SIST EN 50367:2020

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 50367:2012
SIST EN 50367:2012/A1:2017
SIST EN 50367:2012/AC:2013
Železniške naprave - Sistemi za odjem toka - Tehnični kriteriji za interaktivnost
med odjemnikom toka in kontaktnim vodnikom (za doseganje prostega dostopa)
Railway applications - Current collection systems - Technical criteria for the interaction
between pantograph and overhead line (to achieve free access)
Bahnanwendungen - Zusammenwirken der Systeme - Technische Kriterien für das
Zusammenwirken zwischen Stromabnehmer und Oberleitung für einen freien Zugang
Applications ferroviaires - Systèmes de captage de courant - Critères techniques
d'interaction entre le pantographe et la ligne aérienne de contact (réalisation du libre
accès)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50367:2020
ICS:
29.280 Električna vlečna oprema Electric traction equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50367
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2020
ICS 29.280 Supersedes EN 50367:2012 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Railway applications - Fixed installations and rolling stock -
Criteria to achieve technical compatibility between pantographs
and overhead contact line
Applications ferroviaires - Systèmes de captage de courant Bahnanwendungen - Zusammenwirken der Systeme -
- Critères techniques d'interaction entre le pantographe et la Technische Kriterien für das Zusammenwirken zwischen
ligne aérienne de contact (réalisation du libre accès) Stromabnehmer und Oberleitung für einen freien Zugang
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2020-07-27. 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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, 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: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50367:2020 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 11
5 Geometry . 14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 Overhead contact line characteristics . 14
5.2.1 General . 14
5.2.2 Infrastructure gauge for free passage of pantograph . 14
5.2.3 Contact wire height . 15
5.2.4 Contact wire gradient . 15
5.2.5 Lateral deviation of contact wire. 15
5.2.6 Contact wire uplift . 18
5.2.7 Neutral sections . 18
5.2.8 Change over area between pantograph profiles . 19
5.3 Pantograph characteristics. 19
5.3.1 General . 19
5.3.2 Assessment of the pantograph head profile . 20
5.3.3 Conducting range . 23
6 Interface material . 23
6.1 General . 23
6.2 Contact wire . 24
6.3 Contact strips . 24
7 Interaction performance . 24
7.1 General . 24
7.2 Static contact forces and current capacity . 24
7.3 Dynamic behaviour and quality of current collection. 25
8 Operational requirements . 28
8.1 Requirement for pantograph . 28
8.2 Minimum and maximum distance between two operating pantographs . 28
8.2.1 General . 28
8.2.2 Design of overhead contact lines . 28
8.2.3 Formation of train with multiple pantographs - Arrangement of
pantographs . 29
9 Assessment requirements - Dynamic behaviour and quality of current collection . 29
9.1 General . 29
9.2 Overhead contact line . 30
9.2.1 Assessment of overhead contact line design . 30
9.2.2 Integration of an assessed OCL into a network . 30
9.3 Pantograph . 31
9.3.1 Assessment of pantograph design . 31
9.3.2 Integration of an assessed pantograph into a vehicle . 31
Annex A (normative) Special requirements . 33
A.1 Neutral sections . 33
A.1.1 Principle of neutral section . 33
A.1.2 Long neutral section. 33
A.1.3 Short neutral section . 34
A.1.4 Split neutral section. 34
A.1.5 Arrangement of pantographs on trains . 35
A.2 Profiles for interoperable pantograph head . 36
A.2.1 Pantograph head with length of 1 600 mm . 36
A.2.2 Pantograph head with length of 1 950 mm . 37
A.3 Additional tests for DC systems at standstill . 37
A.3.1 General . 37
A.3.2 Testing conditions . 38
A.3.3 Testing method . 38
A.3.4 Test results . 40
A.4 Visualization of mean contact forces . 41
Annex B (informative) Data of existing networks . 43
B.1 General . 43
B.2 National characteristics . 43
B.3 General characteristics of pantograph head . 49
Annex C (normative) Additional tests for DC at standstill – alternative method – Test method
– Single strip configuration . 56
Annex D (informative) Specimen calculation for the permissible lateral deviation of the
contact wire according to the requirements of 5.2.5 with typical values from the German
network . 57
D.1 Calculation Values . 57
D.2 Calculation independent of type of pantograph . 59
D.2.1 Calculation of reference height . 59
D.2.2 Calculation of tolerances of track at the lower verification point . 59
D.2.3 Calculation of tolerances of track at the upper verification point . 59
