EN 50374:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 50374:2004
Vozički za delo na nadzemnih vodih
Conductor cars
Leitungsfahrzeuge
Nacelles suspendues
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50374:2025
ICS:
13.260 Varstvo pred električnim Protection against electric
udarom. Delo pod napetostjo shock. Live working
29.240.20 Daljnovodi Power transmission and
distribution lines
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50374
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2025
ICS 43.120 Supersedes EN 50374:2004
English Version
Conductor cars
Nacelles suspendues Leitungsfahrzeuge
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2025-03-17. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50374:2025 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 List of significant hazards . 9
5 Requirements . 11
5.1 Classification of conductor car. 11
5.2 Mechanical requirements . 12
5.2.1 General . 12
5.2.2 Load-bearing structure . 12
5.2.3 Welded joints . 12
5.3 Prevention of the conductor car falling . 12
5.4 Braking system . 12
5.4.1 General . 12
5.4.2 Drive brakes . 13
5.4.3 Locking brakes . 13
5.5 Floor covering . 13
5.6 Fall from height protection of the operator . 13
5.6.1 Fall arrest attachment options . 13
5.6.2 Side guards and Hand rails . 13
5.6.3 Entanglement and entrapment points . 14
5.6.4 Operator environment . 14
5.6.5 Warning signs . 14
5.7 Tow rope attachment point . 15
5.8 Lifting points for raising and lowering . 15
5.9 Built-in traction sources . 15
5.9.1 General . 15
5.9.2 Hydraulic equipment . 15
5.9.3 Electrical equipment . 15
5.9.4 Batteries . 15
5.9.5 Combustion engines . 15
5.9.6 Operating controls . 16
5.9.7 Drive systems . 16
5.9.8 Disengaging mechanism in the event of a breakdown of the built-in-traction . 16
5.10 Equipotential bonding . 16
5.11 Safety net . 16
5.12 Noise reduction . 16
6 Tests . 17
6.1 General . 17
6.2 Test of the load bearing structure . 18
6.3 Handling test . 18
6.4 Visual inspection . 18
6.5 Prevention of the conductor car falling . 19
6.6 Brake test . 19
6.6.1 General . 19
6.6.2 Drive brake test . 19
6.6.3 Locking brake test . 19
6.7 Functional brake test . 20
6.8 Fall from height protection of the operator . 20
6.8.1 Testing of fall arrest attachment options . 20
6.8.2 Test of the side guards and hand rails . 20
6.9 Test of tow rope attachment point . 20
6.10 Test of lifting points for raising and lowering . 20
6.11 Test of drive systems . 21
6.12 Test of operating controls . 21
6.13 Test of entanglement and entrapment points . 21
6.14 Wipe test . 21
6.15 Test of hydraulic equipment . 21
6.16 Test of electrical equipment . 21
6.17 Functional hydraulic and/or electrical tests . 21
6.18 Test of disengaging the drive mechanism in the event of a breakdown of built-in-
traction . 22
6.19 Test of safety net . 22
6.20 Test of the equipotential bonding . 22
6.21 Verification of safety and hygiene requirements . 22
7 User information . 22
7.1 General . 22
7.2 Identification plate . 22
7.3 Instructions for use . 23
7.4 Logbook . 24
Annex A (normative) Noise test code . 25
Annex ZZ (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC aimed to be covered . 28
Bibliography . 31
European foreword
This document (EN 50374:2025) has been prepared by CLC/TC 78 “Equipment and tools for live
working”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2026-04-30
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2028-04-30
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50374:2004 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
— the standard was adapted to the technical progress, new requirements and changes in standards
referenced, the main topics are:
— harmonization to the Machinery Directive;
— new demands with regard to European knowledge of accidents;
— relationship to conductor car made from materials other than metal;
— relationship to conductor car used under live line condition.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CENELEC by the
European Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these
requests for its Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part of this
document.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Introduction
This document is a harmonized standard to provide one means for conductor car to conform to the
essential health and safety requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery). The machinery
concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and events are covered are indicated
in the scope. This document is a type C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100. When provisions of this
type C standard are different from those stated in type A or B standards, the provisions of this
type C standard take precedence over the provision of the other standards, for machines that have been
designed and built according to the provisions of this type C standard.
