Iec 60571pdf
The 3rd edition aligns with IEC 62278 (RAM). For safety-critical functions, it requires hazard analysis and compliance with IEC 61508 or EN 50129.
Last updated: [Current Year]. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional legal or engineering advice. Always consult a certified railway compliance expert.
IEC 60571 is the international standard governing electronic equipment used on railway rolling stock.
It provides the technical framework for designing, manufacturing, and testing any electronic system installed on a train—from control units and sensors to power supplies—to ensure they can survive the grueling environment of rail transport. 🚆 What is IEC 60571?
This standard ensures that electronics don't fail due to the constant vibrations, extreme temperatures, and electrical noise inherent in modern rail systems.
Primary Scope: Covers equipment for control, regulation, protection, and supply.
Power Sources: Applies to devices powered by vehicle batteries or low-voltage sources.
Exclusions: Does not apply to high-power electronic circuits, which are covered by IEC 61287-1.
Current Edition: The most recent version is IEC 60571:2012 (Edition 3.0). 🛠️ Core Requirements & Testing
To meet this standard, a piece of equipment must pass several rigorous categories of assessment: 🌡️ Environmental Conditions
Electronics must function across wide temperature ranges (categorized into classes T1 through Tx).
Cold & Dry Heat: Verified through specific soak tests at extreme lows and highs.
Humidity: Equipment must survive damp heat to prevent corrosion and short circuits. ⚡ Electrical Factors
Trains have "dirty" power due to heavy motors and switches. The standard tests for: IEC 60571:2012 IEC 60571:2012 | IEC. IEC Webstore Electronic equipment used on rolling stock IEC 60571:2012
This guide provides an overview of , the international standard for electronic equipment used on railway rolling stock. It is often used interchangeably with its European counterpart, dicel electronics 1. Scope and Application iec 60571pdf
IEC 60571 applies to all electronic equipment for control, regulation, protection, and power supply installed on rail vehicles. iTeh Standards Target Equipment:
Systems connected to the vehicle's accumulator battery or low-voltage power sources. Key Objectives:
Ensuring reliability, safety, and interoperability in harsh railway environments. iTeh Standards 2. Core Requirements
The standard specifies rigorous conditions that equipment must withstand to be considered "railway-ready": iTeh Standards Environmental Conditions: Temperature:
Defines specific operating temperature classes (e.g., -25°C to +70°C). Requirements for cooling, dry heat, and damp heat tests. Normal service conditions for different elevations. Mechanical Integrity:
Must resist shocks and vibrations typically encountered in locomotive operations. Electrical Performance:
Covers input voltage specifications, I/O isolation, and insulation tests. iTeh Standards 3. Essential Testing Procedures
To achieve certification, equipment must undergo a series of "Type Tests": Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
Includes tests for electrostatic discharge, radiated susceptibility, and electrical fast transients. Burn-in Testing:
Temperature cycling on populated circuit boards to identify early failures. Ingress Protection (IP):
Verification of the enclosure's ability to keep out dust and moisture (e.g., IP 54). Voltage Supply Interruption:
Testing how equipment handles brief losses of power without failure. 4. How to Access the Full Standard IEC 60571 Testing for MSSBC Unit | PDF - Scribd
IEC 60571:2012 sets the international standard for electronic equipment on railway rolling stock, covering design, manufacturing, and testing for environmental and electrical reliability. It outlines crucial performance requirements for rail systems, including temperature ranges, voltage fluctuations, and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), aligned closely with the EN 50155 standard. The full standard and its technical specifications can be obtained at IEC Webstore. IEC 60571:2012 - iTeh Standards
The IEC 60571 standard is the international benchmark for the design, manufacture, and testing of electronic equipment used on railway rolling stock. Whether it is a high-speed train or a local metro, any electronic system—from passenger information displays to engine control units—must meet the rigorous criteria outlined in this document to ensure safety and reliability in harsh railway environments. What is IEC 60571? The 3rd edition aligns with IEC 62278 (RAM)
The standard, titled "Railway applications - Rolling stock - Electronic equipment," covers the total lifecycle of electronic hardware and software. It provides a framework for equipment to withstand the unique stresses of rail travel, including extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, mechanical shocks, and electromagnetic interference.