D.2.4 Calculation of additional overthrow on the inside/outside of the curve for pantographs 59
D.2.5 Calculation of quasi static effect . 60
D.3 Pantograph head with length of 1600 mm . 60
D.3.1 Calculation of lateral movement of contact wire caused by forces from non-horizontal
sections of pantograph head . 60
D.3.2 Calculation of tolerances of overhead contact line . 60
D.3.3 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at minimum verification
height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position . 60
D.3.4 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at maximum
verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position . 61
D.3.5 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at reference height for
interaction between contact wire and pantograph . 61
D.3.6 permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire for stability against dewirement
according to 5.2.5.2 . 61
D.3.7 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic gauge for serviceability of overhead
contact line at minimum verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised
position . 62
D.3.8 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic gauge for serviceability of overhead
contact line at maximum verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised
position . 62
D.3.9 Calculation of width of mechanical gauge for serviceability of overhead contact line
gauge at reference height for interaction between contact wire and pantograph . 62
D.3.10 Permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line to
meet the serviceability limit state case according to 5.2.5.3 . 63
D.3.11 Permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line
according to 5.2.5.3 . 63
D.4 Pantograph head with length of 1 950 mm . 64
D.4.1 Calculation of lateral movement of contact wire caused by forces from non-horizontal
sections of pantograph head . 64
D.4.2 Calculation of tolerances of overhead contact line . 64
D.4.3 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at minimum verification
height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position . 64
D.4.4 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at maximum
verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position . 64
D.4.5 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at reference height for
interaction between contact wire and pantograph . 65
D.4.6 permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire for stability against dewirement
according to 5.2.5.2 . 65
D.4.7 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic gauge for serviceability of overhead
contact line at minimum verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised
position . 65
D.4.8 Calculation of width of mechanical kinematic gauge for serviceability of overhead
contact line at maximum verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised
position . 66
D.4.9 Calculation of width of mechanical gauge for serviceability of overhead contact line
gauge at reference height for interaction between contact wire and pantograph . 66
D.4.10 Permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line to
meet the serviceability limit state case according to 5.2.5.3 . 66
D.4.11 Permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line
according to 5.2.5.3 . 67
D.5 Illustration lateral deviation . 68
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European standard and the essential
requirements of EU Directive 2016/797/EU [2016 OJ L138] aimed to be covered . 72
Bibliography . 74

European foreword
This document (EN 50367:2020) has been prepared by CLC/SC 9XC “Electric supply and earthing systems
for public transport equipment and ancillary apparatus (Fixed installations)”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has (dop) 2021-07-27
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2023-07-27
standards conflicting with this document
have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50367:2012 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC 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 the relationship with EU Directive(s) see informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part of this
document.
Annex B gives some parameters for existing lines (informative).
Compared with the previous version, the most significant changes in this version are:
• Update of definitions;
• Changes to 5.2.5 concerning the lateral deviation on the basis of RfS 51 from the European Union
Agency for Railways;
• Changes in 5.2.7;
• Revision of 5.3.2, including update of figures;
• Improvement of testing method for DC contact strips: 6.3, A.3;
• Addition of tunnel requirements in Clause 7;
• Revision of Table 9;
• Assessment requirements in Clause 9;
• Addition of an introduction for Annex B;
• Addition of Annex C;
• Addition of Annex D.
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for the technical compatibility between pantographs and overhead
contact lines, to achieve free access to the lines of the European railway network.
NOTE These requirements are defined for a limited number of pantograph types conforming to the requirements
in 5.3, together with the geometry and characteristics of compatible overhead contact lines.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, Railway applications - Gauges - Part 1: General - Common rules for
infrastructure and rolling stock
EN 15273-2:2013+A1:2016, Railway applications - Gauges - Part 2: Rolling stock gauge
EN 15273-3:2013+A1:2016, Railway applications - Gauges - Part 3: Structure gauges
EN 50119:2020, Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction overhead contact lines
EN 50125-2:2002, Railway applications - Environmental conditions for equipment - Part 2: Fixed electrical
installations
EN 50149:2012, Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction - Copper and copper alloy
grooved contact wires
EN 50206-1:2010, Railway applications - Rolling stock - Pantographs: Characteristics and tests - Part 1:
Pantographs for main line vehicles
EN 50317:2012, Railway applications - Current collection systems - Requirements for and validation of
measurements of the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line
EN 50318:2018, Railway applications - Current collection systems - Validation of simulation of the dynamic
interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line
EN 50388:2012, Railway Applications - Power supply and rolling stock - Technical criteria for the
coordination between power supply (substation) and rolling stock to achieve interoperability
EN 50405:2015, Railway applications – Current collection systems – Pantographs, testing methods for
1)
contact strips
IEC 60050-811:2017, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) - Part 811: Electric traction

1)
This standard is impacted by EN 50405:2015/A1:2016.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-811:2017 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
arcing
flow of current through an air gap between a contact strip and a contact wire usually indicated by the
emission of intense light
[SOURCE: EN 50317:2012, 3.17]
3.2
pantograph dropping device
device intended to lower the pantograph automatically if it is damaged
Note 1 to entry: The damage can include the contact strip, the pantograph head and other parts of the pantograph.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-32-22, modified – In the Note 1 to entry, “and” between “strip” and
“the pantograph” has been replaced by a comma, and the comma between “and” and “other” has been
removed]
3.3
contact force
vertical force applied by the pantograph to the contact wire(s)
Note 1 to entry: The contact force is the sum of forces of all contact points of a pantograph.
Note 2 to entry: The contact force is measured perpendicular to the contact plane.
[SOURCE: EN 50318:2018, 3.2, modified – The Note 2 to entry has been added]
3.4
contact plane
plane parallel to the base frame of the pantograph at the contact point
3.5
contact point
point of the mechanical contact between a contact strip and a contact wire
[SOURCE: EN 50317:2012, 3.2, modified – The specific domain has been added in the definition]
3.6
contact wire height
distance from the top of the rail level to the lower face of the contact wire.
Note 1 to entry: The contact wire height is measured perpendicular to the track surface.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-33-62, modified – “or road surface for trolleybus (811-02-43) has
been removed. In the Note 1 to entry, “or road” has been removed ]
3.7
pantograph head
part of the pantograph comprising the contact strips and their mountings, horns and possibly a suspension
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-32-05]
3.8
continuous pantograph head profile
pantograph head with collector strips and horns suspended in one piece
3.9
encroachment of the pantograph head
perpendicular distance from the contact plane to the highest point of the pantograph head
Note 1 to entry: Additional information is given in EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, Figure 46.
3.10
maximum contact wire height
maximum value of the contact wire height above rail level occurring in any possible case during the lifetime
of the overhead contact line
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-33-65]
3.11
maximum design contact wire height
maximum theoretical contact wire height not including tolerances and uplift, which the pantograph is
required to reach
3.12
maximum width of pantograph head
maximum distance measured along the axis of the track between the outer edges of the contact strips
3.13
mean contact force
F
m
statistical mean value of the contact force
Note 1 to entry: F is formed by the static and aerodynamic components of the pantograph contact force.
m
Note 2 to entry: This mean value can be assessed by simulation or measurement over a specified time or distance.
[SOURCE: EN 50317:2012, 3.5, modified – The Note 2 to entry has been added]
3.14
mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge
gauge of the pantograph head under all operating conditions
Note 1 to entry: Additional information is given in EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, 3.23.
3.15
minimum contact wire height
minimum value of the contact wire height above rail level occurring in any possible case during the lifetime
of the overhead contact line
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-33-64]
3.16
neutral section
section of a contact line provided with a sectioning point at each end, to prevent successive electrical
sections differing in voltage, phase or frequency being connected together by the passage of pantographs
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-36-16, modified - “current collectors” has been replaced by
“pantographs”]
3.17
nominal contact wire height
nominal value of the contact wire height above rail level at a support in the normal conditions
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017; 811-33-63]
3.18
non-continuous pantograph head profile
pantograph head with collector strips separately (independently) suspended from the other parts of the
pantograph head
3.19
overhead contact line
contact line placed above the upper limit of the vehicle gauge and supplying vehicles with electric energy
through pantographs
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 33-02, modified – “or beside” has been removed and “roof-mounted
current collection equipment” has been replaced by “pantographs”]
3.20
percentage of arcing
NQ
proportion of driving time with arcing
[SOURCE: EN 50317:2012, 3.20]
3.21
static contact force
vertical force exerted upward by the pantograph head on the overhead contact line at standstill
[SOURCE: EN 50206-1:2010, 3.3.5, modified - “collector head” has been replaced by “pantograph” and
“system” has been removed]
3.22
transition zone
range for the transition point between non-independently suspended parts and
independently suspended parts of the pantograph head
Note 1 to entry: This concept is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of this document
3.23
working range of the height of pantograph
range of permissible heights of contact points in relation to the track level
3.24
limit of dewirement
b
v
maximum permissible lateral deviation of contact wire position from pantograph head centre to prevent
dewirement (limit of stability for lateral interaction between contact wire and pantograph, described by the
transition point at head profile, where the angle exceeds 40°)
Note 1 to entry: Dewirement (i.e. lateral contact loss between contact wire and pantograph head) is not the only
cause of pantograph head / overhead contact line incidents. Other phenomena can lead to incidents, without exceeding
dewirement limits, as described now in this document.
3.25
working zone of pantograph head
lateral range of the contact point at the pantograph head for operation under normal conditions
(serviceability)
3.26
reference height
height of the contact point used for calculation of lateral position of contact wire at the
pantograph head
3.27
traction unit
locomotive, motor coach or train-unit
Note 1 to entry: A train can be formed with multiple traction units.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-02-04, modified – The Note 1 to entry has been added]
