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Fire testing according to DIN EN 45545-4: Successful test with TÜV SÜD Rail for DRAWAG AG
Self-extinguishing waste containers are a crucial component of safety on rail vehicles. Together with TÜV SÜD Rail GmbH, we were able to demonstrate to DRAWAG AG that their design reliably contains any fire that develops. A look at the testing procedure reveals how modern measurement technology and realistic tests provide crucial answers.
Fire tests according to DIN EN 45545-4 at RST
What actually happens if a wastebasket catches fire in a train compartment? Ideally: nothing at all, except that the flame goes out on its own before anything else can happen.
There are strict regulations for this in the railway sector. Wastebaskets, ashtrays, paper towel dispensers, and the like must be designed in such a way that a fire ignited in them cannot spread. Does this actually work? That can’t be determined by hoping for the best, but through fire tests.
Safe travels – even in case of fire
For rail vehicles, DIN EN 45545-4 stipulates that waste containers must be able to extinguish a fire independently.
This can be achieved, for example, by:
- Metal containers or materials with fire resistance of at least E10 according to EN 45545-3:2024 (Table 2)
- self-closing lids
- special fire-extinguishing structures
To ensure everything fits in an emergency, this feature was tested at RST on behalf of DRAWAG AG – together with our long-standing partner TÜV SÜD Rail GmbH.
A look inside the lab: How does such a test work?
For the experiment, the waste containers were filled with realistic samples – 700 g of representative test waste. Yes, even waste can meet standards.
To precisely measure the fire behavior, the following measuring instruments were used:
- 2 Heatflux-Meters (HFM)
→ measure the heat flux transferred to the container wall - 5 Thermocouples (TC)
→ record temperature profiles at different points
Then a defined fire is lit inside the container – and it is observed whether:
- the flame spreads
- the design smothers the fire
- the requirements of the standard are met
The result: successful! The container clearly demonstrated the required self-extinguishing effect.
Why this is important
Fires on trains are among the risks where every second counts. A self-extinguishing waste container can prevent a small fire from developing into a serious hazard.
This ensures a high level of safety – for passengers, staff, and operators.
Rethinking security – together with RST
We’ve got the flames under control – and we’re passionate about new projects. