SIST EN 50617-1:2015

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2015
Železniške naprave - Osnovni parametri sistemov za detekcijo vlakov - 1. del: Tirni
tokokrog
Railways applications - Basic parameters of train detection systems - Part 1: Track
circuits
Bahnanwendungen - Basic Parameters der Gleisfreimeldesystemen - Teil 1:
Gleisstromkreisen
Applications ferroviaires - Paramètres de base des systèmes de détection des trains -
Partie 1: Circuits de voie
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50617-1:2015
ICS:
45.020 Železniška tehnika na Railway engineering in
splošno general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50617-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2015
ICS 29.280
English Version
Railway applications - Technical parameters of train detection
systems for the interoperability of the trans-European railway
system - Part 1: Track circuits
Applications ferroviaires - Paramètres techniques des Bahnanwendungen - Technische Parameter von
systèmes de détection des trains - Partie 1: Circuits de voie Gleisfreimeldesystemen - Teil 1: Gleisstromkreisen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2015-03-09. 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 CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre 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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50617-1:2015 E
Contents Page
Foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 9
4 Description of train detection system . 10
5 Safety relevance of parameters . 11
6 Technical track circuit parameters . 12
6.1 TC non-Detection zone . 12
6.1.1 General . 12
6.1.2 Requirements . 12
6.2 Track circuit length . 12
6.2.1 General . 12
6.2.2 TC Minimum length of detection - Requirement. 12
6.2.3 TC Maximum length of detection - Requirement . 12
6.3 Broken rail detection . 13
6.3.1 General . 13
6.3.2 Requirements . 13
6.4 IRJ failure detection . 14
6.4.1 General . 14
6.4.2 Requirement . 14
6.5 Frequency management and relevant parameters of the track circuit . 14
6.5.1 Frequencies and immunity limits . 14
6.5.2 Number of operational channels . 15
6.5.3 Separation between operational channels / channel bandwidth . 15
6.6 Coding . 16
6.6.1 General . 16
6.6.2 Type of coding . 16
6.6.3 Requirements . 17
6.7 Response of the receiver to transient disturbances . 17
6.7.1 General . 17
6.7.2 Switched sinusoidal signal . 17
6.7.3 Other signals . 19
6.7.4 Validation of the response of the receiver to transient disturbances . 19
6.8 RAMS . 20
6.8.1 Reliability . 20
6.8.2 Availability . 20
6.8.3 Maintainability . 20
6.8.4 Safety . 21
6.8.5 Validation of all RAMS parameters . 21
7 Train based parameter - Shunt impedance . 21
7.1 General . 21
7.2 Requirements . 22
8 Track based parameters . 22
8.1 Total impedance of the track . 22
8.1.1 General . 22
8.1.2 Requirements . 23
8.2 Rail to Earth impedance . 24
8.2.1 General . 24
8.2.2 Limits and requirements . 24
8.2.3 Validation . 25
8.3 Rail surface resistance / track quality . 25
8.4 Insulation value of IRJ . 25
8.4.1 General . 25
8.4.2 Requirements and validation . 25
8.5 Type of sleepers / track structure . 26
8.5.1 General . 26
8.5.2 Definition of the parameter . 26
8.5.3 Requirement and validation . 26
8.6 Ballast resistance . 27
8.6.1 General . 27
8.6.2 Definition of the parameter . 27
8.6.3 Requirements for validation . 27
8.7 Maximum time between train movements . 27
8.7.1 General . 27
8.7.2 Definition of the parameter . 27
8.7.3 Requirements and validation . 27
8.8 Unbalance of the return current . 28
8.8.1 General . 28
8.8.2 Requirements and validation . 28
9 Environmental and other parameters . 28
9.1 Signalling power supply quality with respect to availability . 28
9.1.1 General . 28
9.1.2 Requirements and validation . 28
9.2 Traction power supply quality . 29

9.2.1 General . 29
9.2.2 Definition of the parameter . 29
9.2.3 Requirements and validation . 29
9.3 Amount of sand . 29
9.3.1 General . 29
9.3.2 Definition of parameter . 30
9.3.3 Requirements and validation . 30
9.4 Weather, ice and other environmental conditions . 30
9.4.1 Temperature . 30
9.4.2 Pressure/Airflow . 30
9.4.3 Humidity . 31
9.4.4 Precipitation . 31
9.4.5 Solar radiation . 32
9.4.6 Protection level (IP) . 32
9.4.7 Vibrations / shock . 33
9.5 EMC . 33
9.5.1 General . 33
