VDE Institute joins the TÜV NORD laboratory network in the field of railway technology

Rail transport is regarded as a future-oriented and eco-friendly form of mobility, and is thus an important component in achieving the climate protection targets that have been set. Both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower overall when compared to modes of road transport (1). However, this also increases the demands placed on the railway system. Railway companies must comply with various technical requirements and regulations regarding the economic efficiency, safety and sustainability of their trains and their components.

To this end, national approvals must be obtained in each state - for both freight and passenger transport. In Germany, safety and quality are ensured by the mandatory certification of TÜV NORD, among others, which has been active in the field of railway applications for many years.

The increased complexity in construction and technology demands independent and reliable testing. Trains and train components must have their mechanical and electronic components tested. With immediate effect, the VDE Institute is now responsible for testing in the areas of environmental simulation, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and the fire behavior of cables. At the INNOTRANS in Berlin, the world's largest railway trade show, the corresponding cooperation agreement was signed at the end of September 2018. "We are now proud to be part of the TÜV NORD network, making mobility in Germany even safer. For years we have been successfully testing electrical products intended for use in rail vehicles. Our test results are reliable," explains Wolfang Niedziella, Managing Director of VDE Testing and Certification Institute GmbH.