EN 50119:2001

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 50119:2002
prva izdaja
STANDARD
marec 2002
Železniške naprave – Stabilne naprave električne vleke – Kontaktni vodniki
električne vleke
Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction overhead contact lines
ICS 29.280 Referenčna številka
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50119
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2001
ICS 29.280
English version
Railway applications -
Fixed installations -
Electric traction overhead contact lines
Applications ferroviaires - Bahnanwendungen -
Installations fixes - Ortsfeste Anlagen -
Lignes aériennes de contact pour la Oberleitungen für den elektrischen
traction électrique Zugbetrieb
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2000-11-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any
other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own
language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2001 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50119:2001 E
Foreword
This European Standard was prepared by SC 9XC, Electric supply and earthing systems for public
transport equipment and ancillary apparatus (fixed installations), of the Technical Committee CENELEC
TC 9X, Electrical and electronic applications for railways.
The text of the draft was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 50119
on 2000-11-01.
The following dates were fixed:
- latest date by which the EN has to be implemented at national (dop) 2002-01-01
level by publication of an identical national standard or by
endorsement
- latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2003-11-01
EN have to be withdrawn
Annexes designated “normative” are part of the body of the standard. Annexes designated
“informative” are given for information only. In this standard, annexes A and B are normative.
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate (M024) given to CENELEC by the
European Commission and supports the Public Procurement Directive, 93/38/EEC.
References to definitions in IEC 60050-811 in clause 3 are included for user reference and in some
cases may update or modify the current definition.
_____________
- 3 - EN 50119:2001
Contents
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references .5
3 Definitions .6
3.1 Systems.6
3.2 Conductors.7
3.3 Electrical.9
3.4 Mechanical.10
3.5 Support .11
3.6 Component.11
3.7 Current collection .12
4 Overhead contact line systems.12
4.1 General.12
4.2 System design .12
4.3 Overhead line equipment and components .12
4.4 Installation design.13
4.5 Construction .13
5 System design .13
5.1 Fundamental design data .13
5.2 Requirements of the overhead contact line system .15
5.3 Presentation of the design .26
5.4 Demonstration of conformity.27
6 Overhead contact line equipment and components .27
6.1 General.27
6.2 Insulators .28
6.3 Grooved contact wire .29
6.4 Other wires.30
6.5 Droppers .30
6.6 Supporting assemblies .31
6.7 Clamps, splices and other in-line tension fittings.32
6.8 Electrical connections .33
6.9 Sectioning devices.33
6.10 Switches and protection devices .34
6.11 Tensioning devices .34
6.12 Registration assemblies .34
6.13 Fixed anchor restraints.35
6.14 Structures .35
6.15 Foundations .36
6.16 Presentation and drawing standards .37
7 Installation design .37
7.1 General.37
7.2 Route details .37
7.3 Sectioning .37
7.4 Layout.38
7.5 Presentation .38
7.6 Deviation from system and component design .39

8 Construction .39
8.1 Client interfaces .39
8.2 Principal methodologies .40
8.3 Redundant material disposal.40
8.4 Recommended material suppliers .40
8.5 Acceptance parameters.41
8.6 Energization notice .41
8.7 Commissioning .42
8.8 Operation and maintenance documentation .42
8.9 Handover .42
Annex A (normative) Environmental conditions .43
A.1 Environmental parameters.43
A.2 Wind pressure .43
A.3 Precipitation (snow, ice, humidity).43
A.4 Ambient temperature.43
A.5 Solar radiation.43
A.6 Pollution.43
A.7 Additional requirements.44
Annex B (normative) Temperature rise in conductors.45
B.1 Electrical design of the conductor system .45
Bibliography.46
Table 1 — Contact force .16
Table 3 — Factor K for grooved contact wires.18
load
Table 4 — Factor K for stranded wires .19
temp
Table 5 — Factor K for stranded wires.20
wind
Table 6 — Factor K for stranded wires .20
ice
Table 7 — Factor K for ropes of non-conducting materials.22
radius
Table 8 — Contact wire gradients.23
Table 9 — Electrical clearances.25
Table 10 — Phase voltage clearance .25
Table A.1 — Pollution.44
Table B.1 — Maximum acceptable temperatures over which the mechanical
properties of the material can be impaired. .45

