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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
Railway Group Standard
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Electrical
Protective
Provisions for
Electrified Lines
Synopsis
This document mandates the design
requirements for the avoidance of direct
contact between persons and live parts
of electrification equipment and of
electrical equipment on trains.
Submitted by
Signatures removed from electronic version
Anne Blakeney
Senior Standards Project Manager
Authorised by
Signatures removed from electronic version
Brian Alston
Controller, Railway Group Standards
This document is the property of Railway
Safety. It shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part without the written
permission of the Controller, Railway
Group Standards,
Railway Safety.
Published by
Railway Safety,
Evergreen House
160 Euston Road
London NW1 2DX
© Copyright 2001 Railway Safety
Uncontrolled When Printed
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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 1 of 19
Contents
Section
Page
Part A
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
Issue Record
Implementation of this document
Scope of Railway Group Standards
Responsibilities
Health and safety responsibilities
Technical content
Supply
Part B
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
Purpose
Application of this document
Definitions
Overhead electrified lines
Third rail electrified lines
4
4
6
8
12
Flowchart for determination of electrical clearance category – 25kV
electrification
Conductor rail layout at level crossings
15
16
Appendices
A
B
References
RAILWAY SAFETY
Description
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
19
1
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B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 2 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
Part A
A1 Issue Record
This document will be updated when necessary by distribution of a complete
replacement.
Issue
One
Date
October 2001
Comments
Original document.
A2 Implementation of
this document
The publication date of this document is 6 October 2001.
This document comes into force on 1 December 2001.
The dates by which compliance with the requirements of this document is to be
achieved are set out in Part B2. Where those dates are later than the date on
which this document comes into force, this is to give Railway Group members
additional time to plan and commence implementation so as to achieve full
compliance by the dates set out in Part B2.
This document supersedes the following Railway Group Standards, either in
whole or in part as indicated:
Railway
Group
Standard
Iss.
No.
Title
RGS sections
superseded by
this document
Date(s) as of
which sections
are superseded
GM/TT0101
1
Clearance
requirements
for electrified
lines and
T&RS
All clauses
relating to
infrastructure
and stations
3 August 2002
All clauses
relating to
trains
4 October 2003
GC/RT5161
1
Station
platform
design
requirements
9.4
3 August 2002
(already
withdrawn)
GC/RT5203
2
Infrastructure
requirements
for personal
safety in
respect of
clearances
and access
10
3 August 2002
(already
withdrawn)
GM/TT0101 issue 1 is withdrawn with effect from 4 October 2003
A3 Scope of Railway
Group Standards
The overall scope of Railway Group Standards is as specified in Appendix A of
GA/RT6001. The specific scope of this document is set out in Part B2.
2
RAILWAY SAFETY
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B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 3 of 19
A4 Responsibilities
Railway Group Standards are mandatory on all members of the Railway Group *
and apply to all relevant activities that fall into the scope of each individual’s
Railway Safety Case. If any of those activities are performed by a contractor, the
contractor’s obligation in respect of Railway Group Standards is determined by
the terms of the contract between the respective parties. Where a contractor is
a duty holder of a Railway Safety Case then Railway Group Standards apply
directly to the activities described in the Safety Case.
* The Railway Group comprises Railtrack PLC, Railway Safety, and the train
and station operators who hold railway safety cases for operation on or related to
infrastructure controlled by Railtrack PLC.
Railtrack PLC is known as Railtrack.
A5 Health and safety
responsibilities
In issuing this document, Railway Safety makes no warranties, express or
implied, that compliance with all or any documents published by Railway Safety
is sufficient on its own to ensure safe systems of work or operation. Each user is
reminded of its own responsibilities to ensure health and safety at work and its
individual duties under health and safety legislation.
A6 Technical content
The technical content of this document has been approved by:
Peter Williment, Principal Electrification Engineer, Railway Safety
Derek Wolfendale, Principal Track & Structures Engineer, Railway Safety
Keith Rose, Principal Vehicles Engineer, Railway Safety
Enquiries to be directed to the Railway Safety – Tel: 020 7904 7518
A7 Supply
Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this document may be obtained from the
Industry Safety Liaison Dept, Railway Safety, Evergreen House,
160 Euston Road, London NW1 2DX.
RAILWAY SAFETY
3
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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 4 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
Part B
B1 Purpose
This standard mandates the electrical protective provisions to prevent injury to
persons from direct contact with live parts of electrification equipment and of
electrical equipment on trains.
