SIST EN 50345:2004

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 50345:2004

STANDARD
september 2004
Železniške naprave – Stabilne naprave električne vleke – Izolirne vrvi iz
sintetičnih vlaken za pritrditev kontaktnih vodnikih
Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction - Insulating synthetic
rope assemblies for support of overhead contact lines
ICS 29.280 Referenčna številka
SIST EN 50345:2004(en)
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50345
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM February 2004

ICS 29.280


English version


Railway applications -
Fixed installations - Electric traction -
Insulating synthetic rope assemblies
for support of overhead contact lines


Applications ferroviaires -  Bahnanwendungen -
Installations fixes - Traction électrique - Ortsfeste Anlagen -
Montages mettant en oeuvre Elektrischer Zugbetrieb -
des câbles synthétiques pour le support Kunststoffseile im Fahrleitungsbau
des lignes aériennes de contact






This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2003-09-01. 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, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, 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


© 2004 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 50345:2004 E

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EN 50345:2004 - 2 -
Foreword
This European Standard was prepared by SC 9XC, Electric supply and earthing systems for public
transport equipment and ancillary apparatus (fixed installations), of 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 50345 on
2003-09-01.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2004-09-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2006-09-01

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European
Commission and supports the Interoperability Directive, 96/48/EC.
__________

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Contents
Introduction.4
1 Scope.4
2 Normative references.5
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Characteristics of the rope.6
5 Design, manufacture and workmanship .10
6 Testing.11
7 Component identification .15
8 Verification of compliance.16
9 Installation instructions.17
10 Maintenance instructions .17
11 Delivery and packaging.18
Annex A (informative) Additional test.20
Annex B (informative) Mechanical and chemical - electrical recommendations .21
Annex C (informative) Quality assurance.23
Annex D (normative)  Testing.24

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EN 50345:2004 - 4 -
Introduction
This standard has been prepared to provide general guidance and to define special requirements for the
design and testing of insulating synthetic ropes, their sheath and their associated terminations in electric
traction overhead contact lines.
Special preferences of the design will include such requirements as to comply with local procurement
policies, working practices, compatibility with existing systems, to combat environmental pollution and to
provide a supporting assembly with insulation which will give reliable service over its target life span.
These insulating synthetic ropes offer an alternative to the use of metallic cables associated with
conventional insulators.
1 Scope
This standard specifies the characteristics of insulating synthetic rope assemblies and is applicable to
electric traction overhead contact lines for railways, light railways, tramways, trolleybuses and other
systems.
These insulating synthetic ropes are utilised to provide mechanical support and electrical isolation for
overhead contact lines.
They are generally used in the following application fields:
 delta suspension of contact wires,
 catenary cable,
 mid point anchoring,
 tie,
 dropper,
 headspan,
 noise and vibration damper.
It is a requirement that the whole of the provisions contained in this standard be applied when insulating
synthetic ropes are to be used in overhead contact lines.
The standard establishes the product characteristics, the test methods, checking procedures to be used
with the insulating synthetic ropes, together with the ordering and delivery requirements.
Deviations from the requirements of this standard are permitted when the soundness of such deviations
can be substantiated or additional documentation to improve design control procedures is desirable.
Additional tests may be specified by the purchaser to measure the compliance of the insulating synthetic
rope under particular operating conditions.
The object of this standard is to stipulate the provisions for the design and to allow the provisions of the
service indicated by the supplier to the purchaser or informed buyer.

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2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 50119 2001 Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electric traction overhead contact
lines
EN 50124-1 2001 Railway applications - Insulation coordination - Part 1: Basic requirements,
clearances and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic equipment
EN 50125-2 2002 Railway applications - Environmental conditions for equipment - Part 2: Fixed
electrical installations
EN 50163 1995 Railway applications - Supply voltages of traction systems
Flammability of solid non-metallic materials when exposed to flame sources -
EN 60707 1999
List of test methods (IEC 60707:1999)
Composite insulators for a.c. overhead lines with nominal voltage greater than
IEC 61109 1992
1 000 V - Definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
insulating synthetic rope
insulating rope composed of a core protected by a sheath
3.1.1
core of the rope
consists of synthetic fibres and is the load carrying component of the rope
3.1.2
sheath of the rope
sheath of the rope is used to protect the fibres and is made of synthetic material, usually of a continuous
polymeric material with appropriate insulating qualities
3.2
termination
means to connect the ends of an insulating synthetic rope between two points
3.3
creepage distance
shortest distance along the surface of the insulating material between two conductive parts
[IEC 60050 (151-15-50)]
3.4
gauge length
distance between the centre lines of the termination anchoring pins or bolts
3.5
insulator
assembly of an insulating synthetic rope and its associated terminations

