Select Page

pexels-fede-roveda-5620975

EN 61373 Environmental Operational Shock Testing

EN 61373 covers random vibration and shock testing items to be fitted on railway vehicles. As a certified environmental lab, we realize the importance of EN 61373 operation shock testing. Meeting the environmental compliance requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance partners with customers to achieve environmental product compliance. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. We provide comprehensive reports shortly after completion of the environmental standard test. Lastly, our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts.

Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest growing compliance test labs in the country. Contact us to receive more information on operational shock environmental lab testing.

Summary of EN 61373 Shock and Vibration Testing

The EN 61373 standard compliance test for vibrational and shock testing specifies the requirements for testing items of equipment intended for railway vehicular use. Furthermore, the test is specifically designed to demonstrate the ability of pneumatic, electrical and electronic equipment and components to be fitted onto railway vehicles.

It should be noted that for test certification reasons, the tests are carried out on equipment taken from normal production rather than prototypes.

While this EN 61373 shock and vibration test is primarily intended for fixed rail systems, its wider use is not precluded. For systems operating on pneumatic tyres, or other transportation systems, the supplier and customer can agree on the test levels at the tender stage. However, this is only when the level of shock and vibration clearly differ from those obtained on fixed rail systems. An example of this would include trolleybuses.

Lastly, this standard applies to single axis testing. However, multi-axis testing may be used with prior agreement between manufacturers and customers.

EN 61373 Environmental Shock Testing Conditions

The equipment under test is subjected to a sequence of half sine pulses. The transverse acceleration will not exceed 30% of the peak acceleration of the nominal pulse in the intended direction. This is in accordance with IEC 60068-2-27.

The actual velocity change is usually within 15% of the value corresponding to the nominal pulse. Where the velocity change is determined by integration of the actual pulse, it is evaluated over a specific integration time interval. 

In order to allow the equipment under test to recover from any resonance effects, sufficient time is given to elapse between the application of shocks. 18 shocks are applied to the equipment. These are conducted as three positive and three negative shocks in each of the three orthogonal axes.

Lastly, it is important to note that it is not necessary for the equipment to operate during the shock tests. Nevertheless, some equipment may have to retain its functional integrity.

Follow the links for more information on EN 61373 Section 8 Vibration Testing or EN 61373 Section 9 Vibration Testing.

Expert EN Environmental Operational Shock Testing

Keystone Compliance strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. In addition to environmental EN shock and vibration lab testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including fungus, solar radiation, pyroshock, and sand and dust

Contact us to receive more information on EN 61373 environmental testing.