B2 Application of this
document
B2.1 To whom the requirements apply
This document contains requirements that are applicable to the duty holders of
the following categories of Railway Safety Case:
a)
infrastructure controller
b)
station operator
c)
train operator
Under the Railways (Safety Case) Regulations 2000, the duty holder at a station
(as defined in those Regulations) is responsible for ensuring that the
requirements of Railway Group Standards are complied with. At a station,
contractual arrangements (including a lease) do not of themselves relieve the
duty holder of his obligations under those Regulations.
B2.2 Compliance requirements
B2.2.1 Infrastructure
This document applies to all electrified lines on Railtrack controlled
infrastructure, using Railtrack standard systems of electrification, namely 25kV
AC or 1500V DC overhead line electrification, or 750V DC top contact third rail
electrification (which includes systems where a ‘fourth rail’ is electrically
connected to the running rails).
The requirements of this document are mandatory for new Railtrack controlled
infrastructure and for alterations to existing Railtrack controlled infrastructure for
which approval in principle is given on or after 3 August 2002.
When approval in principle is given before 3 August 2002, but the infrastructure
has not yet been brought into service, the design shall be reviewed and, where
reasonably practicable, brought into line with the requirements of this document.
Where it is not reasonably practicable to do so, the situation shall be regularised
by means of a non-compliance or derogation (see section B2.2.4).
Action to bring existing infrastructure into compliance with the requirements of
this document is not required provided that the infrastructure was compliant with
the previously applicable standards.
B2.2.2 Stations
This document applies to all stations on Railtrack controlled infrastructure, using
Railtrack standard systems of electrification, namely 25kV AC or 1500V DC
overhead line electrification, or 750V DC top contact third rail electrification
(which includes systems where a ‘fourth rail’ is electrically connected to the
running rails).
The requirements of this document are mandatory for new stations and for
alterations to existing stations for which design commences on or after
3 August 2002.
4
When design commences before 3 August 2002, but the station (or station
modification) has not yet been brought into service, the design shall be reviewed
and, where reasonably practicable, brought into line with the requirements of this
document. Where it is not reasonably practicable to do so, the situation shall be
regularised by means of a non-compliance or derogation (see section B2.2.4).
RAILWAY SAFETY
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B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 5 of 19
Action to bring existing stations into compliance with the requirements of this
document is not required provided that they were compliant with the previously
applicable standards.
B2.2.3 Trains
This document applies to all electric trains which will operate on Railtrack
controlled infrastructure, using Railtrack standard systems of electrification,
namely 25kV AC or 1500V DC overhead line electrification, or 750V DC top
contact third rail electrification (which includes systems where a ‘fourth rail’ is
electrically connected to the running rails).
The vehicle design requirements mandated in this document are to be complied
with by all vehicles of previously uncertificated designs with a Certificate of
Conformance for Vehicle Design signed on or after 4 October 2003. In addition
to this the design requirements shall be complied with by any future vehicles,
built to the same design as a vehicle already having Engineering Acceptance,
which enter service on Railtrack controlled infrastructure on or after
7 October 2006.
The requirements of sections B4.8 and B5.6 of this document are within the
scope of Vehicle Acceptance Body approval.
Action to bring existing trains into compliance with the requirements of this
document is not required provided that they were compliant with the previously
applicable standards.
Where trains are being modified in the area covered by the scope of this
document, the design shall be reviewed and where practicable brought into line
with the requirements of this document.
B2.2.4 General compliance requirements
Until the compliance dates, or the date by which compliance is achieved (if
earlier), the applicable requirements of the predecessor documents shall
continue to be met (see Part A for details).
After the compliance dates, or after the date by which compliance is achieved (if
earlier), Railway Group members shall not deviate from the requirements set out
in this document.
Where it is considered not practicable, or not reasonably practicable, to comply
with the requirements set out in this document, authorisation not to comply shall
be sought in accordance with GA/RT6001, GA/RT6004 or GA/RT6006.
B2.3 Exclusions from the application of this document
Electrical equipment in a secured area, building or compound under the control
of one Railway Group member is outside the scope of this document, eg
overhead line equipment in a train maintenance depot, or a track sectioning
location within a fenced compound.
