Component inspection for railway suitability

The railway industry relies heavily on the reliability and safety of its rolling stock components. These components, which include everything from mechanical parts to electronic systems, must adhere to strict standards to ensure optimal performance, availability, and of course, safety.

Inspection and certification services play a crucial role in maintaining these performance, availability, and safety standards, providing assurance that components meet all regulatory and consumer requirements. As an industry expert, TÜV SÜD offers comprehensive solutions to help you with the inspection and certification of rolling stock components in all technical fields such as fire and electrical safety, environmental conditions, mechanical strength, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Verifying that components meet safety standards such as EN 45545-2 (fire protection for railway vehicles), NFPA 130 (fire protection and life-safety requirements for underground, surface, and elevated fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems), and EN 50155 (electrical safety) is vital for the safety of passengers and crew on board.

In addition, compliance with standards such as EN 50121 (EMC), EN 50124 (insulation coordination), and EN 50153 (electrical safety) is mandatory for market access and legal operations within various regions. Furthermore, compliance with EN 61373 (shock and vibration) also ensures the correct functionality and availability of your component also in the rough condition onboard rolling stock. We test for EN 61373 through two accredited TÜV SÜD labs in Germany.

Navigating this complex regulatory landscape can be daunting and requires extensive knowledge and resources, which TÜV SÜD can provide.

Regular component inspection and certification help prevent failures and downtime, ensuring that railway operations run smoothly and efficiently. High-quality, certified components enhance the reputation of manufacturers and operators, leading to increased market trust and competitive advantage.

Technological developments further necessitate thorough inspection and certification. Modern rolling stock integrates sophisticated electronic and digital systems, presenting challenges in maintaining up-to-date compliance and ensuring that these advanced components are thoroughly inspected and certified. Only rigorous testing and certification can ensure compatibility and functionality within the harsh railway environment.

TÜV SÜD has a long-standing history in mobility, safety, and sustainability, having provided services in these fields for over 150 years.

Our extensive experience and expertise provide significant benefits to you in ensuring safety, compliance and operational availability, and efficiency. Our pool of interdisciplinary experts leverages this experience and provides you with holistic solutions.

We collaborate closely with our product testing centres to provide clients with a full suite of solutions, from testing to certification.

We provide a wide range of services to enhance the safety and performance of rolling stock components, such as:

Compliance with multiple standards – TÜV SÜD provides expert guidance and services to ensure that components meet all relevant standards, including EN 45545-2, NFPA 130, EN 50155, and EN 50121. Our deep understanding of these standards ensures thorough and accurate compliance assessments. This means that you can be confident in your products’ compliance, allowing them to avoid legal issues and gain market access.

Technological advancements – We offer cutting-edge testing and certification services that keep pace with technological advancements in the railway industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced engineers are equipped to handle the latest innovations.

Cost management – TÜV SÜD provides cost-effective testing and certification solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our efficient processes and bundled service packages help manage costs without compromising quality. This helps you to achieve compliance within budget constraints, enhancing profitability.

Quality assurance – Our rigorous quality assurance programs and comprehensive inspection services ensure consistent quality across all rolling stock components.

Here is a more detailed outline of our standard process for component inspections. Of course, we can also tailor the necessary steps to your specific needs.

1. Initial consultation – After you get in touch with us, we will engage with you to understand your specific needs and requirements for rolling stock component inspection and certification. We will then create a customised quotation and service plan tailored to your unique challenges and objectives.
2. Pre-assessment – We will conduct a preliminary assessment to identify potential areas of concern and determine the scope of testing required. This early identification of issues will allow for proactive solutions and efficient planning. Additionally, we identify the necessary tests and standards (e.g., EN 45545-2) and detail the timeline and resources required, ensuring a structured approach and minimising delays and uncertainties
3. Component testing – If required, we will rigorously test the components at TÜV SÜD’s state-of-the-art product testing centers. Tests can include fire safety, electrical safety, EMC, and shock and vibration among others. Thorough and accurate testing ensures compliance with relevant standards and enhances component reliability.
4. Data analysis and final inspection – We will analyse the data collected during testing and compile detailed reports outlining the findings, compliance status, and any areas needing improvement. Comprehensive insights provide you with a clear understanding of your components’ performance and compliance status.
5. Certification – Upon successful testing and inspection, we may additionally issue a certification for the component (e.g., EN 45545-2 Fire Safety Certificate, EN 50155 Electrical Safety Certification). Official certification enhances market access and credibility, assuring you of your product's safety and reliability.
6. Continuous support and consultation – We offer ongoing support to address any post-certification queries, assist with regulatory updates, and provide re-inspection as needed. Continued partnership ensures long-term compliance and adaptation to evolving standards and market demands.