Behind the Scenes: Why EMC Testing in Railways is a Big Deal (And My Crewe Experience)
I often think about electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing since it's a big part of my work. But after seeing it firsthand in Crewe, I’m more convinced than ever about how crucial it is for railways. What struck me even more is the impact EMC interference from railways can have on medical equipment, which makes this testing even more essential.
EMC testing ensures that the electrical systems on a train, from high-voltage lines to sensitive signaling equipment, do not interfere with each other. But it's not just about keeping the trains running smoothly. There’s a real risk that electromagnetic interference (EMI) from a train’s power system could affect nearby medical equipment, such as cardiac monitors in hospitals. Imagine the danger if a stray electromagnetic wave from a train impacted life-saving devices. This is why EMC testing is not only important for trains but also for the safety of the people around them, especially in medical settings.
Testing in labs can only go so far. Real-world conditions like changing loads, varying electromagnetic fields, and infrastructure quirks can’t always be simulated. On-site EMC testing is necessary to capture the true effects of a train's operations on systems like medical devices, communication networks, and other infrastructure. High-speed railways, in particular, can produce strong electromagnetic fields that may interfere with medical electronics.
My experience in Crewe gave me a chance to observe live EMC testing on a 25kV locomotive, thanks to Locomotive Services Limited and the Eurofins York team led by Mark Tyndall. Watching them work was impressive. They gathered real-time data and tackled the challenges of on-site testing, which made me realize how important it is to protect not just trains but also the nearby environments, including hospitals.
Robert Fenner, who managed complex measurements during the test, helped me understand the importance of these efforts. It’s not just a routine test; it’s about ensuring that trains don’t interfere with vital medical equipment that can impact live. This experience has made me more excited about the emission testing we will soon do on electric trams at the University of Nottingham, where we will look closely at how EMI impacts healthcare systems.
I owe a big thank you to Helen Yu from Network Rail for arranging this visit. It was eye-opening and gave me more confidence for the tests ahead. Seeing the professionals in action made me feel prepared to handle the challenges of future EMC testing.
EMC testing in railways is crucial, especially when we consider its effects on medical equipment. It’s definitely something worth thinking about every day!
EMCTesting #RailwayTech #HealthcareSafety #CreweExperience