9.5.2 Requirement and validation for EMC with respect to vehicles . 33
9.5.3 Requirement and validation for EMC with radio transmitters . 33
9.5.4 Requirement and validation for overvoltage protection (including indirect lightning
effects) . 33
Annex A (informative)  Guidance for usual safety relevance of parameters . 34
Annex B (informative)  Scenarios for non-detection zone . 36
B.1 Overlap of two detection zones using isolated rail joints (distance x in figure below) . 36
B.2 Overlap of a dead zone in S&C area . 36
B.3 Equipotential wires in S&C area . 38
B.4 Zone without detection in electrical joints. 39
Annex C (informative)  Track circuit length . 42
C.1 Introduction . 42
C.2 Example of TC with S-bond . 42
C.2.1 Introduction . 42
C.2.2 TC minimum length depending on the S-bond length . 42
C.2.3 TC minimum length depending on the speed of the train, drop-away delay, route release
delay and tolerances . 43
C.2.4 TC Minimum length relating to RST . 43
Annex D (informative)  Scenarios for broken rail Relation Track circuit – Broken rail detection . 45
D.1 Basic principle . 45
D.2 Fail safe system . 46
D.3 Examples where the broken rail detection is not possible. . 47
D.3.1 S&C area . 47
D.3.2 Single rail isolation . 47
D.3.3 Parallel paths of other tracks circuits or (and) earthing connections . 47
Annex E (informative) Frequency management . 48
E.1 Frequencies and immunity limits . 48
E.1.1 Frequency bands of operation . 48
E.1.2 Parameters for evaluation. 48
E.1.3 TC Compatibility limits . 48
E.1.4 Immunity to in-band interference . 49
E.1.5 Immunity to harmonics frequency from traction power supply (1,5 kHz to 2,65 kHz in DC
and 50 Hz power systems only) . 50
E.1.6 Validation of immunity . 51
E.2 Background to development . 54
E.2.1 Introduction . 54
E.2.2 Approach to Frequency Management . 55
E.2.3 Future Track Circuits and Frequency Management . 55
E.2.4 Future RST and Frequency Management . 55
E.2.5 Application of FrM to existing generation Track Circuits . 55
E.3 Frequency management – Emission limits for rolling stock . 56
E.3.1 General . 56
E.3.2 Emission limits for rolling stock supplied under DC power systems . 56
E.3.3 Emission limits for rolling stock supplied under 16,7 Hz power systems . 57
E.3.4 Emission limits for rolling stock supplied under 50 Hz power systems . 57
Annex F (informative)  Vehicle Impedance / guidance for RST design to support the FrM . 58
F.1 Definition of the parameter . 58
F.2 Justification of the parameter . 58
F.3 Limits and RST requirements . 58
F.3.1 For DC traction: . 58
F.3.2 For both AC and DC traction: . 58
F.4 Validation of the parameter . 58
Annex G (informative) Example of elements of maintenance for existing track circuits . 59
Annex H (informative) Example of management of shunt impedance. 64
Annex I (informative) . 66
I.1 Physical factors . 66
I.2 Symmetric rail- ground resistance . 67
I.3 Values from experience . 67
I.4 Asymmetric rail- ground resistance . 67
I.5 Touch Potential Effects . 68
Annex J (informative) Example of mechanical test for IRJ . 70
J.1 General . 70
J.2 Testing program . 71
Annex K (informative) Example of existing requirement for the type of sleepers / track structure . 73
K.1 Typical value for a ballast resistance . 73
K.2 Infrabel . 73
K.3 DB . 73
K.3.1 Wooden sleepers . 73
K.3.2 Concrete sleepers . 73
K.3.3 Slab tracks . 74
Annex L (informative) Example of application for different safety requirements . 75
L.1 Lower safety integrity level (less than SIL 4) . 75
L.2 Highest safety integrity level (SIL 4) . 75
Annex ZZ (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2008/57/EC . 76
Bibliography . 80
Foreword
This document (EN 50617-1:2015) has been prepared by CLC/SC 9XA "Communication, signalling and
processing systems" of CLC/TC 9X "Electrical and electronic applications for railways".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2016-03-09
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
(dow) 2018-03-09
• latest date by which the national standards
conflicting with this document have to
be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission and
the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive 2008/57/EC amended by Commission Directive 2011/18/EU, see
informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part of this document.
