In the complex and rigorous landscape of rail transport, the safety and reliability of systems are of crucial importance. Eletech, Head of the International Design Centers of Elemaster, R&D division of the Group, has an inhouse laboratory which stands as a benchmark in the certification of products for the railway industry globally, and can perform EMC, climatic, insulation, vibration and shock tests accredited according to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017. With a focus on compliance with international standards and a commitment to innovation, the LAB ensures that each product not only meets, but exceeds expectations in terms of safety, reliability and interoperability. This article explores how LAB helps raise safety and reliability levels through a series of rigorous compliance tests.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Tests
These tests are vital to ensure that railway products operate without interference:
- Emission and Immunity Tests: Verify that devices do not emit dangerous interference and are immune to external disturbances.
Environmental Tests
The robustness of railway products in various environmental conditions is tested by means of:
- Climatic Tests: Simulate extreme conditions to test the robustness of the product.
- Mechanical Tests: Assess the robustness of products under physical stresses such as falls and vibrations.
Electrical and Fire Safety Tests
Essential for preventing serious accidents, these tests include:
- Dielectric Strength and Insulation Tests: Measure the ability of the product’s insulation to withstand high voltages.
- Flammability Test: Evaluates the resistance of the product’s materials to fire.
Reliability and Performance Tests
Determinants of longevity and operational effectiveness:
- Life Cycle Tests: Simulate long-term use to reveal potential failures.
- Performance Verification: Validates product specifications under various operational scenarios.
Interoperability Tests
Indispensable for rail system cohesion:
- Verification of Interoperability with other systems: Essential for integration into existing and future railway infrastructure.
Eletech’s Advanced Internal Laboratory Infrastructure
Eletech’s laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform comprehensive and accurate tests:
- EMC tests: Using a semi-anechoic chamber, generators, amplifiers, antennas, receivers, and CDNS for immunity and emission testing, all accredited to ISO 17025 / ILAC.
- Safety Tests: Includes temperature measurements and insulation tests conducted with thermocouples, data loggers, IR cameras, and insulation testers, non-accredited.
- Vibration Tests: Using shakers, controllers, amplifiers and accelerometers, accredited to ISO 17025 / ILAC.
- Climatic Tests: Equipped with climatic chambers, an accessible thermostatic chamber and ovens for testing cold, dry heat, humidity and temperature variations, accredited to ISO 17025 / ILAC.
Ensuring Excellence: The Role of Certification in Railway Safety
The Elemaster Group’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in the railway industry is evident in the daily work in Eletech’s laboratory. Each test conducted is a step towards ensuring that railway systems not only meet current safety requirements but are also ready for future challenges. The LAB is therefore not only a hub of innovation and safety, but also a model of sustainability and responsibility in the industry, ensuring that every technological advance contributes to a safer and more reliable railway environment for everyone.