- 5 - EN 50119:2001
1 Scope
This European Standard applies for the design and construction of electric traction overhead contact
lines in railway and tramway applications (see clause 4).
The standard is intended to be used by the system designer for the new construction of electric
traction overhead contact lines or for the complete transformation of existing lines according to the
client performance objectives. This document does not deal in detail with railway traction electrical
supply systems or EMC requirements and is not applicable to feeders which are remote from the
track.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated within it by amendment
or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 50121-5 Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility
Part 5: Emission and immunity of fixed power supply installations and
apparatus
EN 50122 series Railway applications – Fixed installations
EN 50122-1 Railway applications - Fixed installations
Part 1: Protective provisions relating to electrical safety and earthing
EN 50123 series Railway applications - Fixed installations - DC switchgear
EN 50124 series Railway applications - Insulation coordination
EN 50124-1 Railway applications - Insulation coordination
Part 1: Basic requirements - Clearances and creepage distances for all
electrical and electronic equipment
EN 50125-1 Railway applications - Environmental conditions for fixed installations
Part 1: Equipment on board rolling stock
EN 50149 Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction - Copper and
copper alloy grooved contact wires
EN 50152 series Railway applications - Fixed installations - Particular requirements for
a.c. switchgear
EN 50163 Railway applications - Supply voltages of traction systems
EN 60099 series Surge arresters
EN 60168 1994 Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass
for systems with a nominal voltage greater than 1 000 V
(IEC 60168:1994)
EN 60383 series Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1 kV
(IEC 60383 series)
EN 60507 Artificial pollution tests on high-voltage insulators to be used on a.c.
systems
EN 60672 series Ceramic and glass insulating materials
EN 61325 Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1 kV -
Ceramic or glass insulator units for d.c. systems - Definitions, test
methods and acceptance criteria
IEC 60050-466 International electrotechnical vocabulary — Chapter 466: Overhead lines
IEC 60050-811 International electrotechnical vocabulary — Chapter 811: Electric
traction
IEC 61109 Composite insulators for a.c. overhead lines with a nominal voltage
greater than 1 000 V — Definitions, test methods and acceptance
criteria.
IEC 61245 Artificial pollution tests on high-voltage insulators to be used on d.c.
systems
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard the following definitions apply:
3.1 Systems
3.1.1
overhead contact line system (OCS)
supporting network for supplying electrical energy to electromotive power units
NOTE The system may include all overhead wiring, including the catenaries, the grooved contact wires and return wires, earth
wires, lightning protection wires, line feeders and reinforcing feeders mounted on the supports, overhead conductor rails, foundations
and supporting structures and components, terminating, supporting, registering or insulating the conductor equipment and switching,
detecting or protecting equipment.
3.1.2
overhead contact line
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-02]
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
3.1.3
contact line
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-01]
conductor system for supplying electric energy to vehicles through current-collecting equipment
3.1.4
overhead line
[IEC 60050-466, definition 466-01-01]
an electric line whose conductors are supported above ground, generally by means of insulators and
appropriate supports.
NOTE Certain overhead lines may also be constructed with insulated conductors

- 7 - EN 50119:2001
3.1.5
overhead contact line with catenary suspension
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-05]
overhead contact line where the grooved contact wire or wires are suspended from one or more
longitudinal catenaries
NOTE Longitudinal suspension is an equivalent term to catenary suspension.
3.1.6
load gauge, static
maximum cross-sectional profile of the vehicles using the railway line
3.1.7
kinematic load gauge
static load gauge enlarged to allow for dynamic movements of the vehicle, e.g. suspension travel and
bounce
3.1.8
kinematic envelope
kinematic load gauge further enlarged to allow for possible tolerances in the position of the track
3.1.9
swept envelope
kinematic envelope enlarged to allow for centre and end throw of the vehicles on horizontal and
vertical curves
3.1.10
neutral section
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-36-16]
section of a contact line provided with a sectioning point at each end, to prevent successive electrical
sections, differing in voltage or phase, being connected together by the passage of current collectors
3.1.11
insulated overlap
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-36-14]
sectioning point formed by overlapping the ends of adjacent sections of contact lines, allowing parallel
running, insulation being provided by a suitable air gap between the two sets of equipment
3.2 Conductors
3.2.1
contact wire
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33 15]
electric conductor of an overhead contact line with which the current collectors make contact
3.2.2
catenary
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-06]
longitudinal wire supporting the grooved contact wire or wires either directly or indirectly
3.2.3
main catenary
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-07]
catenary supporting an auxiliary catenary by means of droppers