EN 50617, Railway applications – Technical parameters of train detection systems, will consist of
- Part 1: Track circuits;
- Part 2: Axle counters.
Introduction
The working group SC9XA WGA4-2 has developed the limits for electromagnetic compatibility between rolling
stock and train detection systems, specifically track circuits and axle counter systems and correspondingly
published two technical specifications CLC/TS 50238-2 and CLC/TS 50238-3. These limits and associated
measurement methods are based on preferred existing systems (as defined in CLC/TS 50238-2 and CLC/TS
50238-3) which are well established and still put forward for signalling renewals by infrastructure managers.
To meet the requirements for compatibility between train detection systems and rolling stock in the future and
to achieve interoperability and free movement within the European Union, it is necessary to define a
“Frequency management” including the complete set of interface requirements.
The train detection systems, track circuits and axle counters, are an integral part of the CCS trackside
subsystem in the context of the Rail Interoperability Directive. The relevant technical parameters are
enumerated in the CCS and LOC&PAS TSI and specified in the mandatory Specification (index 77 of CCS
TSI). This standard refers whenever needed to this document. Although the demand for FrM is driven by
Interoperability requirements, it is independent from the drive to introduce systems like ERTMS level 3 or level
2.
This standard is based on the current understanding of the railway experts represented at WGA4-2 that track
circuits and axle counter systems will continue to be the essential two train detection systems for the
foreseeable future.
The published specifications CLC/TS 50238-2 and CLC/TS 50238-3 can be used in the interim period, to
ascertain conformity of individual train detection systems to the requirements of the Frequency Management.
The published specifications CLC/TS 50238-2 and CLC/TS 50238-3 can be used to ascertain conformity of
individual train detection systems to the requirements of the TSIs, that will be in place for the parameters still
declared “open points” in index 77 of CCS TSI.
The Frequency Management requirements presented in this standard are informative at this stage until
introduced in document Index 77 of CCS TSI.
In this European Standard, the defined parameters are structured and allocated according to their basic
references as follows:
- track circuit system parameters;
- train based parameters;
- track based parameters;
- environmental and other parameters.

Where possible, the parameters as defined are consistent with other European Standards.
Each parameter is defined by a short general description, the definition of the requirement, the relation to
other standards and a procedure to show the fulfilment of the requirement as far as necessary. An overview of
the safety relevance of each parameter is given – in the context of this European Standard – in a separate
table.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the technical parameters of track circuits associated with the disturbing
current emissions limits for RST in the context of interoperability defined in the form of Frequency
Management. The limits for compatibility between rolling stock and track circuits currently proposed in this
standard allow provision for known interference phenomena linked to traction power supply and associated
protection (over voltage, short-circuit current and basic transient effects like in-rush current and power cut-off).
These effects are assessed using modelling tools that have been verified by the past European research
project RAILCOM.
This European Standard is intended to be used to assess compliance of track circuits equipment and other
forms of train detection systems using the rails as part of their detection principles, in the context of the
European Directive on the interoperability of the trans-European railway system and the associated technical
specification for interoperability relating to the control-command and signalling track-side subsystems.
