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What is EN45545 and EN45545-2 and what is its purpose?


EN45545 and its purpose

EN45545 is a European railway standard that was introduced in 2013 in order to harmonise the different train management systems including fire and smoke standards. It aims to protect passengers and staff against fire on board railway vehicles.

EN 45545 applies to manufacturers of rail vehicles, including high-speed trains, regional trains, trams, subways and double-decker trains.

After a transition period of several years, it has now become a mandatory requirement throughout Europe, and all materials used in the manufacture of railway vehicles must follow the EN45545 standard to achieve the highest possible level of safety in case of fire.

EN 45545 became the unique rail fire protection standard in March 2016, and replaced the following national standards:

United Kingdom BS 6853
Code of practice for fire precautions in the design and construction of passenger carrying trains.

France NF F 16-101
Railway Rolling Stock Fire Behavior Choice of Material.

Germany DIN 5510-2
Preventive Fire Protection In Railway Vehicles – Part 2: Fire Behaviour and Fire Side Effects Of Materials and Parts – Classification, Requirements and Test Methods.

Italy UNI CEI 11170-1/2/3
Railway and Tramway Vehicles – Guidelines for Fire Protection of Railway, Tramway and Guided Path Vehicles.

Poland PN K-02511
Rolling Stock – Fire Safety of Materials – Requirements.



EN45545-2

Part 2 of EN45545 defines the most stringent requirements for the fire behavior of materials and components, including floor coverings, seats and cables of railway vehicles.

EN45545-2 aims to protect passengers and staff against onboard fire incidents in railway vehicles.

Concerning the burning behaviour of rubber materials in particular applications, the EN45545-2  specifies the test methods, conditions and constraints for reaction to fire and contains specific requirements for flame spread, flammability, heat release, oxygen index, smoke density and smoke toxicity. Smoke is a deadly by-product of any fire – as evidenced by the Kings Cross Underground Station disaster in 1987.

Test reports will indicate which tests have been approved for the material in question.

Products are then classified according to a set of 26 requirements (R1-R26) based on where the materials will be used (inside or outside the train) for a particular level of hazard. Each requirement set has a corresponding series of test performance criteria, this & the operating categories determine the hazard level.

It is therefore important for the user to know the desired requirements for the application and the associated level of danger (fire hazard).
EN45545 Requirement Sets

All 'R' Requirement Sets are detailed in the specifications of EN45545-2. Here are some examples:

R1 – Requirements for horizontal/vertical interior surfaces, e.g. ceiling and walls, window frames or display screens.

R9 – Suspension parts

R10 – Floor coverings

R22 – Sealings & hoses – interior

R23 – Sealings & hoses – exterior

R24 – Isolation parts


EN 45545 Hazard Levels

Railway vehicles are classified in accordance with the fire hazard level associated with their design and operation.

EN45545-2 defines 3 Hazard Levels: HL1 – HL2 – HL3.  HL1 is the lowest level – HL3 is the highest level.

The HL classifications depend upon how many kilometres the rail vehicles are used in a tunnel, whether they are automatic (no driver), carriages with more than one storey (in Europe 2 storey trains are very common) and if sleeping compartments are on board.

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Operation Categories

A: Vehicles forming part of an automatic train having no emergency trained staff on board.

D: Double decked vehicles.

S: Sleeping and couchette vehicles.

N: All other vehicles (standard vehicles).
Material Groups

Depending on the use & characteristics of the materials and components, EN 45545-2 specifies materials into Interiors products (IN), Exteriors products (EX), Furniture (F), Electro technical equipment (E), Mechanical equipment(M), and Non-listed products.
Testing

The standard includes a series of test methods to evaluate the fire behaviour of materials and components used in the construction of railway vehicles. These tests assess various characteristics, including ignitability, flame spread, smoke density & toxicity, and heat release rates.

Each requirement has a corresponding series of test performance criteria imposed for each fire risk level (HL 1 to HL 3).
How can J-Flex help you select the correct rail product/materials?

