Rail vehicles

In the railway sector, the rolling stock subsystem refers to the on-board part of a railway system. It comprises the components and systems of a train, including the running gear, the drive system, the braking system, the control systems, the on-board power supply and other associated subsystems.

The growing demands on trains in terms of comfort, speed, economy and safety are resulting in increasingly complex design and technology.

TÜV NORD supports you with independent assessments and testing services on your way to a safe vehicle.

Our experts are at your side in the following core areas, among others:

• Mechanics: Strength, materials, welding technology
• Electrics: insulation, electrical integrity, control technology, electromagnetic compatibility
• In matters of overriding importance: sound radiation, fire protection

In order to be authorised for operation, rail vehicles must meet a large number of standards. For mainline railways, these are the conditions for vehicles in accordance with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) at European level and the National Notified Technical Rules (NNTR) and the Railway, Construction and Operating Regulations (EBO) at national level. For trams, the German Regulation on the Construction and Operation of Trams (BOStrab) is decisive.

Our specialised experts support operators, system integrators and manufacturers in the qualification of vehicles as a complete system as well as individual vehicle components. In this context, we prepare expert opinions for you and carry out the necessary EC conformity assessments and certifications for you.

EC conformity assessment and certification

• Conformity assessment with regard to the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI)
• Conformity assessment with regard to the Notified National Technical Rules (NNTR) in Germany and Luxembourg

Testing

• Planning and execution of tests to verify functionality and exclude undesirable feedback effects on other functions
• Strength tests
• Fire protection tests
• Strength calculations and service life analyses

Training

• Training on CENELEC standards
• Training on functional safety

Inspections and assessments

• Independent safety assessments (Independent Safety Assessment ISA) in accordance with national legal requirements
• Inspections in accordance with CENELEC standards, DIN EN 5012x
• Inspections in accordance with the Common Safety Method CSM (402/2013)
• Functional safety inspections in accordance with IEC 61508
• Strength (vehicle body, chassis, bogies, towing and buffing equipment)
• Running dynamics
• Wheelsets
• Braking and traction systems
• Expert opinions and damage analyses
• Assessment of vehicle conversions

Our expertise

• Independence and neutrality
• Specialised experts with many years of experience
• Experts with EBA recognition
• Accredited inspection body according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020 (DAkkS)
• Notified body (NoBo)
• Designated Body (DeBo) in Luxembourg
• Interim DeBo in Germany
• Independent assessment body (AsBo)
• Partner of the state and local authorities (state railway supervisory authorities (LfB, TAB))
• Associated partner of the German Notified Body

Your benefits

• Protection of people and the environment
• Cross-system expertise from a single provider
• Comprehensive support from our experts
• Independent and needs-based advice
• Officially recognised expert reports
• In-depth knowledge of homologation processes