Approval & Commissioning

Theoretical calculations must be verified by practical tests and measurements. This is the case, for example, when proof must be provided within the scope of approval procedures, but also in weak point analyses or accident investigations. The Enotrac experts are specialists in precise measurements on the railway system. Customers benefit from our many years of experience in the comprehensive planning and coordination of measurement campaigns. The efficient handling of these campaigns guarantees the shortest possible interruption to operations.

Enotrac has a large pool of its own measurement equipment. This includes a variety of smaller loggers up to modular measurement systems from DEWETRON for extensive measurement campaigns. Specialists and equipment from partner companies are called in as required, for example for dynamic measurements of current collection quality or protection tests.

Tests and measurements can be carried out both on the vehicle and on the power supply. The Enotrac experts conduct measurement campaigns for (selection)

• Energy consumption of vehicles
• Electrical parameters on the vehicles (traction currents, auxiliary currents, traction converter interference currents)
• Current load and current distribution in overhead contact line systems
• Temperature measurements of conductors, such as contact wire or contact point contact wire – pantograph during standstill
• Rail potential / stray current
• Short-circuit currents for protection tests
• Magnetic fields

The commissioning of new or modified components, subsystems and vehicles is very often an integral part of an Enotrac engineering project. Suitable unit and type test instructions are written in preparation for this. Enotrac takes over the organisation and support of this final project step.

Enotrac can play a supporting role in the project (e.g. preparing instructions, contributing to the test plan) or can take primary responsibility for managing and carrying out the commissioning and type tests. This includes coordination with all parties involved.

An important foundation for the described activities is the standard EN 50215 (testing of railway stock on completion of construction and before entry into service).

The approval of railway system requires precise knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. The Enotrac experts are always up to date in this area and can take the lead or support customers in the processes of approval and commissioning.

Approval management comprises various tasks. These include development of the approval concept, coordination with the relevant authorities and compilation of the approval dossier through to obtaining the necessary approvals.

Enotrac has successfully supported the approval and commissioning process in a large number of projects. These include vehicle projects such as the modernisation of the MGB locomotives or the doors of the SBB standard wagons, and also large infrastructure projects such as the Gotthard and Lötschberg base tunnels.