker, filter, transformer, cooling system, etc.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-551:1998, 551-12-01]

– 10 – IEC 61287-1:2014 © IEC 2014
3.2.2
traction converter
converter providing traction power
3.2.3
auxiliary converter
converter providing power for auxiliary services
Note 1 to entry: For example, lighting, battery charging, air conditioning, cooling (main service), control circuits,
etc.
3.2.4
direct converter
an electronic converter without an intermediate link
3.2.5
indirect converter
an electronic converter with an intermediate link
3.2.6
converter system
system consisting of several converters required to operate connected together, each having
different input and/or output characteristics and which also have different functional
connections
Note 1 to entry: A converter system is defined by a system specification in addition to the individual specification
of each different converter making up the system.
3.2.7
converter windings
windings of a transformer connected to the terminals of the converter
3.2.8
auxiliary winding
a winding or part of a transformer winding which supplies the auxiliary circuits
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:1991, 811-26-12]
3.2.9
semiconductor device
device whose essential characteristics are due to the flow of charge carriers within a semi-
conductor
Note 1 to entry: The definition includes devices whose essential characteristics are only in part due to the flow of
charge carriers in a semiconductor but that are considered as semiconductor devices for the purpose of
specification.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-521:2002, 521-04-01]
3.2.10
input and output
input is the side which absorbs active power in motoring operation, the output side being that
which delivers active power in motoring operation
Note 1 to entry: Electrical isolation. If individual electrical circuits (for example, input, output, control circuit) are
specified as isolated, then the circuits are galvanically separated.

3.3 Terms and definitions related to electrical parameters
3.3.1
load profile
curve to illustrate the variance of current/power versus time under specified conditions such as
– for traction converter: starting and braking of the vehicle;
– for auxiliary converter: starting and steady state running periods of the auxiliary loads;
the line voltage is also considered
3.3.2
maximum instantaneous current
maximum specified current which the converter can commutate for a specified voltage
3.3.3
transient
pertaining to, or designating, a phenomenon or quantity which varies between two consecutive
steady states during a time interval short compared with the time-scale of interest
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-702:1992, 702-07-78]
3.3.4
harmonic component
sinusoidal component of a periodic quantity having a harmonic frequency
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-551:1998, 551-20-07]
3.3.5
DC ripple factor
the ratio of half the difference between the maximum and minimum value of a pulsating direct
current to the mean value of this current
Note 1 to entry: With low values of the DC ripple factor this quantity is approximately equal to the ratio of the
difference to the sum of the maximum and the minimum value.
Note 2 to entry: DC ripple factor = (I – I ) / 2 × I
max min mean
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-551:1998, 551-17-29]
3.3.6
nominal value
value of a quantity used to designate and identify a component, device, equipment, or system
Note 1 to entry: The nominal value is generally a rounded value.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-16-09]
3.3.7
rated value
value of a quantity used for specification purposes, established for a specified set of operating
conditions of a component, device, equipment, or system
Note 1 to entry: Generally defined by the manufacturer.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-16-08]

– 12 – IEC 61287-1:2014 © IEC 2014
3.3.8
operating point value
quantity value assigned, generally by the user, for a specified operating condition of a
component, device or equipment
3.3.9
special value
quantity value assigned, generally by the user, for expected fault conditions within the supply or
the load of a converter
4 Common clauses
4.1 General
4.1.1 Design
The design process shall be visible and audible.
If the user requires details of this process for tender evaluation, the user shall define this in the
tender documents.
4.1.2 Marking
4.1.2.1 Nameplate
The converter shall be provided with a nameplate which shall be readable during the useful life
of the converter and on which at least the following is inscribed:
– manufacturer’s mark;
– number of main drawing and revision number and/or type designation;
– serial number;
– year of manufacture;
– mass.
4.1.2.2 Main terminals
The marking of the main terminals shall comply with the specifications given in IEC 61148.
4.1.3 Technical documentation
4.1.3.1 Documentation supplied by the manufacturer
Documentation about the use and maintenance of the converter shall be provided by the manu-
facturer and shall include the following:
– device description (including functional description and technical data);
– type and routine test specification (list of tests, test methods, limits, tolerances, test
conditions, acceptance criteria);
– results of the specified tests (test certificate);
– commissioning instructions;
– operating instructions;
– maintenance instructions;
– repair instructions;
– description of special tools for maintenance and repair purposes, if any;