1. The first step is to determine which product requirements apply to the product in question (R1-R26).

2. Secondly determine the fire risk (hazard level HL1, HL2 or HL3).

3. Identify a suitable EN45545 approved material that meets the above ratings and the technical requirements for the application.

It really is ideal to select a partner and products that meet all the requirements set and that have been independently tested and approved according to the EN45545-2 requirements. Working with a certified and well-experienced partner can ease selection of the right components.

Companies with material/product expertise, such as J-Flex, have a growing presence with leading players of the rail industry and offer the right product for each rail application.


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Specifications/Norms explained

EN45545-2: 2020
European Standard – Railway Applications – Fire Protection on railway vehicles.
This replaces National Standards :-
• BS6853 – British Standard
• DIN5510-2 – German Standard
• NF F 16/101 – French Standard

UL 94 V(0)
U.S. Underwriters Laboratory Standard set for testing flammability for plastics, however the standard is widely used & accepted within the rubber industry.

NFPA130
U.S. Standard specifying fire protection & life safety requirements for underground, surface & elevated fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems.

FMVSS 302
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Standard relating to burning behaviour of materials used inside road vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, buses & agricultural vehicles.

CMVSS 302
As above but issued by the Canadian motor industry.

SMP 800-C
Bombardier smoke & toxic gas generating specification.

BSS 7239
Boeing fire test for aircraft toxicity combustion.

Def-Stan 07-247 U.K.
Ministry of Defence standard & selection of materials based on their fire characteristics.

EN 13501-1
Fire Classification of construction products & building elements.
In Summary

EN45545 is a crucial European standard, which guarantees railway passenger and staff safety by setting strict fire behaviour requirements for all train materials. This mandatory rule, replacing older national regulations, ensures consistent fire protection across Europe and beyond.

In short, EN45545 ensures Fire Safety in every train journey and a safer, more secure travel experience for all.


Source : What is EN 45545 and EN 45545-2 and what is its purpose? (https://www.j-flex.com/what-is-en45545-and-what-is-its-purpose/)

What is EN 45545 and EN 45545-2? Purpose, Scope, and Detailed Explanation

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Introduction
The safety of passengers and staff in railway transportation is of utmost importance. To ensure this, various standards have been developed to reduce the risk of fire and improve fire safety in railway vehicles. One such critical standard is **EN 45545**, which is specifically designed for fire protection in railway applications. The standard covers various aspects of fire safety, including the reaction to fire, fire resistance, and the toxicity of materials used in railway vehicles.

Within EN 45545, **EN 45545-2** plays a crucial role as it focuses on the fire behavior of materials and components. This article provides a comprehensive overview of EN 45545 and EN 45545-2, including their purpose, classification systems, testing methods, and practical applications in the railway industry.

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1. Overview of EN 45545 Standard
EN 45545 is a European standard that outlines the requirements for fire protection on railway vehicles. It was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to harmonize fire safety requirements across Europe, replacing various national standards that were previously in use.

The standard consists of several parts, each addressing different aspects of fire safety:

• EN 45545-1: General requirements
• EN 45545-2: Requirements for fire behavior of materials and components
• EN 45545-3: Fire resistance requirements for fire barriers
• EN 45545-4: Fire safety requirements for electrical equipment
• EN 45545-5: Fire safety requirements for equipment and components outside the passenger area
• EN 45545-6: Fire control and management systems
• EN 45545-7: Fire safety requirements for flammable liquids and gases

Each part of the standard plays a significant role in ensuring comprehensive fire protection in railway vehicles.

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2. Purpose of EN 45545
The primary purpose of EN 45545 is to provide a harmonized approach to fire safety in railway vehicles across Europe. The standard aims to:

• Minimize the risk of fire on railway vehicles.
• Ensure the safety of passengers and staff by reducing fire hazards.
• Provide guidelines for the selection of materials and components that exhibit low flammability, low smoke emission, and low toxicity in case of fire.
• Ensure that railway vehicles meet uniform safety standards across European countries.

