Transportation Ratings: What They Mean for Security Cameras and IoT Devices
When selecting cameras for installation in the transportation sector, it is critical that security practitioners ensure products meet stringent standards.
This is particularly true in railway environments, including light rail, where conditions such as constant vibrations, high humidity, extreme temperatures, and fire safety concerns demand specialized equipment designed to withstand a range of challenges. Materials used must be carefully selected to ensure that, in the event of a fire, they do not emit toxic chemicals while maintaining the durability required for operation in harsh conditions.
Currently, there are five important standards and ratings for security cameras used in transportation environments:
- IEC 62236-4
- EN 50121-4
- EN 50155
- EN 45545
- MIL-STD-810G.
Each of these standards establishes rigorous requirements to ensure reliability, electromagnetic compatibility, fire safety, and resilience in harsh conditions.
IEC 62236-4 (Railway Applications - Electromagnetic Compatibility)
In railway environments, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is critical to ensure that electronic devices like surveillance cameras do not interfere with railway signaling and operational systems.
IEC 62236-4 is part of an international series of standards governing EMC in railway applications. Cameras must demonstrate that their emissions remain below defined thresholds to prevent interference with crucial railway systems. This is achieved through rigorous testing to control both conducted and radiated emissions.
Another important aspect is immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Railway systems are complex, with multiple electronic components operating simultaneously, which could lead to disturbances if not properly managed. Cameras must resist such disturbances, including transient events (sudden change in voltage or current), electrostatic discharges (up to ±6 kV contact and ±8 kV air discharge), and radiofrequency interference.
Additionally, cameras must withstand electrical surges and bursts without failing, ensuring resilience during power fluctuations or lightning events. Maintaining EMC in railway environments is vital for safety, making compliance with IEC 62236-4 a non-negotiable requirement for railway safety.
EN 50121-4 (Railway Applications - EMC for Fixed Installations)
EN 50121-4 focuses on fixed railway installations, such as surveillance systems used along railway tracks and in stations. It also defines both emission and immunity requirements.
Similar to IEC 62236-4, this standard ensures that equipment does not interfere with train communication systems and can reliably operate in railway infrastructure.
Surveillance cameras installed in fixed railway environments must minimize their emissions to prevent interference with nearby communication and control systems. The level of electromagnetic immunity required is high, protecting against potential disturbances from other systems operating within the railway infrastructure. The ability to handle electrical disturbances, including surges and switching transients, further enhances the robustness of the equipment against power instability.
Constant vibrations and occasional shocks are typical of the movement experienced on trains, and cameras must be built to endure these conditions without malfunctioning.
Compliance with EN 50121-4 is essential to ensure a safe operating environment within railway systems, allowing surveillance devices to function effectively without being impacted by or causing electromagnetic issues.
EN 50155 (Railway Applications - Electronic Equipment on Rolling Stock)
EN 50155 sets out specific requirements for electronic devices used on rolling stock, such as trains, to ensure their reliable operation under the unique conditions experienced onboard. The environmental conditions on rolling stock are characterized by temperature extremes, vibrations, and humidity, which makes compliance with EN 50155 vital for any electronic equipment used.
Devices must be able to operate within a temperature range of -25°C (-13°F) to +70°C (158°F), with occasional exposure up to +85°C (185°F). Constant vibrations and occasional shocks are typical of the movement experienced on trains, and cameras must be built to endure these conditions without malfunctioning.
Additionally, power supply variations—such as overvoltage or momentary interruptions—are common, and cameras must handle these fluctuations seamlessly. Achieving an IP65 rating, which means resistance to dust and water ingress, is also typical for devices in this environment. Compliance with EN 50155 ensures that surveillance systems on rolling stock are built for durability and reliability, withstanding the rigors of daily railway operations.
EN 45545 (Railway Applications - Fire Protection)
Fire safety in railway environments is paramount, and EN 45545 is the standard that defines fire protection requirements for materials used in railway vehicles. This standard aims to reduce fire hazards and ensure passenger safety. Surveillance equipment must be constructed from low-flammability materials that will not allow rapid fire spread, which is particularly crucial in confined spaces like train cars.
In the event of a fire, it is not only the flammability of materials that matters but also the emissions produced. Materials used in cameras must produce minimal smoke and low-toxicity emissions, ensuring that passengers have enough time to evacuate safely. The thermal heat release must also be minimal, reducing the risk of the fire spreading further. Compliance with EN 45545 is essential for ensuring that cameras and their components contribute positively to the overall fire safety of railway vehicles.
MIL-STD-810G (U.S. Department of Defense Standard)
While not strictly a transportation rating, MIL-STD-810G is a military-grade standard that provides guidelines for environmental engineering and testing to validate equipment for use in harsh conditions. Surveillance cameras built to meet MIL-STD-810G are suitable for demanding environments subject to extremes, making them ideal for certain transportation applications.
The transportation sector demands strict adherence to environmental, electromagnetic, and safety standards.
Cameras must operate across a wide temperature range, from -40°C (-40°F) to +85°C (185°F), enduring both extreme heat and cold. They must also handle prolonged exposure to high humidity levels, as well as resist the ingress of sand and dust particles—conditions typical in harsh, desert-like environments.
Shock and vibration testing is another requirement, ensuring that the equipment can withstand impacts and continuous vibrations during transport or installation. Cameras must also be resistant to rain and water ingress to ensure operation in wet environments. The ruggedness provided by compliance with MIL-STD-810G makes these cameras a good fit for transportation environments that are subject to severe conditions.
Importance of Compliance in Transportation
The transportation sector demands strict adherence to environmental, electromagnetic, and safety standards to ensure that security equipment performs reliably in harsh and complex environments.
Standards like IEC 62236-4, EN 50121-4, EN 50155, EN 45545, and MIL-STD-810G provide critical frameworks that guide manufacturers in developing products capable of enduring the challenging conditions inherent in transportation applications.
Installing non-compliant cameras might seem like a cost-saving measure for a transit operator. However, disregarding these essential standards could jeopardize not only the functionality of the equipment but also the safety of passengers and personnel.
Manufacturers and operators must prioritize adherence to these certifications to ensure that surveillance solutions are robust, reliable, and suitable for deployment in dynamic and demanding transportation environments.
Adam Lowenstein is currently the Americas product director at i-PRO, where he leads i-PRO’s safety and security product direction as the company embarks on its next growth strategy. With a “customer first” focus, Lowenstein leads the Americas team to ensure i-PRO’s solutions are easy to understand, easy to purchase, and most importantly, easy to use.
© Adam Lowenstein, i-PRO