1 Scope
This document applies to conductor car that are used to access overhead line conductors, shield wires
or shield wires with integrated communication systems to undertake work involving rectification of
defects and/or installing components and fittings. This document covers also bicycle type access
equipment where it is applicable.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1011-4:2000, Welding - Recommendations for welding of metallic materials - Part 4: Arc welding
of aluminium and aluminium alloys
EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008, Cranes - Information for use and testing - Part 1: Instructions
EN 60204-1:2018, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General
requirements (IEC 60204-1:2005, modified)
EN ISO 4413:2010, Hydraulic fluid power - General rules and safety requirements for systems and their
components (ISO 4413:2010)
EN ISO 10042:2018, Welding - Arc-welded joints in aluminium and its alloys - Quality levels for
imperfections (ISO 10042:2018)
EN ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk
reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
EN ISO 13849-2:2012, Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 2: Validation
(ISO 13849-2:2012)
EN ISO 3744:2010, Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise
sources using sound pressure - Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
(ISO 3744:2010)
EN ISO 4871:2009, Acoustics - Declaration and verification of noise emission values of machinery and
equipment (ISO 4871:1996)
EN ISO 11201:2010, Acoustics — Noise emitted by machinery and equipment — Determination of
emission sound pressure levels at a work station and at other specified positions in an essentially free
field over a reflecting plane with negligible environmental corrections (ISO 11201:2010)
EN ISO 11688-1:2009, Acoustics - Recommended practice for the design of low-noise machinery and
equipment - Part 1: Planning (ISO/TR 11688-1:1995)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

As amended by EN 1011-4:2000/A1:2003.
As amended by EN ISO 11201:2010/A1:2021.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
conductor car
device designed to be used as mobile working platform while suspended from overhead line conductors
or shield wires
Note 1 to entry: The conductor car can be moved either manually, pulled using a rope or by a built-in traction
source.
3.2
drive brake
brake used for slowing down and stopping the conductor car and holding the conductor car in position
to carry out work
3.3
locking brake
brake applied directly to the conductor and used for securing the car at a position on the conductor or
shield wire
3.4
conductor
wire or combination of wires not insulated from one another, suitable for carrying an electric current
Note 1 to entry: The conductors are strung between two overhead line support structures.
Note 2 to entry: The conductor may be arranged as a single conductor or as a conductor bundle, consisting
of at least two conductors.
3.5 Tests
3.5.1
type test
conformity test made on one or more items representative of the production
[SOURCE: IEC 6050-151:2001, 151-16-16]
3.5.2
acceptance test
contractual test to prove to the customer that the item meets certain conditions if its specification
[SOURCE: IEC 6050-151:2001, 151-16-23]
3.5.3
periodical test
inspection/test carried out at set intervals by a trained competent individual to check the conformity and
functionality of the conductor car
3.6
operating control
components fitted to the conductor car that when operated controls the movement of the conductor car
by controlling the power source i.e. the flow, direction of movement, energy and/or material
3.7
load-bearing structure
main structure of the conductor car that has been designed to withstand the specified loads and which
can be made up of individual components mechanically bonded together
3.8
guide axle
comprised of swivel and locking mechanism, axles and guide roller (free running)
3.9
safety sling
secondary device used to prevent the conductor car from falling if the wheels or rollers become detached
from the conductor
3.10
fall arrest attachment options
suitable connection point for fall arrest equipment of the operator that is mechanically strong enough to
withstand the potential loads in event of a fall from height and which can either be connected to the
conductor or to the attachment option on the conductor car
3.11
lifting point
designated lifting point for use when the conductor car is being raised to or lowered from the overhead
line
3.12
maximum angle of inclination of the conductor
maximum angle of the conductor cable specified by the manufacturer that the conductor car can safely
operate in reference to the angle of the conductor with respect to the horizontal plane

Figure 1 — Maximum angle of inclination of the conductor
3.13
working load limit
maximum load the conductor car can be safely operated at, as specified by the manufacturer
3.14
safety net
optional attachment that provides protection against objects being dropped while working in the
conductor car
4 List of significant hazards
Table 1 contains a list of significant hazards associated with the conductor car and associated
equipment that could harm the operator/s during normal use of the conductor car and if it is used
incorrectly. By following this document during the design and manufacture process should help mitigate
the risk of the operator/s being harmed when the conductor car and associated equipment is being used.