4 Symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviations apply.
A inner distance between the contact strips on successive operational pantograph heads [m]
A’ outer distance between the contact strips on the first and last operational pantograph heads [m]
A” inner distance between the contact strips of one and the second following operational pantograph
head [m]
AC Alternating Current
b’ width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at reference height for interaction between
h,me
contact wire and pantograph [m] (inclusive of tolerances of overhead contact line)
c
b’ width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at maximum verification height of the
o,me
pantograph gauge in a raised position [m] (inclusive of tolerances of overhead contact line)
c
b’
width of mechanical kinematic pantograph gauge at minimum verification height of the pantograph
u,mec
gauge in a raised position [m] (inclusive of tolerances of overhead contact line)
b’ width of mechanical kinematic gauge for serviceability of overhead contact line at reference
h,OC
height for interaction between contact wire and pantograph [m]
L
b’ width of mechanical kinematic gauge for serviceability of overhead contact line at minimum
u,OC
verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position [m]
L
b
maximum permissible lateral deviation of contact wire position from pantograph head centre to
v
prevent dewirement [m]
b half-length of the pantograph head [m]
w
b half-length of the pantograph head conducting length (with insulating horns) or working length
w,c
(with conducting horns) [m]
CL Conventional Line
d
dimension over wheel flanges at wear limit measured 10 mm below the wheel tread [m]
d lateral movement of contact wire caused by forces from tilted pantograph due to tracks with cant
cant
[m]
d tolerance of static lateral position of contact wire [m]
instl
d tolerance of static vertical position of contact wire [m]
instv
d permissible lateral deviation of contact wire from track centre line [m]
l
d
permissible lateral deviation of contact wire from track centre for stability against dewirement [m]
lstab
d permissible lateral deviation of contact wire from track centre line to meet the serviceability limit
lserv
state [m]
d tolerance of measurement, measuring errors refer to lateral position of contact wire [m]
meas
d lateral deviation of contact wire position resulting from change of pole deflection under additional
pole
load due to wind speed, for serviceability at nominal contact wire height [m]
d
lateral deviation of contact wire position resulting from movement of cantilever for change in wire
supp
temperature [m]
d lateral deviation of contact wire position resulting from reduced tension force of wires considering
tens
efficiency of tensioning devices [m]
D overall length of neutral section as distance between adjacent systems/phases including
overlapping parts taking into account the uplift by pantograph passage and electrical clearances
in accordance with EN 50119:2020, 5.1.3 [m]
DI’ reference cant, which is the maximum value from cant and cant deficiency [m]
o
D’ length of neutral section excluding overlapping parts taking into account the uplift by pantograph
passage and electrical clearances in accordance with EN 50119:2020, 5.1.3 [m]
D fixed cant value defined taken into account kinematic gauge [m]
DC Direct Current
e
offset of the pantograph at the upper verification point [m]
po
e offset of the pantograph at the lower verification point [m]
pu
e pantograph sway at the reference height for interaction between contact wire and pantograph [m]
phref
F mean contact force [N]
m
F
maximum contact force [N]
max
F minimum mean contact force [N]
m, min
F
maximum mean contact force [N]
m,
max
F minimum contact force [N]
min
F static contact force [N]
stat
f
maximum uplift of contact wire within the span length [m]
s
h value of roll centre height used as interface between the rolling stock and the infrastructure [m]
c0
h nominal contact wire height [m]
nom
h’ maximum verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position [m]
o
h’ minimum verification height of the pantograph gauge in a raised position [m]
u
h
reference height for interaction between contact wire and pantograph [m]
ref
HSL High Speed Line
I’ fixed cant deficiency value taken into account as interface between the rolling stock and the
infrastructure with regard to the kinematic gauge of the pantographs [m]
k’ factor of safety to take into account track irregularities, for pantograph gauge being considered
K efficiency of tensioning devices
eff
l
maximum width of pantograph head [m]
l maximum track gauge [m]
max
L maximum design span length of overhead contact line [m]
sp
NQ percentage of arcing
qs’ displacement due to the quasi-static roll, as maximum from the values to inside and outside the
i/a
curve, for pantograph gauges [m]
OCL overhead contact line
Q wind load on catenary [N]
wc
R horizontal curve radius [m]
S sum of tension forces of catenary and contact wires [N]
c
S’ displacement due to additional overthrow as maximum from the values to inside and outside the
i/a
curve, for pantograph gauges [m]
s’
flexibility coefficient taken into account as interface between the rolling stock and the infrastructure
for the pantograph gauge
