The driver’s cab is the most demanding installation area in a vehicle in terms of ergonomics and the reliability of manually operated components. Equipment operates under continuous vibration and shock transmitted from the bogies, across a wide temperature range and under changing illumination - from night conditions to direct sunlight on the control desk - and may be touched hundreds of times during a shift.
Three groups of requirements determine whether a component can be accepted: mechanical resistance to vibration and shock (testing in accordance with EN 61373), electrical and environmental properties of electronic equipment for rolling stock (EN 50155), and fire behaviour of materials (EN 45545-2). Electromagnetic compatibility is also essential because the cab is adjacent to traction circuits and radio systems.
Typical equipment installed in control desks and cab cabinets includes: illuminated pushbuttons and switches, visual and audible indicators, circuit breakers protecting auxiliary circuits, interface relays coupling control circuits to actuators, signal connectors and onboard printers.