The European Standard describes technical parameters to consider for achieving the compatibility of the track
circuit with the emissions limits defined in the frequency management for rolling stock. These parameters are
structured and allocated according to their basic references as follows:
- Technical track circuit parameters;
- Train based parameters;
- Track based parameters;
- Environmental and other parameters including EMC.
Each parameter is defined by a short general description, the definition of the requirement, the relation to
other standards and a procedure to show the fulfilment of the requirement as far as necessary. An overview of
the safety relevance of each parameter is given – in the context of this European Standard – in a separate
table.
NOTE The allocated bands for track circuits and emission limits for rolling stock defined in the Frequency Management
are currently used as input information to define mandatory requirements to be stated in index 77 of CCS TSI. The
evaluation is conducted by the European Railway Agency.
The immunity limits of the track circuits installed on non-interoperable lines, or on interoperable lines built
before the publication date of this document, are not defined in this European Standard and remain the
responsibility of individual infrastructure managers, NSAs and/or suppliers of train detection systems. In this
case, the limits for compatibility are usually given in the infrastructure registers and/or the notified national
rules.
This European Standard is applicable to track circuits installed on all traction power supply lines, including
non-electrified lines. However, for track circuits intended to be installed only on non-electrified lines, some
parameters may be not applicable.
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.
EN 13146-5, Railway applications — Track — Test methods for fastening systems — Part 5: Determination of
electrical resistance
EN 50121-4, Railway applications — Electromagnetic compatibility — Part 4: Emission and immunity of the
signalling and telecommunications apparatus
EN 50122 (all parts), Railway applications — Fixed installations — Electrical safety, earthing and the return
circuit
EN 50124-2, Railway applications — Insulation coordination — Overvoltages and related protection
EN 50125-3:2003, Railway applications — Environmental conditions for equipment — Part 3: Equipment for
signalling and telecommunications
EN 50126 (all parts), Railways applications — The specification and demonstration of Reliability, Availability,
Maintainability and Safety (RAMS)
EN 50128, Railway applications — Communication, signalling and processing systems — Software for railway
control and protection systems
EN 50129, Railway applications — Communication, signalling and processing systems — Safety related
electronic systems for signalling
EN 50238-1, Compatibility between rolling stock and train detection systems — Part 1: General
CLC/TS 50238-2:2010, Railway applications — Compatibility between rolling stock and train detection
systems — Part 2: Compatibility with track circuits
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529)
EN 60721-3 (all sections), Classification of environmental conditions — Part 3: Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities (IEC 60721-3, all sections)
IEC 60050-161, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary — Chapter 161: Electromagnetic compatibility
IEC 60050-811, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary — Chapter 811: Electric traction
IEC 60050-821, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary — Part 821: Signalling and security apparatus for
railways
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161, IEC 60050-811,
IEC 60050-821 and the following apply.
3.1.1
dynamic shunt
represents the equivalent impedance seen from the TC REC for a detection of RST axle
Note 1 to entry: It includes the axle shunt value, the impedance of the contact rail-wheel, and the impedance characteristic
of the track.
Note 2 to entry: Dynamic shunt is determined in the TC safety case.
3.1.2
influencing unit
rolling stock influencing the train detection system
Note 1 to entry: One influencing unit comprises all coupled/connected vehicles, e.g. complete train with single or multiple
traction, single vehicle, multiple connected/coupled vehicles and wagons, e.g. one complete passenger train, consisting of
one or more traction units (as defined in CLC/TS 50238-2) and up to 16 coaches.
3.1.3
neutral section
separates two sections of OHS, which are supplied from two different substations (can be different type of
electrification / different phase angle)
3.1.4
return current unbalance
current unbalance is the ratio of the difference of current in the 2 rails, as defined using the following formula:
 
I −I
r1 r 2
 ×100% ,
 
I + I
 r1 r 2
where I ,I are the currents in both rails
r1 r 2
3.1.5
S-Bond
equipotential cable in some electrical joint type
3.1.6
track section clear
state of the track section which the TC output state should give the information that the track section is clear of
RST
3.1.7
track section occupied
TC output state which corresponds to the information either that the track section is occupied by a RST or that
the TC is not able to clear the track section (e.g. in case of failure)
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviations apply.
