Testing and Certifying Products for Rail, Ship and Offshore

To ensure safe operation in such extreme conditions, the VDE Institute carries out tests exactly tailored to the product’s planned use. From electrical and electronic components to electrical installation systems and consumer products, the VDE Institute uses environmental simulation processes to test suitability for use.

Product safety  is also of especially high importance. A fire caused by a short circuit can have catastrophic consequences on high sea or on a rail vehicle. VDE-certified safety helps planners and buyers minimize such risks.

For rail vehicles:

• Electronic display boards
• Power and signal cables (e.g. vibration, cold and heat in gravel)
• Hydraulic and electrical supply equipment for trams and ICE trains
• Special connectors (IP protection class, chemical resistance in oils and lubricants, swinging, shocks, IP protection class)

For shipping, marine and offshore:

• Wall-mounted distributer boxes for nautical use
• Lights
• Control cabinets, also for submarines

We also test electronic devices intended for use on rail vehicles as well as ships. Again, we use environmental simulations tailored to the expected conditions and support manufacturers throughout the development process.

• Chemical analyses
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Environmental simulation testing:

           o Hazardous gas and condensation testing

           o Pull and push testing

           o Salt spray testing

           o Shock testing

           o Sun simulation testing

           o Swinging and combined shock testing

           o Temperature testing (temperature and damp)

           o Testing to protect from water and dust penetration (IP testing) 

           o Temperature shock testing (2 and 3 chamber System)

           o Vibration testing (with and without temperature overlap)           

• Functional safety
• Insulation material testing:

           o Ball pressure testing

           o Glow wire testing

           o Needle flame testing

           o Surface leakage testing 

• Product safety
• Short circuit testing
• Switching contact lifespan testing

• VDE, VDE-GS, VDE-ENEC, VDE-EMC, VDE Quality Tested
• CB certificates, CCC, EAC and all other national approvals
• EU certificates of conformity

VDE certificates and additional tests can be authorized based on cooperation agreements on the recognition of VDE certificates with the Lloyd’s Register as well as other shipping classifiers.

Detailed information on these certificates are provided here.