Testing that Reaches the World

IEC 62236 is an international standards series addressing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for railway applications. The series establishes requirements for controlling electromagnetic emissions and immunity across railway systems, rolling stock, signaling and telecommunications equipment, and fixed power installations.

Rail systems combine high-power electrical equipment, electronic controls, communications, signaling, traction systems, and other sensitive electronics within a shared electromagnetic environment. IEC 62236 provides a framework for evaluating electromagnetic compatibility so railway equipment can operate as intended without creating unacceptable electromagnetic interference.

The IEC 62236 series addresses both emissions from railway systems and equipment and their immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. IEC identifies the current IEC 62236 series as covering the electromagnetic behavior of railways as a whole as well as equipment operating within the railway environment. IEC Webstore

IEC 62236 Testing for Railway Equipment

Clark Testing provides EMC and EMI testing for railway equipment and components to support product qualification, design validation, and compliance programs.

Testing requirements depend on the equipment, installation environment, and applicable section of IEC 62236. Evaluations may address conducted and radiated emissions as well as electromagnetic immunity. For rolling-stock apparatus, for example, IEC 62236-3-2 establishes limits and test methods addressing conducted and radiated disturbances. IEC Webstore

Clark can work with manufacturers, suppliers, and engineering teams to review applicable requirements and develop a test program based on the equipment and intended railway application.

IEC 62236 Standard Series

The IEC 62236 series separates railway EMC requirements by application:

IEC 62236-1 - General
Defines the overall structure of the IEC 62236 series and its general EMC performance criteria. IEC Webstore

IEC 62236-2 - Emission of the Whole Railway System to the Outside World
Addresses electromagnetic emissions produced by the railway system as a whole, including urban mass transit and light rail systems. IEC Webstore

IEC 62236-3-1 - Rolling Stock, Train and Complete Vehicle
Addresses emission and immunity requirements for railway rolling stock, including traction stock, hauled stock, trainsets, and urban vehicles. IEC Webstore

IEC 62236-3-2 - Rolling Stock, Apparatus
Addresses EMC requirements for electrical and electronic apparatus intended for installation on railway rolling stock, including conducted and radiated emission and immunity requirements. IEC Webstore

IEC 62236-4 - Signaling and Telecommunications Apparatus
Establishes emission and immunity requirements for railway signaling and telecommunications equipment and associated systems. IEC Webstore

IEC 62236-5 - Fixed Power Supply Installations and Apparatus
Addresses EMC requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and systems used in fixed railway power-supply installations. IEC Webstore

Railway EMC and EMI Test Capabilities

Depending on the applicable IEC 62236 requirement and equipment under evaluation, a railway EMC qualification program may involve testing for electromagnetic emissions and immunity.

Clark's broader EMC capabilities allow railway manufacturers and suppliers to coordinate EMC testing alongside other qualification requirements that may apply to rail equipment.

This can be particularly useful for equipment requiring multiple environmental, vibration, structural, electrical, or electromagnetic qualification tests as part of a larger rail qualification program.

Supporting Railway Equipment Qualification

Railway components frequently must demonstrate compliance with more than one technical standard. Clark Testing supports manufacturers and suppliers with laboratory testing for rail and transit applications, including EMC/EMI, vibration, environmental, structural, load, and other equipment qualification testing.

By coordinating multiple test requirements through Clark, customers can develop qualification programs around the standards and operating environments applicable to their equipment.

IEC 62236 Testing at Clark Testing

If your railway equipment or component requires testing to IEC 62236, Clark Testing can review the applicable standard, equipment configuration, and qualification requirements to determine the appropriate testing approach.

Contact Clark Testing to discuss IEC 62236 EMC testing or a broader railway equipment qualification program.