IEC 60850:2014 defines the key characteristics of supply voltages for traction systems, including traction fixed installations, auxiliary devices powered by the contact line, and rolling stock, for use in the following applications:
- Railways;
- Guided mass transit systems such as tramways, light trains, elevated and underground railways, and trolleybus systems;
- Rail-bound material transport systems, such as those used for coal or iron ore.
This standard is also applicable to low-speed maglev trains or linear motor transport systems.
However, this standard does not apply to:
- Traction systems in underground mines;
- Cranes, transportable platforms, and similar rail-based transportation equipment, as well as temporary structures (e.g., exhibition structures), provided they are not powered directly or via transformers from the contact line system and are not at risk from the traction power supply system;
- Suspended cable cars;
- Funicular railways.
The standard also addresses long-term overvoltages, as detailed in Annex A.