3.2.4
auxiliary catenary
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-08]
catenary suspended from the main catenary and supporting the grooved contact wire or wires directly
by means of droppers
3.2.5
stitch catenary suspension
catenary suspension in which the contact wire is suspended by one or more droppers from a short
continuos auxiliary wire, attached to the main catenary at one point on each side of the main catenary
support
3.2.6
feeder
electrical connection between the contact line and the substation or switching station
3.2.7
line feeder
overhead conductor mounted on the same structure as the overhead contact line to supply
successive feeding points
3.2.8
reinforcing feeder
overhead conductor mounted adjacent to the overhead contact line, and directly connected to it at
frequent intervals, in order to increase the effective cross-sectional area
3.2.9
return circuit
all conductors which form the intended path for the traction return current
NOTE The conductors may be e.g. running rails, return conductor rails, return conductor earth wires, return cables.
3.2.10
return conductor
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-34-10]
any part of the return circuit
3.2.11
return conductor rail
conductor rail used instead of the running rails for the traction return currents
3.2.12
return cable
insulated return conductor forming part of the return circuit and connecting the rest of the return
circuit of the substation
3.2.13
conductor
[IEC 60050-466, definition 466-01-15]
a metal wire or cable, either solid or stranded, designed to carry electrical energy and forming part of
the overhead contact line system
3.2.14
earth wire
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-35-12]
wire connecting supports collectively to earth or the running rails to protect people and installations in
case of insulation fault and which may also be used as a return conductor

- 9 - EN 50119:2001
3.3 Electrical
3.3.1
nominal voltage
voltage by which an installation or part of an installation is designated
NOTE The voltage of the contact line may differ from the nominal voltage by a quantity within permitted tolerances given in
EN 50163.
3.3.2
feeding section
electrical section of the route fed by individual track feeder circuit breakers within the area supplied by
the substation
3.3.3
earth
[IEC 60050-826, definition 826-04-01]
conductive mass of the earth, whose electric potential at any point is conventionally taken as equal to
zero
3.3.4
fault current
maximum current passed through the overhead contact line under fault conditions, within a short
defined time period, between live equipment and earth
3.3.5
short circuit
accidental or intentional conductive path between two or more points in a circuit forcing the voltages
between these points to be relatively low. Any such conductive path whether between conductors or
between conductor and earth is regarded as a short circuit
3.3.6
short circuit current
electric current flowing through the short-circuit
3.3.7
continuous current rating
nominal rating capacity of the overhead contact line within the system operating parameters
3.3.8
stray current
current which follows paths other than the return circuit
3.3.9
feeding point
point at which the feeding system supply is connected to the contact line
3.3.10
isolation
disconnection of a section of overhead contact line from the source of electrical energy, either in an
emergency or to facilitate maintenance

3.4 Mechanical
3.4.1
span
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-40]
the overhead contact line from one support or suspension point to the next
3.4.2
tension length
length of overhead contact line between two anchoring points
3.4.3
gradient
ratio of the difference in height of the overhead contact line above rail level at two successive
supports to the length of the span
3.4.4
stagger
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-21]
displacement of the contact wire to opposite sides of the track centre at successive supports to avoid
localised wear of the pantograph wearing strips
3.4.5
encumbrance
vertical distance from the lower face of the grooved contact wire to the middle of the catenary,
measured at the support
NOTE System height is an equivalent term for encumbrance.
3.4.6
contact wire height
distance from the top of the rail to the lower face of the contact wire, measured perpendicular to the
track
3.4.7
minimum contact wire height
a minimum value of the contact wire height in the span in order to avoid the arcing between one or
more contact wires and the vehicles in all conditions
3.4.8
minimum design contact wire height
theoretical contact wire height including tolerances, designed to ensure that the minimum contact wire
height is always achieved
3.4.9
nominal contact wire height
[UIC 606-1 leaflet]
a nominal value of the contact wire height at a support in the normal conditions
3.4.10
maximum design contact wire height
theoretical contact wire height including tolerances and uplift, which the pantograph is required to
reach
3.4.11
contact wire uplift
vertical upward movement of the grooved contact wire due to the force produced from the pantograph

