Does EN 50122-2 cover both AC and DC systems?

Yes, it applies to both AC and DC railway electrical systems including traction, signalling, and trackside installations.

How does EN 50122-2 relate to EN 50122-1?

EN 50122-2 complements EN 50122-1 by specifying protection and monitoring requirements for safe operation of railway electrical installations.

Who should implement EN 50122-2?

Railway infrastructure managers, signalling engineers, maintenance teams, and certification authorities follow EN 50122-2 to ensure safe and reliable railway electrical systems.

Protecting Railway Electrical Systems: EN 50122-2 Explained

Q: What is EN 50122-2?

EN 50122-2 specifies safety, protection, and monitoring requirements for railway electrical installations to ensure personnel safety and operational reliability.

EN 50122-2 specifies safety and protection requirements for railway electrical installations, ensuring safe operation, personnel protection, and fault monitoring across Europe.

Protecting Railway Electrical Systems: EN 50122-2 Explained

December 31, 2023 5:04 pm

What Is EN 50122-2?

EN 50122-2 is a European standard that defines the safety, protection, and monitoring requirements for electrical installations in railway systems.
It ensures personnel safety, fault detection, and operational reliability of trackside and rolling stock electrical systems.

Importance of EN 50122-2 in Railway Operations

Railway electrical systems pose risks such as electric shock, short circuits, and overvoltage.
EN 50122-2 standardizes protection measures, earth fault detection, and monitoring to mitigate risks and ensure safe and continuous operation of railway infrastructure.

Specifies earth fault and overvoltage protection requirements
Ensures safety of personnel near electrical installations
Supports reliable operation of signalling and trackside equipment
Facilitates integration with other railway safety standards

Scope and Technical Coverage

The standard applies to all AC and DC railway electrical systems including traction power, signalling, and trackside installations.
It defines protection devices, monitoring procedures, and verification requirements.

Earth fault and overcurrent protection
Insulation monitoring and fault detection
Connection to signalling and traction systems
Testing, maintenance, and inspection procedures
Compliance with EN 50122-1 and European safety regulations

Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Description	Operational Impact
Earth Fault Protection	Detection and isolation of ground faults in track circuits and equipment	Prevents equipment damage and protects personnel
Overcurrent and Overvoltage Protection	Devices to limit excessive current or voltage	Ensures safe operation and reduces risk of fire or failure
Monitoring Systems	Continuous supervision of electrical parameters	Enhances operational reliability and early fault detection
Integration with Signalling	Protection systems linked with signalling and traction controls	Ensures safety and prevents false signalling or failures

Relationship with Other Standards

EN 50122-2 complements EN 50122-1 (general electrical safety), EN 50126 (RAMS), and EN 50128 (software safety in signalling).
It ensures that railway electrical installations operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with European interoperability requirements.

Supports EN 50122-1 electrical safety measures
Integrates with EN 50126 and EN 50128 for system reliability and safety
Ensures compliance with UIC electrical safety recommendations

Who Uses EN 50122-2?

The standard is applied by railway infrastructure managers, signalling engineers, electrical installers, maintenance teams, and certification authorities to maintain safe and reliable railway electrical systems.