BS EN 13232‑4:2023

BSI Standards Publication

Railway applications — Track — Switches

and crossings for Vignole rails

Part 4: Actuation, locking and detection

BS EN 13232‑4:2023 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 13232‑4:2023. It
supersedes BS EN 13232‑4:2005+A1:2011, which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee RAE/2/-/9, Railway applications - Switches & Crossings -
Performance & Acceptance.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its committee manager.
Contractual and legal considerations
This publication has been prepared in good faith, however no
representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or
implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be
accepted by BSI in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness or
reasonableness of this publication. All and any such responsibility and
liability is expressly disclaimed to the full extent permitted by the law.
This publication is provided as is, and is to be used at the
recipient’s own risk.
The recipient is advised to consider seeking professional guidance with
respect to its use of this publication.
This publication is not intended to constitute a contract. Users are
responsible for its correct application.
This publication has been prepared under a mandate given to the
European Standards Organizations by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association. It is intended to support requirements
of the EU legislation detailed in the European Foreword. A European
Annex, usually Annex ZA or ZZ, describes how this publication relates to
that EU legislation.
For the Great Britain market (England, Scotland and Wales), if UK
Government has designated this publication for conformity with UKCA
marking (or similar) legislation, it may contain an additional National
Annex. Where such a National Annex exists, it shows the correlation
between this publication and the relevant UK legislation. If there is no
National Annex of this kind, the relevant Annex ZA or ZZ in the body
of the European text will indicate the relationship to UK regulation
applicable in Great Britain. References to EU legislation may need to be
read in accordance with the UK designation and the applicable UK law.
Further information on designated standards can be found at
www.bsigroup.com/standardsandregulation.
For the Northern Ireland market, UK law will continue to implement
relevant EU law subject to periodic confirmation. Therefore
Annex ZA/ZZ in the European text, and references to EU legislation, are
still valid for this market.
UK Government is responsible for legislation. For information on
legislation and policies relating to that legislation, consult the relevant
pages of [http://www.gov.uk%3c/ext-link%3e.%3c/p]www.gov.uk.
© The British Standards Institution 2023
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2023
ISBN 978 0 539 02825 6
BRITISH STANDARD BS EN 13232‑4:2023

ICS 93.100
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 October 2023.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected
 BS EN 13232‑4:2023

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 13232-4

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2023

ICS 93.100 Supersedes EN 13232-4:2005+A1:2011

English Version

Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings for

Vignole rails - Part 4: Actuation, locking and detection
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Appareils de voie Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Weichen und
pour rails Vignole - Partie 4 : Manœuvre, blocage et Kreuzungen für Vignolschienen - Teil 4: Umstellung,
contrôle Verriegelung und Lageprüfung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 23 October 2022.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13232-4:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

Contents Page

European foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Actuation forces ............................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Geometrical parameters ............................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Movement and retention of switches and crossings with moveable parts ............................. 12
3.5 Movement of switch rails .......................................................................................................................... 13
3.6 Dynamics of the wheel................................................................................................................................ 14
4 Design criteria ............................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Parameters required .................................................................................................................................. 15
4.2 Calculations and verifications ................................................................................................................. 15
4.2.1 Object detection between stock rail and switch rail ....................................................................... 15
4.2.2 Calculation of minimum flangeway ....................................................................................................... 16
4.2.3 Correct closing............................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2.4 Neutral position ............................................................................................................................................ 17
4.2.5 Negative force ................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.2.6 Mechanical integrity ................................................................................................................................... 17
5 Test methods ................................................................................................................................................. 17
5.1 Obstacle detection ....................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Minimum flangeway / free passage of wheel ..................................................................................... 17
5.3 Correct closing............................................................................................................................................... 18
5.4 Actuation force, Fa ........................................................................................................................................ 18
5.5 Neutral position ............................................................................................................................................ 18
5.6 Negative force ................................................................................................................................................ 18
5.7 Trailability ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.7.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
5.7.2 Factory testing............................................................................................................................................... 19
5.7.3 Track testing .................................................................................................................................................. 19
6 Acceptance ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
6.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
6.2 Standard testing (no prototypes) ........................................................................................................... 19
6.3 Prototype testing .......................................................................................................................................... 20
6.4 Testing requirements for change in flexibility .................................................................................. 20
Annex A (informative) Commonly used values for obstacle detection ................................................... 21
Annex B (informative) Commonly used values for flangeway ................................................................... 22
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive (EU) 2016/797 aimed to be covered......................................... 23
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 25

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European foreword

This document (EN 13232-4:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2024, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2024.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 13232-4:2005+A1:2011.