- 11 - EN 50119:2001
3.5 Support
3.5.1
support structure
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-19]
parts which support the conductors and the associated insulators of an overhead contact line
3.5.2
mast
mainly vertical structure to provide for support, tensioning and registration of the overhead contact
line
3.5.3
cantilever
support consisting of one or more transverse members projecting from a mast
3.5.4
cross-span, span wire
wire or cable, normally electrically insulated, placed across the track and used either to support one or
more overhead contact lines (headspan), or to carry lateral registration force (cross-span registration)
3.5.5
foundation
construction, usually of concrete or steel, completely or partly buried in the ground on which the
support is mounted. The foundation shall provide stability to all loads carried by the support
3.6 Component
3.6.1
section insulator
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-36-15]
sectioning point formed by insulators inserted in a continuous run of a contact line with skids or similar
devices to maintain continuous current collection
3.6.2
dropper
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-33-22 modified]
component used to suspend a cross-span registration, an auxiliary catenary or a contact wire from a
headspan or a longitudinal catenary
3.6.3
tensioning device
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-36-45]
arrangement enabling the mechanical tension of the conductors to be adjusted
NOTE Tensioning equipment and tensioner are equivalent terms for tensioning device.
3.6.4
automatic tensioning device
device used in tensioning equipment to automatically maintain constant the mechanical tension in the
conductors within certain temperature limits
3.6.5
pull-off
form of supporting structure or registration assembly which only fixes the horizontal position (stagger)
of the contact and catenary wires, and does not support their vertical load

3.7 Current collection
3.7.1
current collector
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-32-01]
equipment fitted to the vehicle and intended to collect current from a contact wire or conductor rail
3.7.2
pantograph
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-32-02]
apparatus for collecting current from one or more contact wires, formed of a hinged device designed
to allow vertical movement of the pantograph head
3.7.3
trolley
[IEC 60050-811, definition 811-32-08]
apparatus for collecting current from a contact wire by means of a grooved wheel or contact slipper
mounted on a pole which is movable in any direction
4 Overhead contact line systems
4.1 General
This standard has been constructed in four main clauses (5, 6, 7, 8), detailing the design activities.
4.2 System design
The function of an overhead contact line system is to transmit energy from the fixed installations of
an electric railway to the moving traction units. In order to fulfil this function to the required standards
of reliability and economy, the major features of the contact line system shall be designed in
accordance with the requirements set out in clause 5.
In particular the consideration of the integration of the overhead contact line design with the
corresponding features of the other systems upstream and downstream of the energy flow, i.e. the
power supply system and the traction system (amongst others), is undertaken here. Also included is
consideration of environmental and operating conditions.
The current collection system is a combination of overhead contact line and pantograph sub-systems,
and the quality and reliability of the performance of the current collection system depends on the
characteristics of both sub-systems. Both systems shall be designed to appropriately fulfil their tasks.
The design shall take care of the compatibility of both systems.
The end product of the overhead contact line system design is termed in this context the overhead
contact line system specification and can be thought of as the definition of the architecture of the
overhead contact line system. The minimum content of such a specification is defined in clause 5.
4.3 Overhead line equipment and components
The individual components and pieces of equipment which go together to make up the contact line
system can fall into a number of categories. These are brought together by a basic design activity.
They can be designed from first principles in an engineering sense or can be proprietary items whose
testing and acceptance as a valid part of the overhead contact line system is undertaken by the basic
designer. In all cases the equipment described in clause 6 is used to accommodate all the major
characteristics of the system as defined in the output from the previous activity, the contact system
specification.
- 13 - EN 50119:2001
The requirements stated in clause 6 apply both to the design of components, equipment and
assemblies, and the manufacture and supply of such items.
4.4 Installation design
Installation design is the activity which is particular to the scheme or project of new electrification
works. The overhead contact line system, and the basic design of the equipment and components are
applied to the particular requirements of the route to be electrified in accordance with the
requirements of clause 7.
4.5 Construction
The construction of new overhead contact lines as defined in the scope shall be undertaken in
accordance with the requirements of clause 8. In particular this clause concentrates on the
construction being in accordance with the design information provided in accordance with clauses 6
and 7, and conditions of acceptance, quality of workmanship etc.
5 System design
5.1 Fundamental design data
This system designer shall document the fundamental design data and the performance instructions
of the client.
5.1.1 Service and operations information
The system designer shall document the train service characteristics and operational requirements as
defined by the client, and shall include:
a) the line speed profile of the route, or the speed and performance capability of the
train/traction units to be employed, or the future performance capability to be
anticipated and allowed for in the design, including any allowances for over speeding;
b) the type and frequency of electrically hauled trains including the number of pantographs
per train and minimum spacing.
5.1.2 Electrical power system design
The overhead contact line system design shall be based upon the consideration of the electrical
characteristics of the power supply system design:
- nominal voltage and frequency, in accordance with EN 50163;
- short circuit current details;
- required current rating;
- current under fault conditions;
- required impedance for AC systems;
- required resistance for DC systems;
- proposed feeding system;
- proposed return system;
- dimensioning of insulation;
- earthing and stray current protection in accordance with EN 50122-1.
5.1.3 Environmental conditions
The environmental conditions, particularly in terms of normal and worst case conditions, shall be
taken as described in annex A.

