scope:

This standard applies to designers, sponsors and Designated Project Engineers (DPEs) of schemes for new or modified overhead electrification. It specifies the requirements for assessing and quantifying the electrical and mechanical clearances to be met by the electrification design.

Purpose 

The purpose of this manual is to define a methodology and a consistent set of parameters to be used when assessing electrical and mechanical clearances associated with overhead electrification (including pantographs). The design principles support compliance with the legislative requirements and help achieve safety, economy and performance. This standard acts as the requirements as obliged in:

 i) National Technical Specification Notice - Energy (ENE), 1 January 2021 

 ii) GLRT1210 

 iii) GMRT2111 

 iv) GIRT7073 

 v) GMRT2173 

 vi) GEGN8575 

 vii) BS EN 50119 

 viii) BS EN 50122-1 

 ix) BS EN 50124-1 

 x) BS EN 50367 

 xi) ENA TS 43-8 

 xii) ENA TS 43-119 

 xiii) GLGN1620. 

The document takes account of all relevant research carried out to date by Network Rail as part of the Enabling Efficient Electrification workstream, including voltage-controlled clearances (VCC). 

Following the document will allow designers to consistently: 

 i) produce a minimal viable product (MVP) clearance assessment; 

 ii) provide funders with a list of opportunities in which to invest;

 iii) develop evidence-based designs; and

 iv) reduce the embedded carbon content of new electrification by avoiding unnecessary overline structure reconstruction.