TS EN ISO 24478

TS EN ISO 24478 is a vocabulary standard for railway applications that organises the general terms and definitions used for brakes and braking. In railway rolling stock, braking is more than simply slowing a vehicle down: it also covers speed control, stopping accuracy, secure holding, and the way braking force is understood across different operating situations. This standard helps create a shared technical language so the same terms are used consistently in design, operation, maintenance, and technical communication.

Why braking terminology is grouped into a dedicated vocabulary

Railway braking systems may combine mechanical, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, electrical, and in some vehicles regenerative or dynamic effects. As a result, words such as “brake”, “braking”, and “brake force” can seem similar in everyday use but carry distinct engineering meanings. In general technical context, a vocabulary standard like this supports terminological consistency and reduces the risk of misinterpretation across subsystem specifications, maintenance manuals, and technical documentation.

What this standard covers

Based on the supplied scope, this document defines terms for brakes and braking in rolling stock. Its focus is therefore on naming and defining concepts rather than setting a performance limit or prescribing a test method. Standards of this type help align the terminology used for braking components, operating modes, and basic braking processes, while not by themselves implying detailed design requirements for a specific vehicle type.

• Supports a common technical language in railway engineering.
• Covers brake and braking concepts for rolling stock.
• Helps align terminology in design, maintenance, and documentation.
• Aids consistent interpretation of braking-related concepts.