5.1.4 Infrastructure characteristics
The details of characteristics of the railway infrastructure affecting the geometrical relationship
between the grooved contact wire, pantograph and including track gauge and tolerances shall be
taken into account. Any national or international requirements for safety and structural clearances
shall be considered.
5.1.5 Vehicle characteristics
The characteristics with respect to clearances of all electric traction vehicle types to be used under
the overhead contact line shall be considered. In particular the following shall be determined and
incorporated into the system design:
a) the number and position of pantographs relative to the vehicle and track together with
the lateral rigidity of the pantograph;
b) the static and kinematic load gauge, kinematic envelope and the swept envelope as well
as any national or international requirements for structural clearances;
c) details of the lateral movement of the pantograph head (at reference height plus a value
for increase in height above reference height) due to vehicle body movements,
including, but not limited to, suspension characteristics, side wind, track irregularities,
cant deficiency or cant excess as well as any national or international standard for
structural and electrical clearances. The information should be presented in the form of:
1) straight (tangent) track with wind;
2) straight (tangent) track without wind;
3) curved track with wind — inside of curve;
4) curved track without wind — inside of curve (minimum speed);
5) curved track with wind —outside of curve;
6) curved track without wind — outside of curve.
5.1.6 Pantographs
Current collection systems are a combination of overhead contact lines and pantograph sub-systems,
and the quality and reliability of the system performance depends on the characteristics of both sub-
systems. The design of the overhead contact line sub-system shall therefore take into account the
characteristics of the pantograph sub-system and vice versa.
To design an overhead contact line system which achieves a satisfactory performance, the
characteristics of all pantographs to be used on the line shall be known. These characteristics include
the type of the pantograph(s) to be employed, and details of the major characteristics of such
pantographs, plus such details of the traction vehicles as affecting the pantograph performance.
These details shall include the following characteristics:
a) pantograph collector head width, length and profile;
b) number of collector strips, the type of material and the spacing;
c) number of pantographs in use at the same time, their separation/ positioning on the train
and if electrically connected or electrically independent;
d) a mass / spring / damper mathematical model;
e) static mean contact force of pantograph;
f) aerodynamic force at maximum line speed;
g) the working width of the pantograph head;
h) working range and housed height;
i) controlled height positions.