AC Alternating current
AFTC Audio Frequency Track Circuit
CCS Control-command and signalling
DC Direct current
EJ Electrical joint
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility
ERA European Railway Agency
ERTMS European Rail Traffic Management System
EUREMCO European Electromagnetic Compatibility project
f Centre frequency of measuring filter used for train emission evaluation
f Centre frequency of the signal generated by the transmitter of the track circuit
c
I Steady state interference current limit for RST (one influencing unit)
FFT Fast Fourrier Transform
FrM Frequency Management
GRS General Railway Signal
IM Infrastructure Manager
IP Ingress Protection Rating
IRJ Insulated rail joint
ITU International Telecommunications Union
LOC&PAS Locomotives and passenger rolling stock
MTBF Mean Time Between Failures
MTTR Mean Time to Repair
NSA National Safety Authority
OHS Overhead system
RAMS Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety
REC Receiver
RSF Right Side Failure
RST Rolling Stock
S&C Switch and crossing
SIL Safety Integrity Level
SMS Safety Management System
T
Pick-up delay time of the track circuit
pi
TC Track Circuit
TDS Train Detection System
TR Transmitter
TSI Technical Specification for Interoperability
WSF Wrong Side Failure
Xm Length of the electrical joint
4 Description of train detection system
Train detection systems for route proving as a fully automatic train detection system are integrated into railway
signalling and safety systems. The train detection is part of the route proving procedure and contribution of
trouble-free railway operation.
The train detection equipment provides information about whether track sections are ‘clear’ or ‘occupied’.
This standard applies to train detection systems using the rails to detect the presence of a vehicle.
Rails are the transmission path between the TC TR and REC. The short-circuiting of the two rails by an axle
leads to the status track ‘occupied’ of the section.
The figure below defines the system boundaries of a train detection system using track circuit systems.

Interlocking
Logical system border
Track circuit system
Track vacancy
evaluation unit
Trackside
equipment
Border of the
track vacancy
Physical border for one
t
track vacancy section
Figure 1 – System boundary for track circuit system
Track circuit is a general description of a whole range of train detection equipment based on the shunt caused
by the wheel sets of a train. Today there are many different types in use throughout Europe.
5 Safety relevance of parameters
The safety case of track circuit shall be determined according to EN 50126.
Non-detection of a train present on the track circuit shall be considered as a hazardous situation.
Each parameter described in the following chapters may or may not have an influence on the safety level.
According to the design of the track circuit and each particular technical environment, the safety relevance of
parameters shall be defined on a case by case basis. Guidance for usual safety relevance of each parameter
is given in Annex A.
6 Technical track circuit parameters
6.1 TC non-detection zone
6.1.1 General
The TC non-detection zone is an area of the TC where the RST is not detected.
If a vehicle with a very short distance between the first and the last axle (e.g. maintenance car) does not
interact with at least one of the two adjacent track circuits, the train detection system will qualify the two
adjacent corresponding track sections as clear.
NOTE This is a temporary effect (except if the train remains stationary in this position).
The scenarios for non-detection zone are given in informative Annex B.
The length of the TC non-detection zone will depend on the position of IRJ on the 2 rails, and/or the dynamic
shunt.
6.1.2 Requirements
The maximum length of a non-detection zone between two adjacent track circuits shall not be longer than the
minimum distance between first and last axle defined in index 77 of CCS TSI.
The assessment shall be performed by field test with the dynamic shunt.
6.2 Track circuit length
6.2.1 General
The track circuit length is the length within which a RST is detected.
Examples of minimum track circuit length determination are given in informative Annex C.
6.2.2 TC Minimum length of detection - Requirement
The minimum length of a detection zone shall be longer than the maximum axle to axle distance defined in
index 77 of CCS TSI.
The minimum length of a detection zone shall be long enough to ensure that the interlocking systems have
seen the passing train:
• when using relay technique, taking into account the delay-time of each relay in the complete circuit;
• when using programmable logic control technolo
...