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EN 50345:2004 - 6 -
4 Characteristics of the rope
4.1 General
Two major fibre types are used actually to provide the load carrying core. These are polyester and
polyaramid. Other fibre types having similar characteristics may also be used.
The fibre type is important in determining mechanical properties.
The sheath polymer type is important in determining durability, environmental performance and some
electrical and mechanical properties.
4.1.1 Specific characteristics of core materials
 Insulating synthetic ropes with polyaramid or similar core fibres have a smaller diameter and a
greater tensile fatigue resistance than those of polyester or similar core fibres for a given load
carrying capacity and axial stiffness.
 Insulating synthetic ropes with polyester or similar core fibres have a higher impact resistance than
those of polyaramid or similar core fibres, for example: from detached trolleybus poles.
4.1.2 Specific characteristics of sheath materials
The sheath may be composed of different materials. The type of material shall be chosen to withstand
local conditions as:
 U.V. exposure (e.g. polyethylene);
 general environmental conditions (e.g. polyethylene);
 abrasion effects (e.g. polyester / elastomer);
 flex effects (e.g. polyester / elastomer).
When the rope is used in confined spaces (e.g. tunnels, stations, etc.) the sheath material shall have
further properties as:
 electrical tracking resistance (e.g. crosslinked polyethylene);
 antiflammability (e.g. crosslinked polyethylene);
 self-extinguishing (e.g. crosslinked polyethylene).
4.2 Client requirements
The client shall provide a comprehensive and specific description of the overhead contact line service
parameters and functioning requirements which may affect the design of the insulated synthetic rope.
This shall include, as appropriate, but not be limited to the following:
 electrical system service parameters;
 spatial and dimensional parameters;
 angular movement deflection limitations;
 maximum working loads required;

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- 7 - EN 50345:2004
 environmental conditions;
 end fittings connection (terminations) requirements;
 any additional requirement for special tests;
 any special delivery or packaging requirements;
 identification of inspection and tests to be witnessed by the purchaser;
 service life of the insulator.
4.3 Environmental conditions
Insulating synthetic ropes shall operate within operational environmental conditions given in EN 50125-2.
For information, insulating synthetic ropes can operate within the following operational environmental
temperatures:
 between - 40 °C and + 55 °C for polyester or similar;
 between - 40 °C and + 80 °C for polyaramid or similar.
4.4 Electrical requirements
4.4.1 System voltages
Values of standard system voltages relative to ground are shown in the following Table 1. The rated
insulation voltage and the test voltage levels are based on statistical and risk consideration, which may
affect the insulator during its service life.
Table 1
Nominal Rated insulation Rated impulse Power frequency
voltages voltage voltage withstand
U voltage
Nm
according to according to according to
EN 50163 EN 50124-1 EN 50124-1
600 V d.c. 720 V d.c. 8 kV 8 kV
750 V d.c. 900 V d.c. 12 kV 12 kV
1 500 V d.c. 1 800 V d.c. 18 kV 18 kV
3 000 V d.c. 3 600 V d.c. 40 kV 40 kV
15 kV a.c. 17,25 kV a.c. 170 kV 70 kV
25 kV a.c. 27,5 kV a.c. 200 kV 95 kV
25 kV a.c. 36 kV a.c. 250 kV 95 kV

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EN 50345:2004 - 8 -
4.4.2 Creepage distances
Creepage distances shall be determined to withstand the highest permanent voltage of the system.
Consideration shall also be given to the type of insulating synthetic rope and its behaviour in polluted
conditions related to the whole life of the equipment.
The minimum creepage distance, for nominal voltages equal to or below 1,5 kV d.c. or 1 kV a.c. shall be
1 m.
NOTE 1 This distance is based on practical experience.
For nominal voltages exceeding 1,5 kV d.c. or 1 kV a.c., an additional creepage distance per extra kV of
the nominal voltage shall be calculated from Table 2 and added to the minimum creepage distance.
NOTE 2 For example a 25 kV a.c. system with 45° inclination with no waterproof termination and for extreme
unfavourable conditions requires a total creepage distance of 3 040 mm.
Table 2
Additional creepage distances Waterproof No waterproof
mm/kV termination termination
Horizontal 45° inclination Horizontal 45° inclination
Normal operating conditions 30 35 45 55
Unfavourable operating conditions 40 45 60 70
Extreme unfavourable operating 50 55 75 85
conditions
NOTE 1 The values of Table 2 are based on practical experience.
NOTE 2 Normal operating conditions exist when there is low industrial pollution, a low population density and no
thermal engines.
NOTE 3 Unfavourable operating conditions exist when there is high industrial pollution and industrial gases, a
high population density, mixed railway operation, road traffic and frequent fog.
NOTE 4 Extremely unfavourable operating conditions exist close to large power plants, chemical industry,
smelting works, with frequent fog or near the ocean.
NOTE 5 Creepage distances may be reduced by agreement between purchaser and supplier or in product
standards.

