Overview
IEC 62236-3-2:2018 - Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 3-2: Rolling stock - Apparatus - sets out EMC emission and immunity requirements for electrical and electronic apparatus intended for use on railway rolling stock. This third edition (2018) is focused on the integration of apparatus on rolling stock, defining limits and test methods for conducted and radiated disturbances across a very wide frequency range (DC to 400 GHz). The standard is intended to ensure that onboard equipment neither interferes with, nor is unacceptably affected by, other railway systems or external radio sources.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applies to apparatus used on rolling stock; test application depends on apparatus type, configuration, ports and operating conditions. Not intended for intentional radio transmitters; immunity exclusion bands per radio equipment standards apply.
- Emission and immunity limits: Defines limits and test methods for conducted and radiated disturbances. Emission requirements were extended into the 1 GHz–6 GHz band; immunity requirements extended to 5.1 GHz–6 GHz in this edition.
- Ports and test assignments: Requirements are port-specific (e.g., traction AC/DC power ports, auxiliary power, battery, signal/communication, process measurement/control ports, enclosure ports). Tables in the standard list applicable tests per port.
- Test methods referenced: Uses established IEC and CISPR techniques (for example IEC 61000-4 series test methods and CISPR measurement methods) and should be read in conjunction with IEC 62236-1 (general provisions).
- Annexes: Informative annexes provide examples of apparatus and ports (Annex A) and detailed guidance on conducted disturbances from power converters (Annex B).
- Exclusions: Transient emissions during start/stop are excluded; intentional radiators are covered by radio regulations rather than these EMC limits.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
IEC 62236-3-2 is used by:
- Rolling stock OEMs and system integrators to specify EMC performance during vehicle design and integration.
- Component and apparatus manufacturers to design products that meet railway EMC requirements for onboard use.
- EMC test laboratories and certification bodies to plan and perform the required conducted and radiated tests and to interpret port-specific tables.
- Railway operators and maintainers when assessing retrofit compatibility and interference risk on existing fleets.
Practical benefits include reduced risk of onboard equipment interference, clearer test requirements for procurement and compliance, and harmonized EMC practices across international projects.
Related standards
- IEC 62236-1 (General)
- IEC 62236-3-1 (Rolling stock - Train and complete vehicle)
- IEC 61000-4 series (EMC test methods)
- CISPR 11 / CISPR 16 (Measurement methods)
- EN 50121-3-2 (basis for this edition)
Keywords: IEC 62236-3-2, railway EMC, rolling stock apparatus, conducted disturbances, radiated emissions, immunity testing, EMC test methods, power converter disturbances.
Open preview (PDF)Railway applications - Electromagnetic compatibility - Part 3-2: Rolling stock - Apparatus