- 15 - EN 50119:2001
5.1.7 Additional features
The system designer shall document any additional features requested by the client for the overhead
contact line system design, which may include the following:
a) external limitations on contact wire heights or uplifts, or system heights and clearances;
b) life expectancy and desired maintenance/renewal philosophy, allowable grooved contact
wire wear (if required) including accessibility for electrical sectioning, inspections etc.,
and including planned preventive or condition monitored maintenance;
c) specification of EMC limitations.
Attention is drawn to legal requirements, National Standards or internal railway regulations.
5.2 Requirements of the overhead contact line system
5.2.1 Design of current collection systems
5.2.1.1 General
The dynamic performance of the overhead contact line system and the pantograph systems shall be
analysed in order to anticipate of the dynamic behaviour of the overhead contact line. The dynamic
behaviour of the overhead contact line depends upon characteristics such as the mechanical load in
each conductor, the conductor masses per unit length, the design at the support, and the pre-sag of
the contact wire.
A mechanical study of the overhead contact line systems carried out from the simulation shall obtain
the following results:
- the uplift of the contact wire at the support;
- the criteria of current collection quality.
The criteria for current collection quality shall be defined by the mean contact force and standard
deviation or the loss of contact by unit time
The mean contact force minus 3 standard deviations shall be positive.
The percentage loss of contact shall be less than 1 % where the contact force shall be simulated for a
scanning rate of 0,2 m.
On a train with multiple pantographs, the performance of each pantograph shall be assessed.
5.2.1.2 Contact forces
Overhead contact line equipment is generally designed to accept maximum and minimum total
contact forces between the pantograph and the contact wire while taking into account the
aerodynamic effects which occur at the maximum permissible speed of the vehicle. The minimum
contact force shall be positive and is used to determine no loss of contact between the pantograph
and the overhead contact line. Force values vary with different combinations of pantograph and
overhead contact system and the method employed in simulating these values. Typical calculated
values of force between the contact wire and collector strip are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 — Contact force
System Speed Contact force
km/h Maximum Minimum
N N
AC 300 Positive
≤ 200
AC >200 350 Positive
DC ≤ 200 300 Positive
DC > 200 400 Positive
5.2.1.3 Uplift
It is appropriate to limit the pantograph and contact wire uplift at the support. The uplift at the support,
for the maximum span length under normal operating conditions, shall be calculated by the system
designer or a simulation programme.
The space for free and unrestricted uplift provided by the design at the support shall be a minimum of
twice the calculated or simulated uplift value. If restrictions or design limitations to uplift are included
in the design then a figure not lower than 1,5 shall be used.
5.2.1.4 Elasticity and variation
The overhead contact line shall be designed in such a way, that there is a small variation of the
elasticity u. The elasticity e is the uplift per force in mm/N measured at the grooved contact wire. In
every span length there is a point of maximum elasticity and a point of minimum elasticity. This is
described in the following formula for variation u.
e −e
max min
u = ×100
e +e
max min
NOTE Low elasticity does not always give a small variation. The elasticity values are static values.
The elasticity values and their variation depend upon both the configuration of the line and the speed
allowable on the track. For the overhead contact system the following main factors shall be taken into
account:
- the number of conductors of the contact lines;
- the tension of the conductors;
- the length of span;
- the existence of stitch wires.
5.2.1.5 Wave propagation velocity
Waves caused by pantograph forces on contact wire have a propagation velocity. The operational
speed of the line shall be less than 70 % of the wave propagation velocity.
5.2.2 Suspension systems for contact wires
Tensioned contact wires may be suspended from main or auxiliary catenaries, bridles, stitch wires or
from direct tramway (non-catenary) type supports. Non-tensioned contact wires may be supported
from other forms of continuous support.

