What is BS EN 13674‑2- Switch and crossing rails about?
BS EN 13674 is a multi-part European standard that discusses railway applications including track and rail infrastructure.
BS EN 13674‑2 is the second part in the series which details best practices for ensuring the supply of high-quality rails.
BS EN 13674‑2 specifies switch and crossing rails that carry railway wheels. These are used in conjunction with Vignole railway rails.
Note: BS EN 13674‑2 is not applicable for the check rails that do not carry railway wheels.
Who is BS EN 13674‑2- Switch and crossing rails for?
BS EN 13674‑2 on switch and crossing rails in conjunction with Vignole railway is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of railways equipment
- Rail manufacturers
- Railway authorities
- Train operating companies (TOCs)
- Regulatory bodies
Why should you use BS EN 136742- Switch and crossing rails?
Whenever possible BS EN 136742 is performance based, recognizes the European Quality System standard EN ISO 9001 and requires manufacturers to offer the latest proven technology to consistently satisfy the demanding quality of the required product. Rail grading is based on hardness rather than tensile strength.
The acceptance tests have been designed to control those characteristics of the rail steel and rail that are of relevance to the production of high-quality rails and the demands of the railway.
The steel grades covered by BS EN 136742 reflect trends in railway usage and heat-treated rails are included. One aspect of BS EN 136742, which is a complete break from tradition, is the inclusion of quality assurance and inspection clause as part of product integrity.
By complying with the standardised design requirements under BS EN 13674-2, you can ensure safety and reliability in the operational efficiency of overall railway infrastructure, while improving service-life for track systems.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13674‑2:2019 supersedes BS EN 13674‑2:2006+A1:2010, which is withdrawn. The significant changes made in this new edition are:
- Suppression of Profile 60E2A3 as Figure A.20 in Table A.1, and update of the numbering of Tables A.1 and A.2 accordingly
- Introduction of Grade R370CrHT in Table 3 and modifications of the relevant clauses and tables
- Modification of the calculation formula for hardness in 9.1.7
- Clean up of figures and editorial errors