Fire-Resistant Cable Standards for Railway Applications (EN 45545)
Railway environments demand stringent fire safety due to enclosed spaces and high passenger volumes. EN 45545 is the European standard that governs fire behavior requirements for materials used in railway applications, including wire harnesses.
What Is EN 45545?
EN 45545-2 specifies fire testing requirements for materials used in trains.
It classifies materials into hazard levels (HL1, HL2, HL3) based on the type of rolling stock and operating conditions.
Key Testing Criteria
Flame Spread: Determines how quickly fire can propagate along a cable.
Heat Release Rate: Measures the energy emitted during combustion.
Smoke Density and Toxicity: Critical for passenger evacuation and safety.
Material and Design Considerations
Use of low-smoke, halogen-free materials
Flame-retardant insulation and sheathing
Shielding to prevent short-circuits during fire events
Certification Process
Testing performed by certified labs using EN 50305, EN 60332, ir ISO 5659-2 standartai
Products must be labeled with their compliance level (e.g., HL3)
Conclusion
EN 45545 compliance is critical for wire harnesses used in rail systems. By selecting appropriate materials and design approaches, manufacturers can ensure safety while meeting international railway standards.