NOTE 1 The significant hazards are based upon EN ISO 12100:2010.
Table 1 — List of significant hazards and associated requirements
Relevant clause(s) in this
Hazards
document/Comments
Mechanical hazards caused by mechanical equipment e.g.:
a)  shape; 5.2
b)  relative location; 5.3
c)  mass and stability (potential energy of elements which
5.6
could move under the effect of gravity);
d)  mass and velocity (kinetic energy of elements in controlled
5.3, 5.7
or uncontrolled motion);
e)  inadequacy of mechanical strength. 5.2
1.1 Crushing hazard 5.6.3
1.2 Shearing hazard 5.6.3
1.3 Cutting or severing hazard 5.6.3
1.4 Entanglement hazard 5.6.3
1.5 Drawing-in or trapping hazard 5.6.3
1.6 Friction or abrasion hazard 5.6.4
1.7 High pressure fluid injection or ejection hazard 5.9.2
1.8 Slipping, tripping and falling 5.8, 5.7, 5.3
2 Electrical hazards due to:
2.1 Contact of persons with live parts (direct contact) 5.9.3
Contact of persons with parts which have become live under
2.2 5.9.3
faulty conditions (indirect contact)
2.3 Approach to live parts under high voltage 5.9.3, 5.10
2.4 Electrostatic phenomena 5.9.3, 5.10
3 Thermal hazards, resulting in:
Burns, scalds and other injuries by a possible contact of
persons with objects or materials with an extreme high or low
3.1 5.9.5
temperature, by flames or explosions and by the radiation of
heat sources
4 Hazards generated by noise, resulting in:
Relevant clause(s) in this
Hazards
document/Comments
Hearing loss (deafness), other physiological disorders (e.g.
loss of balance, loss of awareness). Conductor cars can
generate noise which may result in hearing damage, tinnitus,
4.1 5.12
stress, in accidents due to interference with speech
communication and interference with the perception of acoustic
signals.
4.2 Interference with speech communication, acoustic signals etc. 5.12
5 Hazards generated by vibration due to:
Whole body vibration, particularly when combined with poor
5.1 5.9.5 and 7.3
postures
Hazards generated by materials and substances (and their
6 constituent elements) processed or used by the machinery
due to:
Hazards from contact with or inhalation of harmful fluids,
6.1 5.9.5
gases, mists, fumes, and dusts
6.2 Fire or explosion hazard 5.9.4, 5.9.5
Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in
machinery design as, e.g. hazards from:
7.1 Inadequate consideration of hand-arm or foot-leg anatomy 5.9.6
7.2 Inadequate local lighting N/A
7.3 Human error, human behaviour 5.4.2
7.4 Inadequate design, location or identification of manual controls 5.9.6
Unexpected start-up, unexpected overrun/overspeed (or
any similar malfunction) from:
8.1 Failure/disorder of the control system 5.4.2, 5.4.3
8.2 Restoration of energy supply after an interruption 5.9.6
8.3 External influences on electrical equipment 5.10
Errors made by the operator (due to mismatch of machinery
8.4 5.4.2
with human characteristics and abilities, see 8.6)
8.5 Overspeed during operation 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.9.7
Impossibility of stopping the machine in the best possible
9 5.4.2, 5.4.3
conditions
10 Failure of the power supply 5.9.6, 5.9.2, 5.9.3
11 Failure of the control circuit 5.4.2, 5.4.3
12 Errors of fitting 5.2
13 Break-up during operation 5.9.8
14 Falling or ejected objects or fluids 5.5, 5.9.2
15 Slip, trip and fall of persons (related to machinery) 5.5, 5.6
Additional hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events due to mobility
16 Relating to the travelling function:
16.1 Movement when starting the engine 5.9.6
Relevant clause(s) in this
Hazards
document/Comments
16.2 Movement without a driver at the driving position 5.9.6
Insufficient ability of machinery to be slowed down, stopped
16.3 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.9.7