This series of standards “Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails” covers
the design and quality of switches and crossings in flat bottomed rail. The list of Parts is as follows:

— Part 1: Definitions

— Part 2: Requirements for geometric design

— Part 3: Requirements for wheel/rail interaction

— Part 4: Actuation, locking and detection

— Part 5: Switches

— Part 6: Fixed common and obtuse crossings

— Part 7: Crossings with moveable parts

— Part 8: Expansion devices

— Part 9: Layouts

Part 1 contains terminology used throughout all parts of this series. Parts 2 to 4 contain basic design
guides and are applicable to all switch and crossing assemblies. Parts 5 to 8 deal with particular types of
equipment including their tolerances. These use Parts 1 to 4 as a basis. Part 9 defines the geometric and
non-geometrical acceptance criteria for inspection of layouts.

The changes in this document bring some improved clarity to the wording of the requirements and an
update to several of the figures. The structure of the document remains similar to the previous revision.

This document has been prepared under a standardisation request addressed to [the relevant ESO] by
the European Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these
requests for its Member States.

For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.

Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.

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According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.

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1 Scope
This document determines the interface between moveable parts and the actuation, locking and
detection equipment, and defines the basic criteria for switches and crossing with moveable parts in
respect of the interface.
It concerns:
— rules, parameters and tolerances for alternative positions of the moveable parts;

— criteria and limits for the forces which move and restrain the moveable parts.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13232-3:2023, Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails – Part 3:
Requirements for wheel/rail interaction

EN 13232-5:2023, Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails – Part 5:
Switches

EN 13232-6:2023, Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails – Part 6: Fixed
common and obtuse crossings

EN 13232-7:2023, Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails – Part 7:
Crossings with moveable parts

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3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp

— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/

3.1 General

NOTE The guidance of a wheelset through switches and crossings concerns mainly the lateral or horizontal
dimensions of wheel, axle, and track. In Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, the wheels are shown in a simplified form as ellipses
at the gauge reference plane.

3.1.1
actuation system
system that ensures the correct movement of the moveable parts of the switch and crossing

Note 1 to entry: The actuation system includes the rods, links and actuators needed to ensure the operation.

3.1.2
locking device
device that ensures the moveable part of the switches and crossings stays in the desired position

Note 1 to entry: It guarantees the correct position of the moveable part.

3.1.3
detection device
device that enables the verification of the correct positioning of the moveable part of the switch and
crossing

Note 1 to entry: It enables the signalling to decide whether safe train passage can be guaranteed.

3.1.4
trailability
ability of actuator and locking systems to permit the trailing of the switches and crossings by a vehicle

3.1.5
trailable device as non-standard operation
device which permits trailing as a non-standard operation

Note 1 to entry: Parts of the switch may be slightly damaged.

Note 2 to entry: The switches and crossings will only be released for further operation after full inspection of
switch and actuator.

3.1.6
trailable device as standard operation
device which permits trailing at a defined maximum speed as a standard operation

Note 1 to entry: The actuator and locking system permits the trailing of the switches and crossings by a vehicle,
without damaging any part of it.

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3.1.7
non-trailable device
device which does not permit the trailing of the switches and crossings by a vehicle

3.1.8
single drive
drive operated at one position, i.e. the switch toe

3.1.9
multiple drives
drives operated at more than one position with either single or multiple locking

3.1.10
non-lubricated slide baseplates
no lubrication on the slide baseplates is required to ensure the correct actuation of the switch and
crossing

Note 1 to entry: This can be ensured by special baseplates, roller systems or other devices.