B2.4 Related requirements in other documents
These are set out in a number of documents as detailed below:
RAILWAY SAFETY
a)
The requirements for electrified lines traction bonding are set out in
GL/RT1254.
b)
Instructions for the protection of persons working on or near to 25kV AC
overhead electrified lines are set out in GE/RT8024, and Rule Book Section
Z Part (i) (GO/RT4100/1).
c)
Instructions for the protection of persons working on or near to 1500V DC
overhead electrified lines are set out in Railtrack local instructions.
d)
Instructions for the protection of persons working on or near to 750V DC
third rail electrified lines are set out in GO/RT3091, except for the Liverpool
area and the Northern City Lines where Railtrack local instructions apply.
5
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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 6 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
e)
Instructions for the protection of persons working on or near to electrified
lines owned by others, but adjacent to Railtrack controlled infrastructure,
are set out in Railtrack local instructions.
f)
Requirements for the protection of all lines including electrified lines against
inadvertent access and trespass are set out in GC/RT5201. Specific
requirements for parapets on bridges over electrified lines are set out in
GC/RT5110.
g)
Requirements for the provision of warning signs and notices on electrified
lines are set out in GM/RT1041, GM/RT2181 and GM/RT2300.
B3 Definitions
B3.1 General
Barrier
A part providing protection against direct contact from any usual direction of
access. (Definition taken from BS EN 50122-1).
Direct contact
Contact between persons and live parts. (Definition based on BS EN 50122-1).
Indirect contact
Contact between persons and exposed conductive parts which have become live
under fault conditions. (Definition based on BS EN 50122-1).
Live
Being at a voltage by being connected to a source of electricity or by induction.
Screen
A part preventing unintentional direct contact but not preventing direct contact by
deliberate action. (Definition based on ‘Obstacle’ in BS EN 50122-1).
B3.2 Overhead Electrified Lines
Free access areas
Free access areas are to be considered as those areas to which the public has
unrestricted access outwith the control of a Railway Group member, such as a
lineside public footpath outside the boundary fence.
Live parts
The normally exposed live parts of overhead line equipment, including the whole
length of any insulator, or of pantographs and other roof-mounted electrical
equipment on trains.
Overhead line equipment
Overhead line equipment (OLE) is an arrangement of wires suspended over the
railway line for supplying electricity to trains, together with associated fittings,
insulators and other attachments including feeders, switches, jumpers and,
where fitted, return conductors or auto-transformer feeders.
For the purposes of this standard, the definition of ‘overhead line equipment’
includes all feeder wires and bare aerial busbars of unfenced trackside
electrification equipment locations.
Passing electrical clearance
The distance, being created by a momentary reduction of the static electrical
clearance, caused by the dynamic movement of the overhead line equipment
and the passage of trains.
Public areas
Public areas shall be considered as those areas of Railtrack controlled
infrastructure, and other infrastructure under the control of a Railway Group
member and falling within the scope of this standard, to which the public is
allowed access.
6
RAILWAY SAFETY
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Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 7 of 19
Restricted areas
Restricted areas shall be considered as those areas of Railtrack controlled
infrastructure, and other infrastructure under the control of a Railway Group
member and falling within the scope of this standard, to which the Railway Group
member controls access only to authorised persons.
Safety clearance
The distance in a straight line between a standing surface and live parts
necessary to prevent direct contact between persons and the live parts.
Static electrical clearance
The distance forming insulation in air between:
a)
live parts of OLE and the earthed parts of trains
b)
live parts of OLE and other parts of OLE which may become earthed
c)
live parts of OLE and structures
d)
live parts of OLE and other parts of OLE live at a different phase
e)
live parts of electric trains and earthed parts of OLE
f)
live parts of electric trains and structures
g)
live parts of electric trains and other parts of OLE live at a different phase,
and which exists when all the parts are at rest, and not subject to dynamic
movements.
Taut string distance
The dimension of an imaginary taut string running between a standing surface
and a live part around the periphery of a screen.
Uplift
The amount by which the overhead line equipment is raised during the passage
of a pantograph.
B3.3 Third rail electrified lines
Conductor rail equipment
Conductor rail equipment (CRE) is the conductor rail, together with items
connected to it.
Guard boarding
Protective boarding, of a non-conductive material, placed alongside one or both
sides of the conductor rail at certain locations, in order to protect persons from
contact with the conductor rail.