and immobilised
Linked to the work position (including driving station) on
the machine due to:
17.1 Fall of persons during access to (or at/from) the work position 5.5, 5.6
17.2 Exhaust gases/lack of oxygen at the work position 5.9.5
17.3 Fire (flammability of the cab, lack of extinguishing means) 5.9.5
Mechanical hazards at the work position:
— contact with the wheels;
— rollover and overturning
— slipping during access;
17.4 5.6
— fall of objects, penetration by objects;
— break-up of parts rotating at high speed;
Contact of persons with machine parts or tools (pedestrian
controlled machines).
17.6 Vibration at the work position 5.9.5 and 7.3
18 Due to the control system:
18.1 Inadequate location of manual controls 5.9.6
Inadequate design of manual controls and their mode of 5.9.6
18.2
operation
19 Due to the power source and to the transmission of power:
19.1 Hazards from the engine and the batteries 5.9.4, 5.9.6
19.2 Hazards from coupling and towing 5.7
20 From/to third persons due to:
20.1 Lack or inadequacy of visual or acoustic warning means 5.6.5
21 Insufficient instructions for the driver/operator
Additional hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events due to lifting
22 Mechanical hazards and hazardous events: 5.8
5 Requirements
5.1 Classification of conductor car
The conductor car is classified in two classes:
Class I: Conductor car used only on de-energized conductors.
Class II: Conductor car used both on de-energized and energized conductors.
5.2 Mechanical requirements
5.2.1 General
The mechanical strength of the structure shall be proven by conducting a schedule of testing. The
destructive and non-destructive mechanical tests carried out on the material and the mechanical joints
shall be recorded and certified. The mechanical tests performed shall consider the environmental effects
(e.g. UV, chemical and mechanical degradation, mechanical degradation, temperature humidity) on the
material where applicable.
5.2.2 Load-bearing structure
5.2.2.1 General
The load-bearing structure of the conductor car shall be calculated by using the applicable standard, in
relation to the material (e.g.: Eurocode 9: EN 1999-1-1:2007 for aluminium structures). If a standard is
not considered, the calculation shall be performed with traditional methods by considering:
5.2.2.2 Materials which have a characteristic value of the yield strength
Load-bearing parts and parts that serve a safety function shall be designed to include a safety factor of
at least 3:1 of the yield strength of the material using worst case scenario conditions.
5.2.2.3 Materials which do not have a characteristic value of the yield strength
Load-bearing parts and parts that serve a safety function shall be designed to include a safety factor of
at least 5:1 of the ultimate tensile strength of the material using worst case scenario conditions.
5.2.2.4 Parts of drive system
The drive shaft fatigue strength shall be provided especially for worst case scenario operations using a
safety factor of 1:1 based on the fatigue strength value for the respective materials used.
5.2.3 Welded joints
The design and configuration of the weld joints shall comply with the requirements of the relevant
standard depending on the material used to construct the conductor car. For conductor car constructed
using typically aluminium and/or aluminium alloys all welded joints shall comply with EN 1011-4:2000.
All welded joints shall conform to Evaluation Group D (moderate) according to EN ISO 10042:2018 as
a minimum.
Where different materials are used, or another jointing technology is used (e.g. adhesive) to construct a
conductor car, it shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable methods. Some examples of
EN/ISO standards are given in the Bibliography.
