BASF Engineering Plastics Comply with EN 45545 Railway Safety Standard

• Certified Ultramid® and Ultradur® solutions designed for safety-critical electrical and electronic applications in the railway sector.

• Halogen-free flame-retardant solutions, along with high design flexibility, help make electrical and electronic components meet standards.

Safety, fire protection, and reliability remain critical priorities in the railway industry, particularly for electrical and electronic components. Several grades in BASF Engineering Plastics’ portfolio meet the European railway standard EN 45545, so manufacturers can confidently meet strict fire safety requirements in rail vehicle applications.

The EN 45545 standard is designed to reduce the risk of fire ignition, slow flame propagation, and minimise the release of smoke and toxic gases during fire incidents. These measures help ensure sufficient evacuation time for passengers and personnel, even under critical conditions. Based on the application area and usage environment, the standard defines different Hazard Levels (HL). BASF engineering plastics are certified for key application categories including R22, R24, R25, and R34.

BASF’s EN 45545-certified plastic solutions are primarily designed for electrical and electronic component applications in the railway industry. The portfolio incorporates specially developed flame-retardant systems such as FR30, FR40, and FR72, which suit rail applications particularly well. These systems utilise halogen-free technologies, including nitrogen/phosphorus intumescent formulations and magnesium hydroxide-based solutions. By not using chlorine and bromine, the materials also help lower the risk of secondary damage from corrosive smoke gases during fires.

An additional benefit for processors and OEMs is that EN 45545 certification does not depend on colour variations. Once a material receives certification, all colour options can be used without the need for separate approvals. The certification also covers a defined range of minimum and maximum wall thicknesses, offering greater flexibility in component design and application development.

BASF currently offers a broad range of Ultramid® and Ultradur® engineering plastic grades with EN 45545 classification reports for railway applications. These materials are designed to meet different hazard levels and application requirements under the European railway standard, which helps to develop safe, durable, and high-performance electrical and electronic components. With this wide range of products, BASF helps rail vehicle manufacturers and system suppliers use reliable plastic solutions that meet standards in demanding railway environments.

Source: BASF