T angle of dissymmetry, considered in η for poor load distribution [degree]
charg
e
T track cross-level difference between two maintenance periods [m]
D
T cross-level difference selected for calculation of oscillations caused by track irregularities [m]
osc
T angle of dissymmetry, considered in η for poor suspension adjustment [degree]
susp
T transverse displacement of the track between two periods of maintenance [m]
voie
d lateral movement of contact wire caused by forces from non-horizontal sections of pantograph
up
head [m]
v
permitted train speed with a specific overhead contact line [km/h]
w distance between parts of different potentials of insulator inserted in contact wire [m]
σ maximum standard deviation of contact force
max
α angle of independent suspended part of the pantograph head at the transition point [degree]
β angle of the main horn on the fixed part of the pantograph head [degree]
γ angle of the horn of the pantograph head [degree]
η
reference value for angle of dissymmetry of a vehicle due to suspension adjustment and to
unequal load distributions [degree]
Σj sum of (horizontal) allowances for the structure gauge, covering certain random phenomena
(j = 1, 2 or 3) [m]
∑T total of all tolerances of track at the reference height for interaction between contact wire and
Thre
pantograph [m]
f
∑T total of all tolerances of track and overhead contact line at the upper verification point [m]
o
∑T total of all tolerances of track and overhead contact line at the lower verification point [m]
u
∑T total of all tolerances of overhead contact line [m]
OCL
∑T total of all tolerances of track at the upper verification point [m]
To
∑T total of all tolerances of track at the lower verification point [m]
Tu
5 Geometry
5.1 General
The overhead contact line shall be designed and built in accordance with the geometric characteristics
given in 5.2. The pantograph(s) shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with the geometric
characteristics given in 5.3 and compatible with the type of infrastructure on which it will operate.
This Clause provides requirements for geometric limits of pantographs preventing dewirement and allowing
for adequate interaction performance.
The requirements in Clause 5 applies to standard gauge applications in accordance with
EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, EN 15273-2:2013+A1:2016 and EN 15273-3:2013+A1:2016. These
requirements can be adapted to other track gauges.
5.2 Overhead contact line characteristics
5.2.1 General
The following geometric parameters of the overhead contact line are defined in order to assess technical
compatibility with pantographs whose geometric characteristics are defined in 5.3
• kinematic gauge;
• contact wire height;
• contact wire gradient;
• lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line under action of a crosswind;
• free and unrestricted contact wire uplift at the support;
• neutral section arrangements.
The overhead contact line shall conform to the requirements set out in EN 50119:2020, 5.10.
5.2.2 Infrastructure gauge for free passage of pantograph
The design of the overhead contact line shall allow the operation of vehicles compliant to the appropriate
vehicle gauge for the route. This gauge shall be calculated in accordance with EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016,
EN 15273-2:2013+A1:2016 and EN 15273-3:2013+A1:2016.
The gauge for free and unrestricted passage of pantographs shall be calculated based on the kinematic
gauge for pantographs in accordance with EN 15273-3:2013+A1:2016, Clause 11. Electrical clearances
requirements shall be as set out in EN 50119:2020, 5.1.3.
NOTE 1 This calculation covers the lateral movement of the pantograph, the encroachment of the pantograph, the
track gauge and the tolerances.
The design of infrastructure gauge shall allow for unrestricted passage of pantographs with profiles as set
out in Figure A.6 or pantographs with either insulating or conductive horn as set out in Figure A.7.
The determination of the minimum height of structures above the contact line shall be in accordance with
EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, 8.1.2. For this, the encroachment of the pantograph head above the contact
plane defined in 5.3.1, can be reduced by taking into consideration the maximum possible lateral position
at this location.
NOTE 2 As an example, for bridges the maximum encroachment can be adjusted if the nominal position of contact
wire is at the track centre line.
5.2.3 Contact wire height
The nominal contact wire height shall be chosen inside the ranges given in Table 1.
The contact wire may be higher in certain cases such as level crossings, loading areas, etc. In these cases,
the maximum design contact wire height shall not be greater than 6,20 m.
The maximum contact wire height shall not exceed 6,50 m.
The contact wire height may be lower than the nominal contact wire height in certain cases related to
structure gauges such as bridges and tunnels. Contact wire height shall be within the limits calculated in
accordance with EN 50119:2020, 5.10.
NOTE Aerodynamic effects could necessitate to limit the contact wire height for speed higher than 250 km/h in
order to achieve technical conformity for new traction units.