5.3 Prevention of the conductor car falling
The conductor car shall be equipped with a device (e.g. safety sling or frame design) that prevents the
conductor car from unintentional tilting or falling under all normal operating and emergency conditions.
5.4 Braking system
5.4.1 General
Conductor Car shall be equipped with a drive brake and a locking brake / device that work independently
of each other.
As amended by EN 1999-1-1:2007/A1:2009 and EN 1999-1-1:2007/A2:2013.
The number of drive brakes and locking brakes required on the conductor car is related to the working
configuration of the car, in order to ensure that at least one of each of the brakes is always active during
the use.
Conductor car connected to an external winch system can be provided without drive brakes if the braking
system is incorporated in the winch mechanism.
The braking system shall be designed in such a manner that the conductor will not be damaged during
normal use of the system.
5.4.2 Drive brakes
Drive brakes shall be capable of stopping the conductor car as quickly as possible.
Drive brakes shall be designed in such a manner that they will not lose effectiveness (single fault
security) in the event of a malfunction. For conductor car with a built-in traction source the braking
system shall comply with EN ISO 13849-2:2012.
5.4.3 Locking brakes
Locking brakes provide an additional braking function to the drive brake system. They shall be capable
of holding the conductor car at any position within the prescribed scope of application.
5.5 Floor covering
The floor covering selected for the conductor car shall be slip-resistant and shall have drainage holes
(width < 15 mm).
5.6 Fall from height protection of the operator
5.6.1 Fall arrest attachment options
The operator can use the conductor as a connection point for fall arrest, in such case the conductor car
shall be constructed without a fall arrest connection point.
Where conductor cars are fitted with at least one fall arrest connection point they shall be clearly
identifiable with durable and legible markings. The fall arrest connection points shall be capable of
withstanding the anticipated loads.
5.6.2 Side guards and Hand rails
5.6.2.1 Conductor car
The conductor car shall be fitted with side guards to protect the operator or prevent objects falling from
the conductor car. Comparable protection shall also be available for the front and rear of the conductor
car.
The drive axles/shafts and guide axles could provide this protection, if appropriate.
Side guards on the conductor car shall be designed in such a manner that they will withstand the loads
anticipated under normal working conditions.
Side guards shall be comprised of:
— hand rails ≥ 1 m in height (floor panels to the upper edge);
— mid-rails at a height, to prevent the operator/s falling through the side of the conductor car
(e.g. ≤ 0,55 m clearance between the skirting boards and the mid-rails, or between the mid-rails
and the hand rails);
— skirting boards at a height of ≥ 0,15 m.
The skirting boards shall rest on the floor without a clearance so that objects on the floor cannot fall out
of the conductor car.
Where the conductor car is used on conductor bundles of two or more conductors the conductor can
fulfil the function of the side guard.
Where the conductor car is to be used on cable bundles and the operator is located outside the bundle
e.g. on a twin vertical bundle configuration, design considerations shall be made to use additional
equipment to fulfil the upper side guard function.
5.6.2.2 Bicycle type conductor car
Bicycle type conductor cars are normally manufactured without side guards due to the design constraints
of the equipment, when using this equipment the operator shall be connected to the conductor.
5.6.3 Entanglement and entrapment points
Where there is a hazard caused by an entanglement and/or entrapment point consideration shall be
taken during the design of the conductor car to:
a) completely cover or enclose drive wheels, gears, cogs, chains and V-belt drives;
b) ensure, where reasonably practicable, rotating parts on the drive axles/shafts have a clearance
of ≤ 4 mm or ≥ 25 mm between the stationary parts arranged axially on the conductor car;
c) ensure stationary components arranged above the wheels and guide rollers on the conductor car
shall have a clearance of ≥ 120 mm where possible.
If the safety clearances cannot be maintained because of functional considerations, then the points of
entanglement shall be protected as reasonably practicable with guards.
If the guards cannot be used due to functional considerations, then the entanglement/entrapment points
shall be reduced to a minimum.