Live parts
The normally exposed live parts of the conductor rail equipment, including the
whole length of any insulator, or of shoegear and other electrical equipment on
trains.
Passing electrical clearance
The distance, being created by a momentary reduction of the static electrical
clearance caused by movement of the conductor rail equipment and the passage
of trains. It is characterised by being a non-permanent clearance. In this context
the clearance between the live parts of electric trains and the running rail or any
other rail may be considered a ‘passing’ clearance, even if the train is stationary.
Static electrical clearance
The distance forming insulation in air between:
a)
RAILWAY SAFETY
live parts of CRE and the parts of trains at running rail potential
7
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Railway Group Standard
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Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 8 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
b)
live parts of CRE and fixed metalwork
c)
live parts of CRE and other parts of CRE which may become connected to
running rail potential
d)
live parts of electric trains and the running rail or any other rail or equipment
at earth potential or at running rail potential.
B4 Overhead electrified
lines
B4.1 Principle
The protective provisions afforded by the infrastructure against direct contact
between persons and live parts are to be provided by safety clearances,
achieved by the appropriate positioning of the OLE, or where the safety
clearances are not achievable, by the provision of screens.
B4.2 Protection by safety clearances
All access routes on the lineside or on or near to the line (excluding station
platforms) shall where reasonably practicable be at rail level or below. Where
this is not reasonably practicable other control measures shall be applied to
reduce the risks associated with electrical hazards.
OLE shall be designed, constructed and maintained such that the live parts of
the OLE are positioned so as to minimise the risk of injury to persons.
Live parts of the OLE shall only extend over the tracks for which they are
required for the provision of traction electricity to electric trains, and such
adjacent areas as are necessary for their support, tensioning and positioning.
Outside the area of ‘on or near the line’ live parts of the OLE shall be positioned
no lower than 5.2 m above any standing surface, under the worst conditions of
temperature and loading.
Except for insulators, live parts of the OLE shall not extend over non-electrified
lines, beyond the end of sidings or over platforms or raised walkways.
Insulators associated with live parts of the OLE shall not be located over any
platform or raised walkway except in cases of special difficulty where it is
permissible for up to half the length of any insulator to be positioned over the
platform or raised walkway.
The positioning of live parts of the OLE over wide intervals between tracks, and
above positions of safety and cess walkways shall be avoided where reasonably
practicable.
The minimum safety clearance to live parts from a standing surface shall be as
shown in figure 2 (for 1500V DC electrified lines) and figure 14 (for 25kV AC
electrified lines) of BS EN 50122-1 as modified by Annex G of that document.
‘Public Areas’ and ‘Restricted Areas’ shall be interpreted in accordance with the
definitions in this document.
The minimum safety clearance to live parts from a standing surface in free
access areas shall be 5.2 m.
The above minimum safety clearances shall apply under the worst conditions of
temperature and loading.
B4.3 Protection by screens
Where the safety clearances given in B4.2 cannot be achieved, a screen shall
be placed between the live parts and the standing surface.
Except where specified otherwise below, screens shall be in accordance with the
requirements for ‘Obstacles’ as set out in ‘General’ sections 4.1.3.1 or 5.1.3.1 of
BS EN 50122-1, as appropriate to the voltage. Screens shall be dimensioned
8
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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
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Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 9 of 19
and positioned such that the taut string distance from the exposed live parts to
the standing surface shall be at least 2.75 m. Screens shall be robustly
constructed, secured to prevent unauthorised removal and designed so as not to
facilitate climbing.
Screens in public areas shall be of solid wall construction which is permitted to
be conductive or non-conductive. Screens of conductive material shall be
bonded in accordance with the requirements of GL/RT1254. Screens on 25kV
AC electrified lines shall be dimensioned and positioned in accordance with the
requirements for ‘Obstacles’ in section 5.1.3.3 and figure 18 of BS EN 50122-1.
Screens on 1500V DC electrified lines shall be dimensioned and positioned in
accordance with the requirements for ‘Obstacles’ in section 4.1.3.3 and figure 12
of BS EN 50122-1.
Screens in restricted areas shall be either of solid wall construction, or of a
suitably sized mesh, to at least IP2X as described in BS EN 60529, of a
conductive material. Screens of conductive material shall be bonded in
accordance with the requirements of GL/RT1254. Screens on 25kV AC
electrified lines shall be dimensioned and positioned in accordance with the
requirements for ‘Obstacles’ in section 5.1.3.2 and figures 16 and 17 of BS EN
50122-1. Screens on 1500V DC electrified lines shall be dimensioned and
positioned in accordance with the requirements for ‘Obstacles’ in section 4.1.3.2
and figures 5 and 6 of BS EN 50122-1.