3.1.11
lubrication free actuator and locking system
no lubrication is required to ensure the correct actuation and locking of the switch and crossing

3.1.12
switches and switch diamond crossings – closed position
switch rail is applied to its corresponding stock rail

3.1.13
switches and switch diamond crossings – open position
switch rail stands away from its corresponding stock rail by a defined distance (switch toe opening)

3.1.14
common crossings with moveable parts – closed position
running edge (of main line or branch line) is not interrupted

3.2 Actuation forces

3.2.1
actuation force
Fa
instant value of the force, applied by the actuator in order to operate the moveable parts of the switches
and crossings

Note 1 to entry: see Figure 1.

Note 2 to entry: This force is measured at the interface between actuator and the throwing or locking device.

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Key
1 Actuation force
2 Displacement

Figure 1 — Actuation forces

3.2.2
actuator capacity
Fcap
maximum force the actuator can provide

Note 1 to entry: see Figure 1

3.2.3
negative force
Fneg
force needed to keep the moveable part at its closed position

3.2.4
retaining force
FR
force externally applied to the actuator necessary to move the actuator out of its retention position

3.3 Geometrical parameters

3.3.1
stud gap
dstud
gap between the stud (distance block) supporting surface and the corresponding surface of the
moveable part (i.e. switch rail, point rail, wing rail)

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3.3.2
longitudinal displacement
displacements which occur in the switch and crossing area due to thermal, acceleration and braking
forces

Note 1 to entry: These forces can create differential displacement between the various components of the
switch or crossing. Differential displacement between switch and stock rail is the most important with regard to
the switch actuation, locking and detection system.

3.3.2.1
differential switch tip displacement
longitudinal displacement between the switch rail and the corresponding stock rail. It may be indicated
by a reference point placed on the stock rail

3.3.2.2
differential switch displacement at the heel block
longitudinal displacement between the switch rail and the corresponding stock rail, at the switch heel

3.3.2.3
differential displacement of crossings with moveable parts
longitudinal displacement between point or switch rail and the corresponding housing (wing rail)

Note 1 to entry: This displacement is defined at the nose point. In order to be able to measure the swing nose or
switch toe displacement, a reference point may be placed on the wing rail

3.3.3
maximum gap of closed switch rail
dgap
maximum permissible horizontal distance between the two machined contact faces of the switch and
stock rail to give detection

Note 1 to entry: A different value applies in front of the first detection position (dgap1) than in the rest of the
machined area (dgap2). See Figures 2 and 3.

Note 2 to entry: The same definition applies in principle to crossings with moveable parts.

Key
1 dgap (either dgap1 or dgap2)
2 dtoe

Figure 2 — Gap of closed switch rail

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Key

1 dgap or dtoe

Figure 3 — Maximum gap of closed switch rail

3.3.4
maximum gap at closed switch toe
dtoe
maximum permissible horizontal distance between the two machined contact faces of the switch and
stock rail to give safe operation

Note 1 to entry: The dimension is defined at the switch toe. This basic dimension is taken into account during
switch point design to avoid derailment.

3.3.5
foot clearance
dfoot
distance between the foot of the switch rail and the nearest part of the stock rail or any other
component (bolt, heaters etc.) fixed to it, ensuring clearance between both is maintained

Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4

Note 2 to entry: The clearance can be required to accommodate additional equipment (e.g. heaters, cable
connections).

Key
1 dfoot

Figure 4 — Foot clearance

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3.3.6
toe movement
fp
movement distance of the toe between open and closed positions, when moved by the actuator

Note 1 to entry see Figure 5

Key
1 Actuation position
fp toe movement
fd opening at the drive position
ff minimum flangeway

Figure 5 — Opening and flangeway

3.3.7
opening at the drive position
fd
movement of the switch rail at the drive position

Note 1 to entry: This movement is less than the toe movement (see also Figure 5)

3.3.8
neutral switch rail position
fN
position of the switch rail, if no external effort is applied to it

Note 1 to entry: The neutral position may be considered to be at the first drive position. The same principle
applies to crossings with moveable parts.

