Metrological tests to compliance with the stray current limit values

Systems design, DC, National

Project details

Client: Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG

Cologne, Germany

January 2024 – December 2024

The reason for the metrological investigations is the requirement in BOStrab Section 3 (1) (4), according to which operating installations of direct current railways with power transmission via the contact rails must be constructed in such a way that the adverse effects of stray currents are minimised. For this reason, the reinforcement of reinforced concrete tunnels must not have an electrically conductive connection with the rails and must be connected through with metal conductors in the longitudinal direction, see Section 30(4). These general requirements are set out in DIN EN 50122-2 (VDE 0115-4) and in VDV 501/1 to 501/3.
In accordance with VDV 501/1, the condition of the operating installations with regard to stray current hazards must be measured at intervals of 10 years.
The aim of the metrological investigation carried out in 2024 was to repeatedly measure the leakage coating of the rails and the longitudinal resistances of the tunnel reinforcement in the KVB tunnels in downtown Cologne, which is connected by metal conductors.

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