The electrical clearance between the screen and the live parts shall be
determined in accordance with B4.6 below, corresponding to normal clearances,
with an additional allowance of 100 mm for screens of mesh construction.
B4.4 Anti-climbing protection
Where OLE structures and any associated attachments, or buildings or other
structures supporting live parts of the OLE, are of a design that is easy to climb,
and there is public access or trespass is likely, anti-climbing protection shall be
provided.
Access to fixed ladders shall be denied in areas prone to trespass. The means
of access to any roof, or other place which could allow people to approach live
parts, shall be secured or otherwise protected.
B4.5 Level crossings
B4.5.1 Public road level crossings
Without the provision of height gauges restricting the maximum height of road
vehicles using the crossing, the minimum height of the lowest live part of the
OLE above the road surface of a public road level crossing, under the worst
conditions of temperature and loading (the ‘minimum height’), shall be as shown
in Table 1. The clearances shown are referenced above the maximum road
vehicle height of 16' 6'' (5000 mm).
‘Minimum height’
(mm)
Clearance to road
vehicle (mm)
25kV AC
5600
600
1500V DC
5500
500
Table 1 Clearances at public road level crossings
Special consideration shall be given to the effect of height infringements by road
vehicles at level crossings which are on a sloping road gradient or are part of a
designated ‘high loads route’. In these cases the ‘minimum height’ shown in
Table 1 shall be increased accordingly so as to maintain the clearance between
live parts of the OLE and road vehicles at the value in Table 1.
Lower values of the ‘minimum height’ than those shown in Table 1 shall require
the provision of height gauges. These gauges shall restrict the maximum height
RAILWAY SAFETY
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The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 10 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
of road vehicles using the crossing, and shall be set to a height which maintains
the appropriate clearance (from the table) below the ‘minimum height’. Special
warnings to road users shall also be provided at such crossings.
B4.5.2 Private level crossings
The minimum height of live parts of the OLE at private level crossings shall be
agreed between the infrastructure controller and the occupier and shall provide a
clearance between the lowest live parts of the OLE and road vehicles in
accordance with Table 1. Height gauges restricting the maximum height of road
vehicles using the crossing shall be provided where there is a risk of a road
vehicle infringing the clearance to live parts.
B4.5.3 Footpath and bridleway crossings
At footpath and bridleway crossings, the minimum height of live parts of the OLE
shall be 5.2 m above the crossing surface under the worst conditions of
temperature and loading. Notices shall be provided in accordance with
GM/RT1041.
B4.6 Electrical clearances to infrastructure
B4.6.1 Categorisation and application of electrical clearances
Electrical clearances are categorised as enhanced, normal, reduced or special
reduced. The maximum value of electrical clearance within any category shall
be provided where reasonably practicable.
In areas of exceptional circumstances, such as the likely incidence of birds,
icicles or vandalism, or for particularly vulnerable infrastructure, enhanced
clearances or other protective measures shall be provided where reasonably
practicable, otherwise the category of clearances to be adopted for new and
altered infrastructure, other than new or altered overhead line equipment on
existing infrastructure, shall be normal clearances.
The category of clearances to be adopted for the passage of new and
transferred rail vehicles on existing electrified routes shall be normal clearances,
unless it can be demonstrated that it is not reasonably practicable.
For new electrification infrastructure and electrification infrastructure subject to
alteration on existing routes, where it can be demonstrated that it is not
reasonably practicable to provide normal clearances, the adoption of reduced
clearances shall be permissible where justification can be made on the basis of:
a)
a risk assessment of the reduced clearances being breached, and
b)
the application of appropriate control measures.
The infrastructure controller shall maintain a record of all such assessments
where reduced clearances have been adopted in this manner.
For 25kV AC systems only, where it can be demonstrated that it is not
reasonably practicable to provide reduced clearances, the adoption of special
reduced clearances shall be permissible where justification can be made on the
basis of:
a)
a risk assessment of the reduced clearances being breached, and
b)
the application of appropriate control measures.
The infrastructure controller shall put in place a system for the competent
evaluation of all such assessments, and shall maintain records of such
assessments.