3.3.9
actuator movement
fa
movement of the actuator rod

3.3.10
minimum flangeway
ff
dimension between the switch and stock rail measured at the gauge reference plane

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 5

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3.3.11
free wheel passage
ability of the wheel flange to pass between switch and stock rail without striking either

3.3.12
free wheel clearance
dimension between the closed switch and stock rail on the open side, measured at the gauge reference
plane such that free wheel passage occurs

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 10

3.3.13
track gauge
G
dimension between rails measured at the gauge reference plane

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 10.

3.4 Movement and retention of switches and crossings with moveable parts

3.4.1
switch drives
apparatus for operation of moveable rails to give the required route

3.4.2
multiple drives
arrangement principally used in a set of switches to distribute part of the effort of movement towards
the heel and ensure an adequate flangeway for the open switch

3.4.3
switch locking
prevention of the undesirable movement of the moveable rails under traffic

3.4.4
trailable one way switches
trailable switches which return to their original position after being trailed through by traffic

Note 1 to entry: The return effect may be damped to act after the passage of the complete train. See Figure 6.

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Figure 6 – Trailable one way switch

3.4.5
trailable two way switches
trailable switches which remain in the position into which they are driven by the first axle of traffic in
the trailing direction (see Figure 7)

Figure 7 – Trailable two way switch

3.5 Movement of switch rails

3.5.1
opening of switch rail at drive position
extent of the movement of the switch rail, at a drive position, between its open and closed positions

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3.5.2
opening at switch toe
extent of the total movement of the switch rail at the toe of the switch

3.5.3
movement of the drive mechanism
extent of the movement of the drive mechanism between the two extreme positions of the switches

3.5.4
entrebaillement
switch not properly closed
extent to which the real switch toe in the closed position lies slightly open

3.5.5
chariotage
forcing open of switch rail
opening movement of the curved switch rail under intermittent side thrust applied by a number of rigid
axles while negotiating the turnout (see Figure 8)

Key
1 Axle 1
2 Axle 2
3 chariotage

Figure 8 - Schematic of forcing open of switch rail

3.6 Dynamics of the wheel

3.6.1
angle of impact
angle formed by the direction of the vertical plane of the wheel relative to the running edge
immediately before impact

3.6.2
angle of attack
angle formed by the direction of the vertical plane of the wheel relative to the displaced running edge
after the impact

Note 1 to entry: see Figure 9

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Key
1 Angle of attack

Figure 9 – Schematic of angle of attack

4 Design criteria
4.1 Parameters required

The designer of the switches and crossings shall take into account all parameters that can influence the
design. The following minimum information is required for the design of the switch panel or moveable
crossing:
— minimum flangeway (ff);

— trailability;

— maximum cant, that can be applied to the switches and crossings in track;

— main line speed;

— the conceptual dimensions of actuator and locking system, including the drive, locking and
detection positions;

— actuator capacity Fcap;

— maximum actuation force applied Fa;

— the mechanical interfaces of all actuating, locking and detection devices;

— toe movement (fp) or switch opening at drive position (fd);

— maximum gap at switch toe (dtoe);

— actuator displacement.

The customer or the supplier of the operating system shall provide the switches and crossing (S&C)
supplier with a set of actuator, locking and detection systems, in order to permit the S&C supplier to
verify his design.
4.2 Calculations and verifications
4.2.1 Object detection between stock rail and switch rail

The system should only lock and detect when the whole switch rail is closed with a maximum gap of
dgap. This depends on switch flexibility, actuation forces, number of actuation points, stretcher bar
positions, detection positions and detection settings.
The value for dgap in front of the first detection point (dgap1) differs from that in the rest of the machined
area (dgap2) (see Figure 2).
Commonly used values are given in informative Annex A.

