Environmental Testing IEC 61373 : 2010
IEC 61373:2010 is the definitive international standard for ensuring the mechanical integrity of equipment installed on railway vehicles. It simulates the harsh operational environment of a moving train, validating that components can withstand years of constant vibration and sudden mechanical shocks without structural failure or functional degradation. This standard is not merely about durability; it is a critical safety benchmark required by major railway operators globally to prevent catastrophic equipment detachment or electronic failure on the tracks.
- Random Vibration: Simulates continuous operational stress.
- Mechanical Shock: Replicates shunting and braking impacts.
- Fatigue Resistance: Validates long-term structural life.
- Functional Integrity: Ensures performance during movement.
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Component Eligibility & Classification
This standard covers virtually any electromechanical or electronic component mounted on a train. We categorize products based on their mounting location, as the vibration intensity increases significantly closer to the track:
- Category 1 (Body Mounted): Equipment fixed to the coach body (e.g., Passenger Information Systems, lighting, control panels).
- Class A: Cubicles/Amalgamations.
- Class B: Direct mounting.
- Category 2 (Bogie Mounted): Equipment attached to the wheel truck frame (e.g., sensors, braking units).
- Category 3 (Axle Mounted): Components directly on the wheelset (high-vibration environment).
Technical Scope of Validation
To certify compliance, the Equipment Under Test (EUT) must endure a three-stage rigorous testing protocol across all three axes (Vertical, Transverse, and Longitudinal):
- Functional Random Vibration: The device is powered on and tested at service levels to ensure no signal interruption or malfunction occurs.
- Simulated Long-Life Testing: An accelerated fatigue test (non-operational) using increased vibration levels to simulate the equipment’s entire life cycle in a short duration.
- Shock Testing: High-impact half-sine pulses to simulate shunting jolts or emergency braking, ensuring mechanical mounts do not shear or loosen.
Lab Competence & Accreditation
Project Lifecycle & Turnaround
We understand that project deadlines are often tight.
- Standard Testing Duration: 3 to 5 working days (depending on the number of axes and functional monitoring complexity).
- Report Issuance: 2 to 3 working days post-testing.
Sample Submission Prerequisites
To ensure a smooth testing process without delays, the following items are required:
- One (1) Fully Functional Unit: The device must be production-ready.
- Mounting Accessories: All brackets, bolts, and fasteners intended for actual installation must be provided.
- Mating Connectors/Cables: Required for functional monitoring during the test.
Note: If a specialized mounting fixture is required to secure your product to the vibration shaker, please consult with us beforehand.
Investment & Commercials
Pricing for IEC 61373 testing is custom-quoted based on:
- Weight and Dimensions: Heavier items require larger electro-dynamic shakers.
- Fixture Fabrication: Whether a custom jig needs to be designed to hold the sample.
- Functional Monitoring: The complexity of monitoring the device (live power/data) during the test.
Essential Documentation
For the final test report to be valid and complete, please provide:
- General Arrangement (GA) Drawing.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) or Product Datasheet.
- Weight and dimensions of the unit.
- ISO 9001 Certificate of the manufacturer (if applicable).
- User Manual regarding mounting instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
It validates that rolling stock equipment can endure the harsh shock and vibration environment of railway operations without suffering mechanical damage or performance loss.
It applies to all equipment installed on railway vehicles, including body-mounted lockers, bogie-mounted sensors, and axle-mounted components that are subjected to severe vibration.
Equipment is classified into Category 1 (Body-mounted), Category 2 (Bogie-mounted), and Category 3 (Axle-mounted). The severity of vibration testing increases significantly with each category level.
Yes, during the functional random vibration phase, the device must be powered on and monitored to ensure it maintains operational integrity without functional errors.
Costs are calculated based on the weight of the sample, the complexity of the fixture required to mount it, and the duration of functional monitoring.
You must provide General Arrangement (GA) drawings, a Bill of Materials, product weight, dimensions, and specific mounting instructions to ensure the correct test setup.
The standard turnaround time is generally 3 to 5 working days for the physical testing, with an additional 2 to 3 days for finalizing the accredited report.
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