When carrying out the risk assessments referred to above, the assessment of
likelihood and consequences shall include, but not be limited to the:
a)
10
control measures used to regulate those factors contributing to the build up
of the clearances
RAILWAY SAFETY
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 11 of 19
a)
electrical characteristics of the electrification system
b)
fault current resulting from a breakdown of the electrical clearance
c)
application and maintenance of tolerances of the OLE and infrastructure
positions
d)
vulnerability of the OLE and infrastructure to damage, should breakdown of
the electrical clearance occur
e)
consequences for the safety of persons should breakdown of the electrical
clearance occur
f)
economic and technical considerations.
Where the use of special engineering solutions is considered appropriate, they
shall only be employed after an evaluation has been undertaken by the
infrastructure controller, and the special engineering solution has been
regularised in accordance with the compliance section in Part B of this
document.
The above process in respect of 25kV AC clearances is shown in flowchart
format in Appendix A.
B4.6.2 Electrical clearances
The values for the electrical clearances for the categories given in section 4.6.1
shall be as shown in Table 2
25kV AC
electrified
lines
1500V
DC
electrified
lines
Enhanced
Normal
Reduced
Special
Reduced
Static electrical
clearance
600 mm
or greater
599 – 270
mm
269 – 200
mm
199 – 150
mm
Passing electrical
clearance
600 mm
or greater
200 mm
or greater
199 – 150
mm
149 – 125
mm
Static electrical
clearance
500 mm
or greater
499 – 150
mm
100 mm
N/A
Passing electrical
clearance
500 mm
or greater
100 mm
or greater
99 – 80
mm
N/A
Table 2 Electrical clearances between live parts and structures or earth
Values for the electrical clearance between parts of the OLE which are live at
25kV at different phases shall be as shown in Table 3.
25kV - 25kV
(120º)
25kV - 25kV
(180º)
Static electrical
clearance
400 mm or
greater
540 mm or
greater
Passing electrical
clearance
230 mm or
greater
300 mm or
greater
Table 3 Electrical clearances between live parts at different phases
In calculating the values of electrical clearances above the following shall be
taken into account:
a)
RAILWAY SAFETY
The size of trains in accordance with GM/RT2149, taking into account
swept envelopes, track position and tolerances, including rail sidewear (in
11
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 12 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
accordance with GE/RT8029), the effects of vertical and horizontal
curvature (overthrow).
b)
The position and size of live parts of OLE allowing for installation and
maintenance tolerances, uplift and other dynamic movements, movements
due to wind, temperature and loading conditions.
c)
The position of live parts on trains, including pantographs, allowing for the
swept envelope of the pantograph gauge, track position and tolerances,
including rail sidewear (in accordance with GE/RT8029), vehicle
construction and maintenance tolerances, the effects of vertical and
horizontal curvature (overthrow), pantograph carbon wear and dynamic
movements and deflections of the pantograph frame.
B4.7 Clearances to vegetation
Lineside vegetation shall be managed such that a minimum clearance of 2.75 m
is maintained between the vegetation and live parts of the OLE and the vertical
space above them. Requirements for the management of vegetation in order to
achieve these clearances are documented in GC/RT5202.
B4.8 Engineering acceptance requirements for vehicles
Live parts on the outside of vehicles shall be kept to a minimum.
Roof-mounted live parts shall be positioned as close as is reasonably practicable
to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle.
B5 Third rail electrified
lines
B5.1 Principle
The protective provisions afforded by the infrastructure against direct contact
between persons and live parts are to be provided by safety clearances,
achieved by the appropriate positioning of the CRE, or where the safety
clearances are not achievable, by the provision of screens.
B5.2 Protection by positioning of live parts of CRE
The layout of the CRE shall be designed, constructed and maintained such that
live parts are positioned so as to minimise the risk of injury to persons, taking
account of maintenance and operating requirements such as clipping and
scotching of points.
Except where it is not practicable to do so, in which case the requirements of
section B5.4 shall be provided, the conductor rail shall be located:
a)
2 m or more from an authorised walking route
b)
on the opposite side of the track from a ground level walkway
c)
between tracks on the opposite side to the cess
d)
on the opposite side to the ‘ten foot’
e)
on the opposite side to all station platforms, raised walkways and staging
f)
on the opposite side to signal post telephone locations.