4.5 Mechanical requirements
4.5.1 Minimum specified breaking load of the insulating synthetic rope and its associated
terminations
The dimensions and the minimum breaking loads of the insulating synthetic ropes are presented in
Table 3.

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Table 3
Core fibre Nominal external diameter Minimum specified breaking load
type of the rope and
its associated termination
mm kN
4,0 7,5
5,0 10,6
7,0 15,0
Polyaramid
8,5 30,0
or similar
9,0 45,0
11,0 60,0
13,5 105,0
5,0 3,0
6,0 4,0
7,0 5,0
8,5 10,0
Polyester
9,0 15,0
or similar
11,0 20,0
13,5 35,0
17 50,0
20 75,0

4.5.2 Permissible tensile loading
Refer to 5.2.7.1 of EN 50119:2001.
In addition to 4.2.7 of EN 50119:2001, the K of the non-adjusted termination clamp shall be verified
clamp
experimentally (K ≥ 0,80).
clamp
4.5.3 Permissible tensile loading on a mid span connector (non-vertical load)
The maximum working load which can be applied to a mid span connector shall not exceed 25 % of the
breaking load of the mid span connector and rope combination.
The breaking load of the mid span connector and rope combination shall be determined experimentally.
Account shall be taken of anticipated operating conditions and of the actual direction of applied loads.
4.5.4 Time dependant properties
The supplier shall provide information on the following insulating synthetic rope properties:
 fatigue behaviour (cycling loading),
 creep behaviour (under constant loading),
 stress relaxation behaviour(between two fixed anchors).
4.5.5 Other mechanical properties
The supplier shall provide information on the load extension characteristics of the insulating synthetic
ropes.

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EN 50345:2004 - 10 -
4.6 Environmental conditions
4.6.1 Pollution
In addition to the electrical and mechanical performance requirements, the design shall address the
suitability of the sheath of the insulating synthetic rope surface to cater for levels of pollution which are
likely to be encountered during its service life (for example: the ability of the sheath to shed water or
pollutants from the surface and the ability of the system to withstand wetting by salt water in coastal
applications).
4.6.2 Tracking and erosion
In addition to the electrical and mechanical performance requirements, the design shall address the
suitability of the sheath of the insulating synthetic rope surface to cater for damage from tracking and
erosion under conditions which are likely to be encountered during its service life.
4.6.3 Corrosion
The terminations and mid span connectors shall be suitably protected from corrosion and compatible with
interface connections. When appropriate, attention shall be given to protection against moisture ingress,
chemical activity or the influence of temperature variations or unidirectional current flow.
4.6.4 UV resistance
The composition of the sheath of the insulating synthetic ropes shall be suitably chosen to take into
account the effects of local UV radiation levels which are likely to be encountered during its service life.
4.7 Flammability
Flammability risks associated with each application should be assessed and appropriate core fibres and
sheath polymer types selected.
Special attention shall be paid to the possibility of gas emissions for applications in confined spaces, e.g.
tunnels, stations, etc.
5 Design, manufacture and workmanship
The insulating synthetic ropes shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with best practice,
taking cognisance of the system in which they will operate and with the need to design end terminations
to match specific rope sizes and types. All material shall be of the quality and of the type most suitable for
working under conditions specified for the full service life of the insulating synthetic ropes.
The supplier shall provide a safety case for insulating synthetic ropes with novel or innovative features not
previously used within the railway environment. The safety case shall quantify any additional risks and
indicate how these risks are controlled.
Whenever a waterproof termination is specified, the manufacturer of the termination shall produce an
extra assembly guide.

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6 Testing
The necessary tests and the elements to which these tests are to be applied are given in Annex D.
6.1 Design tests
The design tests are intended to verify the suitability of the design materials and the method of
manufacture. When an insulator is submitted to the design tests, the results shall be considered valid for
the whole class of the insulator which are represented by the one test and have the same characteristics.
The design tests shall be performed on three specimens.
The following test lengths shall be used for each class of test:
 tensile test (gauge length): 1,0 m
 fatigue test (gauge length): 0,9 m
 electrical test: creepage distance equal to 1,0 m.
6.1.1 Test specimens and preliminary test
6.1.1.1 Product identification and l
...