Obtaining compliance with EN 45545 and its impact on our PCBs
We are noticing an increasing demand in the market for consumer electronics that meet certain norms and standards. One industry where this compliance is of great importance is the railroad industry.
Fire safety in the railroad industry is one of the key requirements that manufacturers of materials and components must meet. This also applies to printed circuit boards. As part of a project for one of our clients, PROPCB went through the process of testing and verifying the compliance of PCBs with the EN 45545 standard for flammability of materials. In this article, we’ll take a look at what exactly this standard is, how it is classified, and the benefits to PROPCB’s customers by meeting these requirements.
What is the EN 45545 standard?
EN 45545 is a European standard that regulates the requirements for fire protection in rail vehicles. It was developed to harmonize national regulations and increase the safety of passengers and personnel by controlling the spread of fire on board vehicles.
The standard covers various parts, including requirements for the fire response of materials (EN 45545-2) and fire resistance requirements for fire barriers (EN 45545-3). In 2016, the current PN K-02511 standard was replaced by EN 45545, in an effort to standardize European railroads in every EU member state.
One of the key elements of the standard is the classification of fire hazard levels (HL1, HL2, HL3), where HL3 is the highest level, signifying the highest safety requirements for materials used in rail vehicles.
EN 45545-2: Application in PCB circuits
Achieving compliance with EN 45545-2 signifies the suitability of our products for critical rail vehicle applications. This standard specifies how materials should behave under fire conditions, taking into account factors such as:
- flammability of the material,
- flame spread,
- generation of smoke,
- toxicity of the gases produced.
These requirements are designed to reduce the risk of fire and provide maximum protection in the event of a resulting emergency.
Compliance with EN 45545-2 by PROPCB
Customers in the rail industry require compliance with requirement R24 (printed circuit boards) of EN 45545-2. Obtaining this compliance required testing for the materials from which the PCBs are created.
Flammability tests were given to PCB samples on FR4 laminate, provided by PROPCB. Flammability was tested using the oxygen index method according to EN ISO 4589-2. It focuses on the so-called “oxygen index” (LOI, Limiting Oxygen Index), which determines the minimum amount of oxygen in the oxygen-nitrogen mixture needed to sustain combustion of the material – the higher the oxygen index, the more resistant the material is to ignition. The standard is widely used in industry, including sectors such as transportation, construction and electronics, where flammability assessment of materials is required.
After testing and analyzing the results, FR4 laminate was found to meet the R24 requirements of EN 45545-2:2021-01 for all three hazard levels: HL1, HL2 and HL3.
Benefits of implementing EN 45545
PROPCB’s compliance with EN 45545 brings a number of benefits to our customers seeking suitable solutions for projects requiring compliance with the standard:
- Reliability and safety – Thanks to compliance with EN 45545, the PCBs offered by PROPCB meet the highest European safety standards, which is important for industries where fire protection is a priority.
- Access to the European market – EN 45545 is required in all countries of the European Union, which means that products using our PCBs can be used in rail vehicles throughout the continent without hindrance.
- Reduced liability risk – Adherence to strict standards reduces the risk of potential legal problems related to product safety. It also makes it possible to obtain workmanship in projects where met standards are an obligation for further cooperation.
How does EN 45545 affect PROPCB customers?
For customers looking for components that meet the highest safety standards, PROPCB offers a guarantee of quality and compliance with EN 45545 for designs based on FR4 laminates. Certified PCBs minimize the risk of failure or the potential spread of fire in rail vehicle electrical systems, which in turn increases passenger and personnel safety. In addition, meeting the standard allows customers to seamlessly integrate projects using our circuits throughout Europe.
Summary
PROPCB’s attainment of EN 45545 compliance confirms that the printed circuit boards we manufacture meet the highest fire safety standards required in the rail industry. Flammability tests conducted on FR4 laminates in accordance with ISO 4589-2 have shown that PROPCB’s PCBs are suitable for use at all fire hazard levels set by the standard. For customers, this means greater safety, compliance with EU regulations and the ability to use the components seamlessly in the European market, minimizing the risk of legal liability.
If you are looking for a PCB supplier for projects requiring compliance with EN 45545, or want PCBs to meet other standards used in your industry – we can help. Contact us and tell us about your project intentions.