B5.3 Crossings
Cattle-cum-trespass guards constructed of non-conductive material shall be
installed with the members parallel to the track for a minimum distance of 2.6 m
when measured along the line of the railway, in accordance with the diagram in
Appendix B.2, at the following locations:
a)
12
Road crossings with lifting barriers, or with gates, which do not prevent
access to the railway when the road is open.
RAILWAY SAFETY
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 13 of 19
b)
Occupation, accommodation, bridleway and footpath crossings.
c)
Footpaths associated with road crossings.
d)
Barrow and private crossings used by the public and by persons who are
not trained to appreciate the hazards of the electrified railway.
e)
All other crossings which are accessible by the public and allow open
access to the railway when in use.
At level crossings without cattle-cum-trespass guards, but provided with gates
which prevent public access to the railway when the road is open, then provided
that the gates are close screened to at least IP2X as described in BS EN 60529,
the conductor rail shall be terminated from the edge of the crossing surface so
as not to infringe a minimum of 300 mm when measured along the line of the
railway under all conditions, in accordance with the diagram in Appendix B.1.
At other level crossings without cattle-cum-trespass guards the conductor rail
shall be terminated from the edge of the crossing surface so as not to infringe a
minimum of 2000 mm when measured along the line of the railway under all
conditions, in accordance with the diagram in Appendix B.3.
B5.4 Protection by screens
B5.4.1 General
Where the requirements for conductor rail location in B5.2 cannot be achieved,
guard boarding or fencing fulfilling the function of a screen shall be placed
between the live parts of the CRE and the standing surface.
B5.4.2 Guard boarding
Notwithstanding the specific requirements of the remainder of this section, guard
boarding, on either or both sides of the conductor rail, shall be provided where a
risk assessment indicates the risk of a person making direct contact with live
parts of the conductor rail. This evaluation shall balance the risks of direct
contact with the consequences of the inability to use short circuiting bars
together with the technical and economic criteria. Such risk assessments shall
be undertaken on new infrastructure and on infrastructure that is subject to
modification.
Special consideration shall be given to the provision of guard boarding where
conductor rails are in close proximity to the operating position of a hook switch or
a track isolating switch.
Guard boarding shall be provided in the following situations:
RAILWAY SAFETY
a)
On both sides of the conductor rail, where the conductor rail is located on
the same side as a signal post telephone, for a sufficient distance to cover
the positions of cab doors of trains stopping at the signal post telephone,
but in any case not less than 9 m, commencing 8 m on the approach side
of the signal post, and at other locations where train crews regularly need
to go on or near the line, having alighted from trains.
b)
On both sides of the conductor rail at locations where regular coupling,
uncoupling or servicing takes place which requires work to be undertaken
below sole bar level and there is a risk of persons coming into accidental
contact with the live parts of the conductor rail.
c)
On both sides of the conductor rail where the egress from buildings or an
equipment location facing towards the track is within 1 m of the conductor
rail and no barrier is provided.
d)
On the outside of the conductor rail at locations which are not defined as an
authorised walking route but over which persons regularly walk and
approach within 1 m of the conductor rail.
13
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 14 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
e)
On both sides of the conductor rail at level crossings where no cattle-cumtrespass guards are provided, for a length of 2 m, as shown in the diagram
in Appendix B.3.
Where signal wires or point rods are less than 1 m from the conductor rail or
pass beneath the conductor rail, the signal wires or point rods shall be screened
to prevent contact with the conductor rail.
B5.4.3 Fencing
Except in public areas (for example stations and level crossings, etc) all third rail
electrified lines shall be fenced to deter persons from gaining access to the
conductor rails. In the areas described above where fencing is not possible,
warning notices shall be provided.
In those areas where it is neither practicable to locate the conductor rail as
required by section B5.2, nor to provide guard boarding as required by B5.4.2,
then a protective fence (not being the boundary fence) shall be provided.
Except where it is not practicable to do so, all walkways used to enter railway
installations by the public and persons who have not been trained to appreciate
the hazards of third rail electrified lines shall be adequately fenced. Where
fencing is not possible warning notices shall be provided.
B5.5 Electrical clearances
The minimum electrical clearance between conductor rails, whether or not they
are connected to the same power source, shall be 200 mm.
The minimum static electrical clearance shall not be less than 75 mm.
The minimum passing electrical clearance shall not be less than 25 mm.