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4.2.2 Calculation of minimum flangeway

The value of minimum flangeway can be reduced if the customer can demonstrate that the actuation
and locking system of the switch is able to resist the lateral impact forces of the wheelset.
Further to EN 13232-3:2023 the minimum free wheel passage fw is calculated as follows (see
Figure 10).
fw = amin + bmin – s

Key
1 Gauge reference plane
fw Width of the free wheel passage area
ff Minimum flangeway
G Track gauge
amin Minimum back to back
bmin Minimum flange width (worn wheel)
s Margin
z Distance between gauge reference plane and running surface

Figure 10 — Wheel flangeway calculation

where s is a margin, depending on:

— special design aspects (for example, switch head profile);

— maximum permissible gauge widening;

— a safety value (for example, deformations in track, tolerances in the actuation system);

— angle of attack.

The minimum flangeway can be derived from the equation:

f f = G - fw

The values of amin and bmin are to be provided by the customer.

If the customer does not provide ff or fw, the supplier shall propose a value, based on calculations made
according to the consideration made above.
Commonly used values for ff are given in informative Annex B.
NOTE fw can be calculated using the equation in the second paragraph of this subclause.

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4.2.3 Correct closing

The design shall ensure the actuator correctly brings the moveable part into its closed position(s). In
order to check the correct closing the following parameters shall be verified:
— stud gap dstud ≤ 1 mm;

— the gap between contact surfaces of stock and switch rail ≤ 1 mm;

— the gap between contact surfaces of stock and switch rail at the switch toe ≤ 0,5 mm.

4.2.4 Neutral position

The design shall demonstrate the neutral position fN. The nominal value and the corresponding limits
shall be chosen or agreed by the customer.
4.2.5 Negative force

The negative force shall only be taken into account when no locking device is used. Its value shall be
verified at the actuator position.
The test result shall be compared with the maximum value defined by the customer.
4.2.6 Mechanical integrity

The supplier shall demonstrate that no permanent deformations of the switch and crossing constituents
will be induced by operating the moveable parts during normal operating conditions at any time in the
product life cycle, and taking into account the maximum actuation forces.
In case of a trailable switch (as a standard operation) no part of the switch and crossing shall be
permanently deformed by a train passing in the trailing direction.

5 Test methods
5.1 Obstacle detection

This test applies to both switch panels and crossings with moveable parts.
This test shall be performed in factory conditions and on the switch or crossing panel as a whole. The
switch or crossing panel shall be mounted with the complete actuation, locking and detection system.
This shall be arranged so that it delivers its maximum permissible actuating force.
The switch or crossing panel is put on a flat surface. An un-deformable obstacle with cylindrical
dimensions of at least dgap is placed between the two machined faces of the stock and switch rail at the
least favourable position.
In both normal and reverse directions of operation, when the maximum actuating force is applied, the
detection system shall show that the switch rail is not properly closed.
5.2 Minimum flangeway / free passage of wheel

This test only applies to switch panels.

This test shall be performed in factory conditions on the switch or crossing panel as a whole. The switch
or crossing shall be mounted complete with the actuating system.
The test shall be carried out on the switch panel both on a flat level surface and at the maximum design
cant or an equivalent test procedure to simulate cant conditions to be agreed between the customer and
supplier.

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The switch is put in its closed position and operated by the actuator. The flangeway or the free wheel
passage is measured and compared with the given value.
This test shall be performed three times in both directions. Between each measurement the switch or
crossing shall be operated two times.
5.3 Correct closing

This test applies to both switch panels and crossings with moveable parts.
This test shall be performed in factory conditions on the switch or crossing panel as a whole. The switch
or crossing shall be mounted complete with the actuating and locking system.
The moveable part shall be moved to its corresponding fixed part by the actuating system. The
requirements of 4.2.3 shall be met.
5.4 Actuation force, Fa

The actuation force shall be measured at the interface between actuator and throwing or locking device.
This test shall be performed in factory conditions on the switch or crossing as a whole. All actuation and
locking devices will be mounted. The switch or crossing will be put on a flat level surface or at the
maximum permissible cant.
The switch or crossing will be operated by the actuator. During operation the actuation force is
measured and recorded. The maximum value shall be compared with the specified requirements.
This test shall be performed three times for both directions. Between each measurement the switch or
crossing shall be operated two times.
5.5 Neutral position