Warning signs shall be placed near the entanglement/entrapment point, information identifying these
inherent hazards shall be included in the Instruction manual.
NOTE The maximum angle of inclination of the conductor can be considered when designing the protective
guards.
5.6.4 Operator environment
The conductor car shall be designed such that there are no sharp edges.
5.6.5 Warning signs
The conductor car shall be supplied with warning signs detailing the main safety instructions, including
the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as:
— warning of entrapment/entanglement;
— hot fumes/exhaust gases;
— warning of electric shock;
— risk if fluid injection (hydraulic systems);
— warning of flammable liquid (internal combustion engines);
— wear close-fitting garments;
— wear ear protection, when using conductor car internal combustion engines;
— wear a fall arrest equipment.
The warning signs shall be clearly visible and durable.
5.7 Tow rope attachment point
A designated tow rope attachment points shall be available on the conductor car frame. The attachment
point shall be able to withstand the anticipated loads and shall be clearly identifiable with durable and
legible markings.
5.8 Lifting points for raising and lowering
The conductor car shall be fitted with lifting points for use when the conductor car is being raised or
lowered on the overhead line. The lifting points shall be designed to be capable of withstand the
anticipated loads and shall be clearly identifiable with durable, legible markings.
5.9 Built-in traction sources
5.9.1 General
Built-in traction sources can be used for both Class I and Class II categories of conductor car.
Where Class II conductor cars are to be used on an energised conductor they shall be designed to
ensure they function correctly and can be operated safely in the proximity of energised conductor.
5.9.2 Hydraulic equipment
The hydraulic design and equipment shall comply with the requirements of EN ISO 4413:2010.
5.9.3 Electrical equipment
The electrical design and equipment shall comply with the requirements of EN 60204-1:2018.
5.9.4 Batteries
The location of the battery and battery compartment shall be designed and constructed in such a manner
that:
a) the battery compartment is easily accessible and have a visible battery level indicator;
b) the battery is protected against external mechanical influences;
c) in the event of battery damage (e.g. exploding, leaking), the operator/s are adequately protected;
d) the battery can be easily disconnected and/or isolated;
e) the battery connections are adequately protected against the risk of short circuit.
Reference to the replacement of batteries and battery charging equipment shall be included in the
Instruction manual.
5.9.5 Combustion engines
Where internal combustion engines are used to drive the conductor car it shall be designed to ensure
that:
a) all potentially hot components shall be arranged to avoid any possible contact with the operator;
b) the exhaust fumes shall be discharged away from the operating area;
c) fuel tanks and filler caps shall be located away from potentially hot components;
d) the engine shall be mounted to minimize vibration as much as possible;
e) a conductor car driven by internal combustion engines shall be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The
fire extinguisher shall be easily accessible and shall not be able to fall out of the conductor car.
5.9.6 Operating controls
Operating controls shall be designed and positioned in such a way that they
a) can be reached and operated easily without confusion;
b) are protected against unintentional operation;
c) are clearly identified with durable markings;
d) are designed in such a manner that they are self-resetting, so the conductor car stops when the
controls are released.
5.9.7 Drive systems
Conductor car wheels shall be designed with an outline shape to minimize the risk of becoming detached
from the conductor.
Conductor cars with a built-in traction source shall be designed for a maximum speed of 6 km/h.
5.9.8 Disengaging mechanism in the event of a breakdown of the built-in-traction
Conductor cars with a built-in traction source shall have a method of disengaging the drive mechanism
to move the conductor car manually or by means of a pulling rope, if the built-in traction fails.
5.10 Equipotential bonding
Conductor cars shall be equipped with at least one conductive connection to the conductor or the shield
wire. The conductive connection shall be made automatically by the installation of the car on the
conductor. The transfer resistance between conductor and conductor car shall be less than 100 mΩ.
Where the conductor car is manufactured using composite materials the equipotential bonding of the
operator in the conductor car, wearing a conductive suit, shall be done using a connection between the
suits directly to the conductor.