B5.6 Engineering acceptance requirements for vehicles
Live parts on the outside of vehicles shall be kept to a minimum.
14
RAILWAY SAFETY
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 15 of 19
Appendix A
Flowchart for determination of electrical
clearance category – 25kV electrification
IS AREA OF
EXCEPTIONAL
CIRCUMSTANCE?
YES
ADOPT ENHANCED
CLEARANCES
STATIC ELEC. CL.
PASSING ELEC. CL.
> 600mm
> 600mm
ADOPT NORMAL
CLEARANCES
STATIC ELEC. CL.
PASSING ELEC. CL.
270mm - 599mm
> 200mm
NO
IS IT REASONABLY
PRACTICABLE TO
ADOPT NORMAL
CLEARANCES?
YES
NO
IS IT REASONABLY
PRACTICABLE TO
ADOPT REDUCED
CLEARANCES?
YES
RISK ASSESSMENT
INFRASTRUCTURE
CONTROLLER:
-MAINTAIN RECORD OF
ASSESSMENT
CONTROL MEASURES
NO
ADOPT REDUCED
CLEARANCES
SPECIAL REDUCED
CLEARANCES
RISK ASSESSMENT
STATIC ELEC. CL.
PASSING ELEC. CL.
200 mm - 269 mm
150 - 199 mm
INFRASTRUCTURE
CONTROLLER:
-EVALUATION OF
ASSESSMENT
-MAINTAIN RECORD OF
ASSESSMENT
CONTROL MEASURES
ADOPT SPECIAL
REDUCED CLEARANCES
RAILWAY SAFETY
STATIC ELEC. CL.
PASSING ELEC. CL.
150 mm - 199 mm
125 mm - 149 mm
15
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 16 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
Appendix B
Conductor rail layout at level crossings
B.1 Level crossing
without cattle-cumtrespass guards but with
gates that prevent
access to the railway
300mm
16
300mm
RAILWAY SAFETY
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 17 of 19
B.2 Level crossing with
cattle-cum-trespass
guards
CATTLE GRID
300mm
RAILWAY SAFETY
2600mm
2600mm
300mm
17
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 18 of 19
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
B.3 Level crossing
without cattle-cumtrespass guards
2000mm
guard boarding
18
2000mm
2000mm
2000mm
guard boarding
RAILWAY SAFETY
Uncontrolled When Printed
The following parts are to be superseded by GLRT1210 Iss 1 as of 07/03/2015:
B4.1, and parts of B4.2, B4.3, B4.5.1, B4.5.2, B4.5.3 and B4.6
The following parts are superseded by GLRT1212 Iss 1 (part of B5.5) and GMRT2113 Iss 1 (parts of B5.5 and B5.6) on 05/12/2015
The following parts are to be superseded by GMRT2111 Iss 1 as of 03/06/2017: B4.8.
Railway Group Standard
Electrical Protective Provisions for
Electrified Lines
GE/RT8025
Issue One
Date October 2001
Page 19 of 19
References
GA/RT6001
Railway Group Standards
Railway Group Standards Change Procedures
GA/RT6004
Temporary Non-Compliance with Railway Group Standards
GA/RT6006
Derogations from Railway Group Standards
GCRT5101
Technical Approval Requirements for Changes to the Infrastructure
GC/RT5110
Design Requirements for Structures
GC/RT5201
Lineside Security
GC/RT5202
Vegetation - Managing the Risks
GE/RT8024
Persons Working On or Near to AC Electrified Lines
GE/RT8029
Management of Clearances and Gauging
GL/RT1254
Electrified Lines Traction Bonding
GM/RT1041
Warning Signs and Notices for Electrified Lines
GM/RT2149
Requirements for Defining and Maintaining the Size of Railway Vehicles
GM/RT2181
Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Warning Line on Traction & Rolling Stock
GM/RT2300
Warnings Signs & Labels Fitted to Electrical Equipment on Rail-Mounted
Vehicles
GO/RT3091
DC Electrified Lines Instructions
GO/RT4100/1
BS EN 50122-1
BS EN 60529
Rule Book Section Z Part (i) AC Electrified Lines
Other References
Railway Aplications – Fixed Installations Part one
Protective provisions relating to electrical safety and earthing
Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
The Catalogue of Railway Group Standards and the Railway Group Standards
CD-ROM give the current issue number and status of documents published by
Railway Safety.
RAILWAY SAFETY
19