This test applies to both switch panels and crossings with moveable parts.
This test shall be performed in factory conditions and on a half set of switches or on the switch or
crossing as a whole. All actuation, locking or detection devices will be disconnected.
The switch or crossing will be mounted on a flat level surface. Friction between slide baseplates and
switch rail shall be minimized. This may be done by greasing the slide baseplates or by putting the
moveable part on free rollers.
The moveable part will be manually put at the theoretical neutral position. After releasing the moveable
part, it shall stay within the limits of the specified neutral position.
5.6 Negative force

The negative force is measured at the drive position nearest the switch toes. It is a frictionless force.
Friction between slide baseplates and switch rail shall be minimized. This may be done by greasing the
slide baseplates or by putting the switch rail on free rollers. The measurement shall be performed by a
method agreed between customer and supplier.
The test is to be performed under factory conditions on the switch or crossing. The switch or crossing
will be put on a horizontal plane.
The test shall be performed three times and the highest reading used as the negative force.

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5.7 Trailability
5.7.1 General

Trailable switches and crossings shall be checked by two methods: factory testing and track testing.
Track testing shall always be performed with the actuation and locking system completely mounted.
5.7.2 Factory testing

For tests performed under factory conditions, the method shall be agreed between customer and
supplier.
5.7.3 Track testing

The minimum axle load Qmin and the maximum trailing speed Vtr shall be defined by the customer.
The switches and crossings shall be mounted in a section of track, and assembled according the
requirements of EN 13232-5:2023, EN 13232-6:2023 and EN 13232-7:2023. A train with specified
wheel profile and minimum axle load will negotiate the switch in the trailing direction at a range of
increasing speeds.
The first trailing movement shall take place at 5 km/h. All movements of the actuator will be inspected.
Then the speed shall be increased in steps of 5 km/h until a speed of Vtr + 10 km/h.
After each test the complete switch and crossing, together with its actuator and locking devices shall be
inspected for any defects, deformation or wear. The switch or crossing will be operated to check the
correct performance of all its constituents.
In the case of a trailable switch where trailing is a standard operation, no deformation or any other
defects shall be suffered by the switch or crossing or actuator and locking system. The complete
actuator and locking system shall be dismounted and disassembled after the tests for a full visual
inspection for internal defects. No defects or abnormal wear shall appear on any of the components.
In the case of a trailable switch for non-standard operation, the parts of the switch or crossing may
suffer no deformation. Deformation, breakage or wear of the actuator or locking system shall be
reported in the test report.

6 Acceptance
6.1 General

The acceptance tests depend on the type of contract. In case of prototypes the supplier shall validate his
design with special acceptance tests. In the case of delivery of existing designs, only standard
acceptance tests are to be performed.
6.2 Standard testing (no prototypes)

For delivery of switches and crossings to proven design, the following tests are to be performed if
requested by the customer:
— neutral position;

— negative force.

If the delivery includes the actuator and locking system, the following additional parameters are to be
checked:
— actuating force;

19
BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

— proper closing.

6.3 Prototype testing

The following tests are to be performed on prototypes:

— minimum flangeway;

— obstacle detection test;

— foot clearance;

— proper closing;

— negative force (if requested);

— neutral position (if requested);

— trailability (if required).

If the delivery includes the actuator and locking system, the following parameters are to be measured:
— actuating force;

— correct closing (with actuator).

6.4 Testing requirements for change in flexibility

A new switch or crossing is considered to be a prototype if no comparable switch or crossing with a

proven design can be demonstrated. Modifications to an existing design might involve new prototype
testing whenever the flexibility of the moveable parts is changed or if the actuator and locking system
changes.
Following prototype testing, tests are to be repeated in the case of:
a) increased flexibility of the moveable part:

— minimum flangeway;

— proper closing;

— obstacle detection test;

— trailability (if required);

b) decreased flexibility of the moveable part:

— minimum flangeway;

— proper closing;

— negative force;

— trailability (if required).