EN 45545 achieves these goals by defining specific fire performance requirements for materials and components used in railway vehicles.

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3. EN 45545-2: Fire Behavior of Materials and Components
EN 45545-2 is one of the most critical parts of the EN 45545 standard as it specifies the requirements for the fire behavior of materials and components used in railway vehicles. The standard classifies materials into different categories based on their intended use and location within the vehicle.

3.1 Hazard Levels (HL)
EN 45545-2 defines three hazard levels (HL) to account for different operating conditions and potential fire risks:

• HL1: Low hazard level
• HL2: Medium hazard level
• HL3: High hazard level

The appropriate hazard level is determined by the type of railway vehicle and its operating environment. For example, underground trains, which have limited ventilation, require higher fire safety standards (HL3) compared to surface trains.

3.2 Requirement Sets (R-Classes)
EN 45545-2 groups materials and components into different requirement sets, known as R-classes. Each R-class specifies the fire performance criteria that materials must meet. Some common R-classes include:

• R1: Interior materials such as seats and wall coverings
• R2: Exterior materials
• R3: Electrical equipment enclosures
• R4: Floor materials

Each R-class is associated with specific test methods and performance criteria.

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4. Test Methods for EN 45545-2 Compliance
To ensure compliance with EN 45545-2, materials and components must undergo rigorous testing. The standard specifies several test methods to evaluate the fire behavior of materials:

4.1 Ignitability Test
This test measures the ease with which a material can be ignited when exposed to a small flame. Materials with low ignitability are preferred to reduce the risk of fire initiation.

4.2 Flame Spread Test
The flame spread test evaluates how quickly a flame propagates across the surface of a material. Materials with low flame spread are essential for preventing the rapid spread of fire.

4.3 Smoke Density Test
This test assesses the amount of smoke produced by a material when it burns. High smoke density can reduce visibility and hinder evacuation efforts, so materials with low smoke emission are preferred.

4.4 Toxicity Test
The toxicity test measures the concentration of toxic gases released by a material during combustion. Toxic gases can pose significant risks to passengers and staff, so low-toxicity materials are required.

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5. Classification of Materials
Materials are classified based on their performance in the tests mentioned above. The classification determines whether a material is suitable for use in different parts of a railway vehicle. The table below summarizes the classification criteria for common R-classes:

R-Class	Application	Test Methods	Performance Criteria
R1	Interior materials	Ignitability, flame spread, smoke density, toxicity	HL1, HL2, HL3
R2	Exterior materials	Ignitability, flame spread	HL1, HL2, HL3
R3	Electrical equipment enclosures	Flame spread, smoke density	HL1, HL2, HL3
R4	Floor materials	Ignitability, flame spread, smoke density, toxicity	HL1, HL2, HL3

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6. Practical Applications of EN 45545
EN 45545 is applied in various aspects of railway vehicle design and manufacturing. Some key applications include:

• Material Selection: Manufacturers must choose materials that comply with the appropriate R-class and hazard level for each component of the vehicle.
• Design and Engineering: Engineers must ensure that the overall design of the vehicle meets fire safety requirements.
• Quality Control: Regular testing and inspection are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with EN 45545.
• Certification: Railway vehicles must be certified to demonstrate compliance with EN 45545 before they can be put into service.

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Conclusion
EN 45545 and EN 45545-2 play a vital role in ensuring the fire safety of railway vehicles across Europe. By defining clear requirements for the fire behavior of materials and components, the standard helps minimize fire risks and protect passengers and staff. Compliance with EN 45545 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and operators in the railway industry to ensure safe and reliable transportation.

Understanding the purpose, scope, and application of EN 45545 enables stakeholders to make informed decisions in material selection, design, and quality control, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of railway systems.

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References

• European Committee for Standardization (CEN) - EN 45545 Standards
• ISO/TC 269 - Railway Applications
• Manufacturer Testing Reports and Technical Datasheets