IEC TC 9 is a technical committee within the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) responsible for developing international standards for electrical equipment and systems used in railways. This includes rolling stock, fixed installations, and management systems such as supervision, information, communication, and signaling systems. The standards also address the interfaces between these systems and their environmental impact.

These standards cover electromechanical components, electronic hardware, and software to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable railway operations on a global scale.

The standards developed by IEC TC 9 can be used worldwide, ensuring uniformity and interoperability of railway systems across the globe, contributing to safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

Among the key IEC standards for the railway sector, we find important examples such as EN 50126 (IEC 62278) – RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety), EN 50128 (IEC 62279) – Software for railway applications, and EN 50129 (IEC 62425) – System Safety, all of which are essential for ensuring reliability and safety in railway operations.

IEC standards are an essential guide for railway operators (infrastructure managers, railway companies, and railway industries), as well as for regulatory bodies, conformity assessment bodies, and railway engineering companies.

The Plenary Meeting of IEC TC 9 (Technical Committee 9) of the International Electrotechnical Commission is an international gathering that brings together experts from all over the world to discuss and develop technical standards related to railway systems. This committee, active for almost a century, is responsible for drafting regulations for electrical equipment and systems used in railways, including rolling stock, fixed installations, and operational management systems.

The Plenary Meeting of TC 9 is a crucial event for the railway sector, as it provides an opportunity to discuss global standards covering electrical, electronic, and mechanical aspects of rail transport, ensuring interoperability and safety. During the meeting, held from October 7 to 11, 2024, in Naples, over 100 delegates from around the world will gather to discuss new regulations and emerging challenges for the sector, including the environmental impact of railway technologies.

The event includes technical sessions and networking opportunities, with participation from leading industry companies such as Hitachi Rail and Alstom, and also offers the chance to explore the history and future of railways through cultural activities and presentations, such as the celebration of TC 9’s 100th anniversary with the presentation of the book “IEC TC 9: One Hundred Years of Standards Making History”.

For CIFI and us railway engineers, who see technical standards as true guides for our work and a form of protection and guarantee for the railway system, being alongside IEC is truly a privilege.

Adopting standards recognized by the scientific community means giving up being the ruler of a small 2-square-meter enclosure and, in return, gaining a work guide that is recognized and guaranteed globally.

Every railway engineer has a compass: the 4 cardinal directions of the compass rose are:

• European Union Agency for Railways (ERA): responsible for regulating railway safety and harmonizing regulations among European countries.
• UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer): provides global technical and operational standards to ensure the interoperability and development of railway systems.
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): defines international standards that cover a wide range of sectors, including railways, with particular focus on process quality, risk management, and sustainability.
• IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): sets standards for electrical and electronic technologies, essential for systems such as signaling, electric traction, and network infrastructures.

These four organizations serve as essential reference points for railway engineers, ensuring that operations comply with technical, safety, and interoperability standards at an international level.