- 17 - EN 50119:2001
Catenary type suspension should be defined for lines where speeds greater than 100 km/h are
necessary.
5.2.3 Tensioning systems
Variations in conductor tensions have the highest singular effect on overhead contact line design for
current collection. The tensions shall be maintained within the system design parameters. To ensure
satisfactory current collection, except when speeds are low, automatic tensioning for the contact wires
is necessary.
For high speeds, both catenary and contact wire shall be automatically tensioned. For very high
speeds they shall be separately automatically tensioned.
5.2.4 Grooved contact wires
The grooved contact wires shall conform to the requirements of EN 50149.
5.2.4.1 Permissible tensile loading
The permissible tensile load of a grooved contact wire depends on the parameters stated in 5.2.4.2 to
5.2.4.7. All of these parameters shall be weighted with an individual factor. The minimum tensile
stress of the grooved contact wire shall be multiplied by the product of these factors to get the
maximum permissible working tensile load.
The calculated grooved contact wire working tensile stress shall not exceed 65 % of the minimum
tensile stress of the grooved contact wire.
The data in Table 2 to Table 7 may be interpolated.
EXAMPLE:
σ = σ ×0,65 ×K ×K ×K ×K ×K ×K
w min temp wear load eff clamp joint
=355 ×0,65 ×0,9 ×0,8 ×0,95 ×0,95 ×0,90 ×0,96
=129 N/mm maximum working tensile strength.
The design working tensile load for a 100 mm² grooved contact wire is in this case 12,9 kN.
5.2.4.2 Maximum temperature K
temp
The tensile strength and creep behaviour of grooved contact wires depends on the maximum working
temperature. The factor K expresses the relationship between the permissible tensile strength and the
temp
maximum working temperature of a grooved contact wire and is illustrated in Table 2.
Table 2 — Factor K for grooved contact wires
temp
Grooved contact wire Maximum working temperature
material
≤≤ 70 °C 80 °C 100 °C
≤≤
Cu 1,0 0,9 —
Cu-Ag 0.1 1,0 1,0 0,9
Cu-Cd 1,0 1,0 —
Cu-Sn 1,0 1,0 0,9
Cu-Mg 1,0 1,0 0,95
5.2.4.3 Allowable wear K
wear
Provision shall be made for allowable wear by applying a factor appropriate to the amount of wear.
5.2.4.4 Wind and ice loads K
load
The effect of wind and ice loads on maximum grooved contact wire tensile strength depends on the
depends on the wind and ice loads and the design of
design of overhead contact lines. The factor K
load
the overhead contact line according to Table 3.
Table 3 — Factor K for grooved contact wires
load
Design of overhead contact line Wind and ice load Wind load
Contact and catenary wire — automatic 0,95 1,0
termination
Grooved contact wire automatic termination and 0,90 0,95
catenary wire fixed tensioned
Single grooved contact wire — automatic
termination
Contact and catenary wire fixed tensioned 0,70 0,8
5.2.4.5 Tensioning accuracy and efficiency K
eff
Tensioning accuracy and efficiency is defined by the factor K . For the normal design and installation
eff
of tensioning devices, K is assumed to be 0,95.
eff
For tensioning devices with an approved accuracy and efficiency of more than 0,95, K is taken
eff
as 1,00.
5.2.4.6 Termination fittings K
clamp
The effect of termination fittings is defined by the factor K which is assumed to equal 1,00 if the
clamp
clamping force is equal to or greater than 95 % of the grooved contact wire tensile strength.
Otherwise, K is equal to the ratio of the clamping force to the tensile strength.
clamp
5.2.4.7 Welded or soldered joints K
joint
The possible reduction in the strength of welded or soldered joints is defined by a factor K which is
joint
equal to 0,95. If no joints are adopted, then K is taken as equalling 1,00.
joint
5.2.4.8 Creep
Not withstanding the requirements of the permitted tensile load, consideration shall also be given to
the properties of the grooved contact wire material with respect to resistance to creep. To achieve this
resistance to creep, a lower permissible tensile stress and/or working temperature should be adopted.

- 19 - EN 50119:2001
5.2.5 Stranded wires
The requirements of 5.2.5.1 to 5.2.5.7 shall normally be applied to stranded catenary wires but need
not be adopted for other stranded wires if the working load does not exceed 40 % of the minimum
breaking load of the wire.
5.2.5.1 Permissible tensile loading
The permissible tensile loads of stranded wires shall be weighted with an individual factor (see 5.2.5.2
to 5.2.5.7). The minimum specified breaking load of the wires shall be multiplied by the product of
these individual factors to obtain the maximum permissible working load.
The calculated working load of the stranded wires shall not exceed 65 % of the minimum specified
breaking load.
The following example of working load is for a 50 mm² stranded wire having a specified breaking load
of 25 kN.
F =F ×0,65 ×K ×K ×K ×K ×K ×K
w Bmin temp wind ice eff clamp load
= 25 ×0,65 ×1,0 ×0,9 ×0,95 ×1,0 ×1,0 ×0,8
= 11,15 kN maximum working load.
5.2.5.2 Maximum temperature K
temp
The maximum working temperature (excluding short circuit loading) shall be taken into account for
expresses the connection between the permissible working load and
conductors only. The factor K
temp
the maximum working temperature for a conductor. It depends on the maximum calculated
temperature and the wire type as specified in Table 4.
Table 4 — Factor K for stranded wires
temp
Stranded wire type Maximum calculated temperature
°C
≤≤ 70 80 100
≤≤
Cu 1,0 0,9 —
Al-alloy 1,0 0,9 0,8
Cu-Cd / Cu Ag 1,0 1,0 0,85
Cu-Sn 0.
...