Class II surge arrester 3EB4

for electrical networksfor substationsfor railway applications

Overview
Siemens Energy railway surge arresters provide targeted overvoltage protection for rail infrastructure and rolling stock. Designed for traction substations, overhead lines, signalling interfaces and onboard equipment, they limit transient overvoltages from lightning, switching and other disturbances by diverting surge currents to ground through nonlinear resistive elements.

Key benefits

• Standards compliance: Tested and certified to relevant international railway and surge-protection standards.
• Simple integration: Engineered for straightforward installation and low maintenance in rail environments.
• Durability: Materials and design ensure resistance to harsh weather, mechanical stress and long operating cycles.
• Application-specific options: Models and variants available to match AC/DC systems and installation requirements.

Product portfolio and applications
Siemens Energy offers a range of surge arresters for AC and DC railway systems and varied operating environments. Typical applications include high-speed and intercity trains, commuter and regional services, multi-system locomotives, urban transport (tram, light rail, metro) and rail electrification projects.

3EB4 silicone surge arrester in composite housing

• Design: Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) housing with silicone rubber sheds.
• Voltage: Suitable for AC systems up to 25 kV and DC systems up to 3 kV.
• Performance: Supports train speeds up to 420 km/h; rated short-circuit current 50 kA.
• Compliance: Tested according to IEC 60099-4 (AC) and EN 50526-1 (DC).
• Safety: Fire and smoke tests per DIN EN 17084, DIN EN ISO 5659-2, DIN EN 45545-2; shock and vibration per IEC 61373.
• Applications: High-speed/intercity trains, commuter and regional trains, multi-system locomotives, urban transport and rail electrification.

3EB5 silicone surge arrester with Cage Design™

• Design: Cage Design™ housing with directly molded silicone sheds.
• Voltage: Suitable for AC systems up to 25 kV and DC systems up to 3 kV.
• Performance: Supports train speeds up to 320 km/h; rated short-circuit current 50 kA.
• Compliance: Tested according to IEC 60099-4 (AC) and EN 50526-1 (DC).
• Safety: Fire and smoke tests per DIN EN 17084, DIN EN ISO 5659-2, DIN EN 45545-2; shock and vibration per IEC 61373.
• Applications: Intercity, commuter and regional trains, multi-system locomotives, urban transport and rail electrification.

Rail electrification DC types 3EB2 and 3EB3

• Design: Silicone-housed arresters developed for DC overvoltage protection.
• Classification: 3EB2 = DC-B; 3EB3 = DC-C with higher energy absorption capability.
• Compliance: Tested according to EN 50526-1.
• Safety: Fire and smoke tests per DIN EN 17084, DIN EN ISO 5659-2, DIN EN 45545-2; shock and vibration per IEC 61373.
• Applications: Urban transport and rail electrification (DC systems).

Why choose Siemens Energy railway surge arresters?

• Extensive experience: Over 80 years in surge arrester technology for railways.
• Broad portfolio: Solutions for AC and DC railway systems, with rated voltages in the portfolio up to 45 kV.
• Proven reliability: Engineered for long service life and minimal maintenance requirements.
• Global support: Technical support and advisory services from Siemens Energy experts worldwide.

Additional product information (FAQ highlights)

• What they are: Devices that protect rail systems from transient overvoltages caused by lightning, switching and other disturbances.
• Difference from standard arresters: Designed for railway-specific mechanical, environmental and regulatory demands.
• Selection criteria: Based on system voltage, environmental conditions and application; Siemens Energy offers tailored solutions and consultancy.
• Materials: Typical materials include silicone rubber and FRP for mechanical strength and environmental resistance.
• Harsh-environment suitability: Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity and mechanical stress.
• Quality assurance: Subjected to rigorous testing and compliant with standards such as IEC 60099-4 and EN 50526-1.

Technical specifications

• AC suitability: Up to 25 kV for specific silicone-housed types (portfolio includes solutions up to 45 kV rated voltage).
• DC suitability: Typical DC rating up to 3 kV for silicone-housed types; 3EB2 = DC-B, 3EB3 = DC-C (high energy absorption).
• Rated short-circuit current: 50 kA (specified for 3EB4 and 3EB5).
• Supported train speeds: Up to 420 km/h (3EB4), up to 320 km/h (3EB5).
• Housing materials: FRP, silicone rubber sheds; Cage Design™ with directly molded silicone (3EB5).
• Fire and smoke tests: DIN EN 17084, DIN EN ISO 5659-2, DIN EN 45545-2.
• Mechanical tests: Shock and vibration per IEC 61373.
• Standards compliance: IEC 60099-4 (AC versions), EN 50526-1 (DC versions) and other applicable railway standards.
• Design focus: Certified quality, ease of installation and maintenance, long operating life and customized solutions for specific railway applications.