5.11 Safety net
If installed the safety net shall not affect the normal operation of the conductor car.
It shall be designed to capture small parts e.g. bolts, pins, hand tools falling to the ground if dropped.
5.12 Noise reduction
Noise reduction shall be an integral part of the design process thus specifically taking into account
measures at source as given in EN ISO 11688-1:2009. The success of the applied noise reduction
measures shall be assessed on the basis of the actual noise emission values, determined in accordance
with the noise test code given in Annex A, in relation to other machines of the same type with comparable
non-acoustical data.
NOTE ISO/TR 11688-2:1998 provides useful information on noise generation mechanisms in machinery.
EN ISO 14163:1998 gives guidelines for noise control by silencers and EN ISO 15667:2000 on noise control by
enclosures and cabins.
Major sound sources are internal combustion engines used as drives.
Typical methods for reducing noise can be:
— reduction the rotational speed of internal combustion engines;
— shielding of internal combustion engines;
— using electric driven systems instead of internal combustion engines.
6 Tests
6.1 General
To ensure compliance with the requirements detailed in Clause 5 the following tests detailed in Table 2
are required.
A tolerance of ± 5 % related to the specified values applies to the following subclauses if no other value
is stated.
For the performance of the following tests a simulation of conductor or shield wire is arranged as a test
section. The test track shall simulate the minimum diameter of conductor or shield wire and shall
consider the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum inclination on which the conductor car can
travel.
In addition, spacers, dampers, joints, suspension insulator and patch rods shall be arranged if the car is
intended to traverse these installation components.
Periodical test shall be carried out at least once per year.
Table 2 — Applicable tests
Test Type test Acceptance Periodical test
Load bearing structure test (6.2) X
Handling test (6.3) X X
Visual inspection (6.4) X X X
Protection against fall of the conductor car (6.5) X
Drive brake test (6.6.2) X
Locking brake test (6.6.3) X
Functional brake test (6.7)  X X
Testing of fall arrest attachment option (6.8.1) X
Test of the side guards and hand rails (6.8.2) X
Test of tow rope attachment point (6.9) X
Test of attachment points for raising and X
lowering (6.10)
Drive systems (6.11) X X X
Operating controls (6.12) X X X
Wipe test (6.14) X
Test of hydraulic equipment (6.15) X
Test of electrical equipment (6.16) X
Functional hydraulic and electrical tests (6.17)  X X
Test of disengaging the drive mechanism in the X X X
event of a breakdown of built-in-traction (6.18)
Test of safety net (6.19) X
Test Type test Acceptance Periodical test
Test of the equipotential bonding (6.20) X  X
6.2 Test of the load bearing structure
This is a destructive test carried out with the conductor car in the worst-case scenario with respect to
the conductor type and configuration within the conductor car’s scope of application.
For conductor car with more than two axles the worst-case scenario condition for the conductor car is
achieved by opening at least one drive axles/shafts.
The following steps shall be followed to carry out the test:
a) The conductor car is to be correctly installed onto the horizontal test track;
b) The conductor car is subjected to a load of 3 times the designed working load limit through a
uniformly distributed load across the floor of the conductor car;
c) The load is applied for 5 min.
The test is considered as passed if there is no indication of permanent deformation or breaking found
on the loaded sections.
6.3 Handling test
The conductor car handling test is conducted as detailed below:
a) the conductor car is correctly installed on the horizontal test track;
b) the conductor car is loaded with the maximum working load limit specified by the manufacturer;
c) the conductor car is driven along the test track, traversing over the components installed on the test
track.
The test is considered as passed if the conductor car can be moved easily and safely by the operator
while it is travelling (traverse over conductor fittings where it is applicable).
6.4 Visual inspection
Visual inspection shall be carried out to check the condition of the structure and components installed
on the conductor car such as (where applicable):
— welded joints;
— side guards and hand rails;
— tow rope attachment point;
— safety slings and attachment point;
— lifti
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