Overview
IEC 60050-811:2017 is a key part of the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV), focusing on the terminology related to electric traction. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard provides clear, consistent terminology for electric traction equipment and systems used primarily in railways. The vocabulary also addresses general and specific terms for applications and associated technologies within the field. IEC 60050-811:2017 is recognized as a horizontal standard, intended to support harmonization across technical committees and facilitate uniform communication in standards relevant to electric traction.
Key Topics
IEC 60050-811:2017 covers a comprehensive set of terms and definitions across various aspects of electric traction. Major topics include:
- General terms: Standard definitions for electric traction systems and components.
- Types of traction: Clear distinctions between DC traction, single-phase and three-phase AC traction, thermo-electric traction, battery-electric traction, and stored kinetic energy traction.
- Vehicle types: Terminology for different rolling stock, including definitions of trains, locomotives, and specialized rail vehicles.
- Train operation and performance: Terms relating to train loads, movement methods, braking, adhesion, and riding quality.
- Traction equipment and systems: Vocabulary covering traction motors, axle drives, linear traction motors, batteries, converters, compressors, pumps, and energy storage.
- Power supply infrastructure: Key terms for overhead contact lines, conductor rails, transformers, return current circuits, and supply systems.
- Control and auxiliary systems: Terminology for control equipment, protective equipment, lighting, heating, air conditioning, and train communication networks.
- Testing and measurement: Definitions related to test categories, gauges, and the measurement of train speed.
All terms are available in multiple languages, supporting international collaboration and standardization.
Applications
IEC 60050-811:2017 has broad practical value across the railway and electric traction industries:
- Standardization and regulatory compliance: Ensures consistent use of terminology across international railway and electrical equipment standards, simplifying regulatory processes and reducing ambiguity.
- Technical documentation: Supports manufacturers, engineers, and system integrators in developing clear, unambiguous documentation for electric traction systems and equipment.
- Procurement and tendering: Provides a standardized vocabulary for specifications, facilitating accurate communication between suppliers, contractors, and railway operators.
- Training and education: Acts as a foundational resource for educational materials, technical training, and professional development in railway engineering.
- System integration and interoperability: Aids in coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, promoting compatibility and interoperability of components and systems across countries and suppliers.
Related Standards
IEC 60050-811:2017 is part of a broader series of standards dedicated to electrical terminology and railway applications. Related standards include:
- IEC 60050 (IEV) Series: The full series provides a multilingual, hierarchical vocabulary for the broader fields of electrotechnology, electronics, and telecommunications.
- IEC 60050-161: Electromagnetic compatibility vocabulary, relevant for railway environments.
- IEC 62313: Railway applications - Power supply and rolling stock - General requirements (reference source for several terms).
- IEC 60050-411: Rotating machines terminology, important for understanding traction motors and generators.
- IEC Guide 108: Guidelines for applying horizontal standards, supporting harmonization across IEC publications.
For convenient term searches, the Electropedia (www.electropedia.org) provides open access to all published IEV parts.
Conclusion
IEC 60050-811:2017 is an essential reference for consistent terminology in electric traction, supporting global railway standardization, safe operation, and technical communication. By providing a common language for the design, procurement, regulation, and operation of electric traction equipment and systems, this standard strengthens the international rail sector’s development and interoperability.