– training programme and supporting media, to be detailed by agreement between the
manufacturer and the user;
– declaration of materials which are required to be treated as special waste, when they are
removed from service (either alone or with the converter).
4.1.3.2 Documentation to be supplied by the user
The user shall, if necessary, furnish a specification, which is primarily intended to give details
of the agreements listed in Annex B. It is only necessary to enter an item in the specification if
it differs from the normal requirement in this standard. The specification may also contain:
– general technical description of the application;
– special service conditions;
– supply system characteristics;
– load profile and duty cycles;
– EMC requirements;
– cooling requirements;
– ambient conditions;
– safety measures including fire behaviour requirements;
– features of electrical and mechanical design;
– details of the available maintenance and repair facilities.
Requirements shall be clear and univocal.
For example, statements which are not quantified like “Equipment shall not interfere with
signalling and telecommunication facilities.” are not acceptable.
4.1.4 Reliability, availability, maintainability and safety
4.1.4.1 Reliability
The user may require the manufacturer to predict the reliability figure or meet the user’s
reliability target. The method of calculation shall be agreed between the manufacturer and the
user at the time of tendering.
The specification and verification of the reliability requirements shall be in accordance with
IEC 62278.
4.1.4.2 Availability
The user may require the manufacturer to predict the availability figure or meet the user’s
availability target. The method of calculation shall be agreed between the manufacturer and the
user at the time of tendering.
The specification and the method of calculation and verification shall be in accordance with
IEC 62278.
4.1.4.3 Maintainability
Maintenance requirements shall be defined by the user at the time of tendering. In addition, the
equipment manufacturer shall define what maintenance procedures are necessary or
prohibited. The maintenance procedure shall be agreed between the manufacturer and the
user.
The specification and verification of these requirements shall be in accordance with IEC 62278.

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4.1.4.4 Safety
Safety requirements shall be defined by the user at the time of tendering and agreed with the
manufacturer.
The specification and verification of the safety requirements shall be in accordance with
IEC 62278.
4.1.5 Useful lifetime
At the time of tendering, the useful lifetime of the converter shall be agreed between the
manufacturer and the user. If the manufacturer intends to use components with a known life
less than the useful life of the converter, their use and procedures for their regular replacement
shall be agreed.
Recommendation of spare parts is given by the manufacturer.
4.2 Service conditions
4.2.1 General
The classes of service conditions described in IEC 62498-1 shall be applied unless different
classes are specified by the user. The user shall specify clearly in his specification the class to
consider, otherwise class with suffix 1 shall be assumed.
In the event of other conditions applying these should be selected from IEC 60721-3-5 if
appropriate.
4.2.2 Altitude
The class of altitude above sea-level, at which the equipment shall perform as specified, shall
be as given in IEC 62498-1, unless otherwise specified.
NOTE Altitude is relevant, in particular for air pressure level and its consequence on cooling systems and
insulation.
4.2.3 Temperature
4.2.3.1 Ambient temperature
The class of ambient temperature, at which the vehicle, the converter and its components will
operate, shall be given according to IEC 62498-1:2010, Table 2 unless otherwise specified.
For lifetime calculations a temperature histogram should be provided by the user for the
ambient air external to the vehicle or for the converter cooling medium. Otherwise the
reference temperature TR1 according to IEC 62498-1:2010, Table 3 shall be applied.
A reference temperature is considered as being the permanent temperature for which the
effects on material ageing are equivalent to those of the climatic temperature during the
lifetime.
NOTE Thermal ageing is an exponential function of temperature (e.g. see the IEC 60216 series for insulating
materials), i.e. the reference temperature is usually higher than the arithmetic mean temperature.
For altitude class AX, the dependency between altitude and temperature shall be provided by
the user through a temperature histogram for each relevant altitude range (e.g. 0 m to 1 000 m
and 1 000 m to 2 000 m).
4.2.3.2 Start-up temperatures
This subclause applies to parked vehicles which are not connected to any power source.
The maximum start-up temperature for converters directly exposed to the ambient external to
the vehicle shall be as specified in 4.2.3.1.
For converters installed inside a vehicle compartment the maximum start-up temperature shall
be 70 °C.
Table 1 gives the different classes of start-up load characteristics at which the equipment shall
perform as specified. There is no preferred class; the class should be chosen to be appropriate
to the use of the converter. The choice of class of start-up temperature shall be agreed
between the manufacturer and the user.
Table 1 – General classes of start-up load characteristics
Load class Start-up power
a
SU1 Rated voltage, no load until within specified temperature range
a
SU2 50 % rated power until within specified temperature range
b
SU3 100 % rated power immediately
SU4 Other specified conditions
a
For example, the traction power of a locomotive may not necessarily be available immediately after connection
to the supply. The equipment can be brought to the working temperature by auxiliary equipment.
b
For example, in some cases, auxiliary converters have to perform immediately after connection to the supply.

4.2.4 Other environmental conditions
The converter shall be designed for the conditions of humidity and pollution specified in
IEC 62498-1.
4.2.5 Mechanical stress
4.2.5.1 Shock and vibration
The converter, when supported at its designed fixings (including anti-vibration mounts when
fitted), shall be able to withstand vibration and shock as stated in IEC 61373.
4.2.5.2 Other accelerations
When a vehicle is passing through a curve or is stopped on a curve, the allowable net
acceleration components acting perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the vehicle shall not
exceed the values given in IEC 61373. The converter, including the cooling system, shall
continue to perform as specified under transverse and longitudinal accelerations as specified in
IEC 61373. These requirements shall be agreed between user and manufacturer.
4.2.6 Load profile
In view of the fact that the characteristics of the load profile may affect the operating
characteristics of a converter or converter components, the load profile shall always be
specified. This profile shall be calculated by the duty cycle and agreed by manufacturer and
user.
NOTE 1 The profile is used to calculate the worst-case conditions for the components involved and to define the
conditions for the temperature-rise test (4.5.3.13).

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NOTE 2 For traction converters the duty cycle can be a typical theoretical cycle (acceleration, constant sp
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