20
 BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

Annex A
(informative)
Commonly used values for obstacle detection

Commonly used values of dgap1 and dgap2 for obstacle detection between switch and stock rail at the first
detection position and the rest of the machined area respectively are given in Table A.1. Values are
dependent on track gauge.
Table A.1 – Common values for obstacle detection

Country dgap1 dgap2

Austria 10 mm
Belgium 12 mm
Czech Republic 12 mm
Denmark 3 mm
France < 6 mm ≤ 10 mm
Portugal 4 mm 4 mm
< 1 mm a < 8 mm b
Spain
< 2 mm c < 10 mm d
Switzerland 4 mm e
United Kingdom 12 mm
< 4 mm b < 7 mm b
Italy
< 3 mm f
a recommended for new assemblies
b limit to apply in maintenance operations
c for switches with 1 electric point motor + 1 check
point machine
d for switches with several electric point motors
e for normal gauge
f: limit for the first actuation point of the crossing to
apply in maintenance operations.

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BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

Annex B
(informative)
Commonly used values for flangeway

Commonly used values of minimum flangeway ff are given in Table B.1.

Table B.1 – Common values for flangeway

Country ff
Austria 58 mm
Belgium 50 mm
Czech Republic 60 mm
Denmark 60 mm
France 55 mm a
Germany 58 mm
Portugal 60 mm
Spain 58 mm
Switzerland 60 mm
50 mm b
United Kingdom
60 mm c

Italy 58 mm

a for gauge = 1435 mm

b CEN56E1 rails
c CEN60E1 or CEN60E2 rails

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 BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

Annex ZA
(informative)

Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive (EU) 2016/797 aimed to be covered

This European Standard has been prepared under a Commission’s standardization request “M/483
Mandate to CEN and CENELEC for Standardisation in the field of interoperability of the rail system” to
provide one voluntary means of conforming to (parts of) Essential Requirements of Directive (EU)
2016/797 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on interoperability of the rail
system (recast) as specified in the relevant technical specifications for interoperability (TSI).
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive,
compliance with the normative clauses of this standard given in Table ZA.1 for infrastructure confers,
within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the corresponding
Essential Requirements of that Directive as specified in the technical specifications for interoperability
(TSI), and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZA.1 — Correspondence between this European Standard, Commission Regulation (EU) N°
1299/2014 concerning the technical specifications for interoperability relating to the
‘infrastructure’ subsystem of the rail system in the European Union* and Directive (EU)
2016/797

Essential Clauses of the Annex to the Clause/ subclauses Comments

Requirements of Technical Specification for of this European
Directive (EU) Interoperability (TSI) Standard
2016/797
Section 3 of the 4.2.8.6. The immediate action 5.2
Annex to the TSI limits for switches and
indicates the crossings
correspondence (1) The technical
between the TSI characteristics of switches and
clauses and the crossings shall comply with the
Essential following in-service values:
Requirements of
(a) Maximum value of free
Directive (EU)
wheel passage in switches:
2016/797

(3) Instead of point (1), for the

1 520 mm track gauge system
the technical characteristics of
switches and crossings shall
comply with the following in-
service values:
(a) Minimum value of bypass at
the narrowest location
between open switch rail and
stock rail is 65 mm.

(4) Instead of point (1), for the

23
BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

1 600 mm track gauge system

the technical characteristics of
switches and crossings shall
comply with the following in-
service values:
(a) Maximum value of free
wheel passage in switches:
1 546 mm.
*As amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/776.
NOTE: The Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) can refer to other clauses of this
standard making the application of those clauses mandatory. Possible references to such clauses are
found in the Appendix T to the TSI.
WARNING 1 — Presumption of conformity stays valid only as long as a reference to this European
Standard is maintained in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Users of this
standard should consult frequently the latest list published in the Official Journal of the European
Union.

WARNING 2 — Other Union legislation may be applicable to the products falling within the scope of
this standard.

24
 BS EN 13232‑4:2023
EN 13232-4:2023 (E)

Bibliography

EN 13232-1:2023, Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails – Part 1:
Definitions

EN 13232-9:2023, Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails – Part 9:
Layouts

25
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