✅ Accurate Fire Testing Equipment ✅ ISO 5660, ASTM E662, BS 476, EN 45545 Compliant ✅ Affordable & Reliable
EN 45545 fire testing is the cornerstone of fire safety standards for railway vehicles across Europe and beyond. At KDM Global, we specialize in providing certified fire testing equipment to help railway manufacturers, component suppliers, and safety authorities ensure compliance with this vital regulation.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about EN 45545:
What it is
Why it’s critical
Key testing methods
Equipment you need
Compliance steps
And how KDM Global can support your railway fire safety goals.
EN 45545 is the European standard for fire protection on railway vehicles. Its primary purpose is to minimize the risk and impact of fires onboard trains by setting strict requirements for the flammability, smoke density, and toxicity of materials used in trains.
This standard has replaced previous national standards like BS 6853 (UK) and DIN 5510 (Germany), creating a unified safety framework for the railway industry across Europe.
Official title:
EN 45545 - Railway Applications — Fire Protection on Railway Vehicles
It consists of multiple parts, but EN 45545-2 is the key section that specifies fire testing requirements for materials and components.
🚆 Passenger Protection
Train fires, although rare, can have catastrophic consequences. Ensuring that materials used in train interiors and systems are fire-resistant is essential to safeguard passengers and staff.
🌍 Compliance with European Regulations
EN 45545 compliance is mandatory for rolling stock operating in the EU and many other markets. Non-compliance can result in rejected contracts, legal issues, and reputational damage.
🔥 Fire Hazard Minimization
EN 45545 testing reduces the risk of:
Rapid fire spread
Dense, toxic smoke that impairs evacuation
High heat release that escalates fire emergencies
💼 Business Opportunities
Manufacturers that meet EN 45545 gain a competitive edge in winning contracts with leading railway operators and OEMs.
Part
Focus
EN 45545-1 General rules
EN 45545-2 Fire testing requirements for materials
EN 45545-3 Fire barriers
EN 45545-4 Fire detection systems
EN 45545-5 Fire safety equipment
EN 45545-6 Fire control and management
EN 45545-7 Fire safety in tunnels
EN 45545-2 is the core section that dictates how materials and components should be tested for fire performance. It introduces two important concepts:
Requirement Sets (R1 to R26):
Define fire safety requirements based on the material's application (e.g., seats, flooring, cables).
Fire Hazard Levels (HL1 to HL3):
Indicate the risk environment — from low risk (HL1) to highest risk (HL3, such as metro systems and high-speed trains).
Fire Hazard Levels Explained:
Level
Description
HL1 Basic safety, low passenger density
HL2 Standard intercity trains
HL3 Metro, high-speed, underground trains
To comply with EN 45545-2, materials must pass a range of standardized tests that measure flammability, smoke emission, and toxicity. KDM Global offers equipment for each of these tests.
1. 🔥 ISO 5660 Cone Calorimeter Test
Purpose: Measures heat release rate (HRR), the most critical indicator of fire growth.
Equipment: Cone Calorimeter ISO 5660
Importance: High HRR means faster fire spread. EN 45545 limits HRR for safe materials.
2. 🌫️ ISO 5659 Smoke Density Test
Purpose: Evaluates smoke opacity from burning materials.
Equipment: ISO 5659 Smoke Density Tester
Importance: Dense smoke reduces visibility and hampers evacuation.
3. 🌬️ ISO 4589 Oxygen Index Test
Purpose: Measures the minimum oxygen concentration required for combustion.
Equipment: Oxygen Index Tester
Importance: Materials requiring more oxygen are less likely to sustain fire.
4. 🔥 ISO 9239 Radiant Panel Test
Purpose: Assesses flame spread and smoke development on flooring.
Equipment: ISO 9239 Radiant Panel Tester
5. 🧪 UL 94 Flammability Test
Purpose: Classifies plastics based on burning behavior.
Equipment: UL 94 Flammability Tester
Achieving compliance requires a systematic approach. Here's how railway manufacturers and suppliers can meet EN 45545 requirements:
Interior panels, seats, flooring, cables, insulation, and even adhesives used in railway vehicles.
Based on material application (e.g., R22 for seating materials, R10 for electrical cables).
Based on operational environment (e.g., HL3 for metro trains operating underground).
Use EN 45545-specified tests (ISO 5660, ISO 5659, ISO 9239, etc.).
KDM Global provides the required testing machines.
Ensure materials fall within allowed HRR, smoke density, and toxicity limits.
Documentation proving compliance is essential for tenders and audits.
For future audits and contract verifications.
At KDM Global, we are committed to helping the railway industry meet the highest fire safety standards. Here’s why leading manufacturers choose our solutions:
Our equipment is calibrated and compliant with international standards, ensuring reliable test results.
We provide equipment for every key fire test specified in the standard.
Our team offers guidance on test selection, compliance strategy, and equipment operation.
High-quality machines at manufacturer-direct prices.
Yes, many countries (India, China, Australia) adopt EN 45545 or align with its principles for railway fire safety.
Testing is required for every new material introduction or significant design change in train interiors.
Yes, we offer calibration and maintenance services to ensure your fire testing equipment remains compliant.
Railway fire resistance testing
EN 45545-2 material classification
Fire retardant standards railway
Smoke density test EN 45545
Heat release rate railway safety
Cone calorimeter railway compliance
Train interior flammability standard
HL1 HL2 HL3 fire hazard levels
European fire testing standards for trains
Fire safety is not an option—it's a regulatory and ethical responsibility for railway manufacturers. By complying with EN 45545 fire testing standards, companies can protect passengers, meet international requirements, and build trust in their products.
At KDM Global, we are your partner in fire testing excellence.
From Cone Calorimeters to Smoke Density Testers, we provide everything you need to achieve EN 45545 compliance with confidence.
Ready to upgrade your fire safety testing capabilities?
👉 Contact KDM Global Today for expert consultation and equipment solutions.