Table 1 — Contact wire height and gradient for AC and DC systems
Line speed v [km/h] v < 250 v ≥ 250
Range of nominal contact wire
from 5,0 up to 5,75 from 5,08 up to 5,3
height [m]
Permissible gradient and change of in accordance with EN 50119:2020,
No gradient
gradient Table 12
5.2.4 Contact wire gradient
The permissible contact wire gradient and change of gradient shall be in accordance with Table 1.
The contact wire gradient specified in Table 1 may be exceeded on an exceptional basis, where a series
of restrictions on the contact wire height such as level crossings, bridges, tunnels, etc., prevents compliance.
In this case the assessments requirements of 7.3 shall be replaced by the limits as set out in Table 4 of
EN 50119:2020.
5.2.5 Lateral deviation of contact wire
5.2.5.1 General
The permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire from the track centre line is calculated based on the
working zone of pantograph head for serviceability and on the limit of dewirement (the limit of stability for
lateral interaction).
NOTE 1 Under standard conditions the contact between contact wire and pantograph is inside the limits of
serviceability.
NOTE 2 Under worst conditions, contact inside the limits of dewirement can occur without damages with catastrophic
consequences.
For checking the stability against dewirement, the permissible lateral deviation of contact wire from track
centre line (d ) shall be calculated in accordance with 5.2.5.2.
lstab
For checking the lateral deviation for serviceability, the permissible lateral deviation of contact wire from
track centre line (d ) shall be calculated in accordance with 5.2.5.3.
lserv
The permissible lateral deviations shall be calculated in accordance with EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016,
EN 15273-2:2013+A1:2016 and EN 15273-3:2013+A1:2016, considering the movements of pantographs
and track gauge using the reference values set out in EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, Table G.1 and
EN 15273-3:2013+A1:2016, Table B.1.
For pantographs according to 5.3, the maximum limit for permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire
from the design value for track centre line, under the action of cross wind shall be defined as minimum of:
— d (5.2.5.2)
lstab
— d (5.2.5.3) and
lserv
— the limit given in Table 2.
Table 2 — Limit of lateral deviation
Pantograph head length [mm] Limit of lateral deviation [mm]
1 600 400
1 950 550
NOTE 3 These limits are defined based on long term experiences of the different railways when defining
interoperability.
In the case of a mixed-gauge track (track with three rails), the requirement shall be fulfilled for each pair of
rails (designed to be operated as separate track).
The wind speeds and pantograph head lengths used to calculate the limit of lateral deviation, needs to be
defined.
An example of calculation is given in informative Annex D.
For a visualization of lateral deviation see D.5.
5.2.5.2 Limit of dewirement – limit of stability for lateral interaction
The limit of dewirement shall be determined based on the kinematic envelope of the pantograph taking into
consideration the tolerances of the overhead contact line and the horizontal movement of the contact wire
caused by forces from the non-horizontal sections of the pantograph head.
The horizontal movement of the contact wire shall be calculated for the application of the maximum mean
contact forces.
NOTE 1 Stability is achieved when the contact wire position on the pantograph head lies between pantograph head
centre line and the point of dewirement – see A.2.
The permissible lateral deviation of the contact wire from track centre line to prevent dewirement shall be
calculated as:
 

d b + b − b' b− e + s′′+ qs − k′⋅∑ T +∑ T
(1a)
lstab wv h,mec v phref i i Thref OCL


aa
The calculation shall be done for the reference height (h ) for the interaction between contact wire and
ref
pantograph.
= =
hh− ′
( )
ref u
(1b)
b′ =b′ + ⋅−b′′b
( )
h,mec u,mec o,,mec u mec
′′
hh−
( )
ou
The term ( ∑ TT+∑ ) applies the tolerances of the overhead contact line with the same
Thref OCL
methodology as used in EN 15273-1:2013+A1:2016, EN 15273-
...