The current version, IEC 60571:2012, replaces older iterations to better align with modern technological advances in digital electronics. Key Areas Covered in IEC 60571
The document is divided into several critical sections that engineers and manufacturers must follow:
Operating Conditions: Specifies the ambient temperature classes, humidity levels, and altitude requirements equipment must endure.
Design & Construction: Guidelines on component selection, PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, and protective coatings (conformal coating) to prevent corrosion.
Reliability & Maintainability: Requirements for the predicted "Mean Time Between Failures" (MTBF) and how easily the equipment can be repaired.
Testing Procedures: A comprehensive list of mandatory and optional tests, such as:
Vibration and Shock Tests: Ensuring the unit doesn't shake apart on the tracks.
Dry Heat and Low-Temperature Tests: Simulating extreme seasonal climates.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Making sure the electronics don't interfere with the train's signaling or radio systems. IEC 60571 vs. EN 50155
In the railway industry, you will often see IEC 60571 mentioned alongside EN 50155. While they are very similar, EN 50155 is the European regional standard, whereas IEC 60571 is the global international standard. Most modern certifications are harmonized, meaning equipment that passes one will typically meet the requirements of the other. How to Access the IEC 60571 PDF
Official copies of the standard are protected by copyright and are typically purchased through authorized distributors.
Official Purchase: You can buy the verified IEC 60571:2012 standard directly from the BSB EDGE platform or the official IEC webstore.
Company Libraries: Many engineering firms maintain corporate licenses for these documents. Check your internal document management system before purchasing. This article is for informational purposes and does
Caution: Avoid "free download" sites that claim to host the PDF. These are often outdated, incomplete, or carry security risks like malware. Conclusion
For manufacturers entering the rail sector, compliance with IEC 60571 is non-negotiable. It serves as a seal of quality that proves your electronics can handle the "rolling" nature of rolling stock without failing when passengers and operators rely on them most. IEC 60571:2012 (EN-FR) - Railway applications - BSB EDGE
IEC 60571 is the international standard for electronic equipment used on rail vehicles. It defines the requirements for the design, construction, and testing of electronic control, regulation, protection, and supply equipment installed on rolling stock. The latest edition is IEC 60571:2012. Key Content & Scope
Application: Covers electronic equipment, excluding power circuits, powered by vehicle batteries or low-voltage supplies.
Conditions & Design: Defines requirements for environmental conditions (temperature, shock, vibration) and construction, including software and reliability.
Testing: Specifies procedures to ensure performance under harsh conditions. Comparison with EN 50155
EN 50155 serves as the equivalent European standard, often providing more specific details on operational temperature ranges.
IEC 60571 references other standards (like parts of the IEC 61000 series) to ensure equipment is immune to external interference and does not emit excessive noise that could disrupt signaling systems.
The standard outlines specific temperature classes. For example, an device might be tested to operate continuously at +55°C or +70°C, and survive storage temperatures as low as -40°C. It also tests for humidity, salt mist (for coastal operations), and dust ingress.
IEC 60571 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is “Electronic equipment used on rail vehicles.”
Simply put, it defines the rules and test methods for electronic devices installed on rolling stock (trains, trams, locomotives, and wagons). The standard acts as a comprehensive checklist to ensure that electronic hardware can survive the unique and harsh environment of railway operations.
While modern railway electronics are increasingly governed by EN 50155 (the European standard), IEC 60571 remains a foundational global reference, often harmonized with or serving as the basis for regional regulations.
Yes. Annex F (informative) provides an example test report template. Annex G gives a checklist for conformity assessment. These are essential for writing your validation plan.
Platforms like IHS Markit, Techstreet, or Accuris resell the official PDF. Some offer multi-user licenses for design teams.
The PDF is dense and cross-referenced. Use these tips:

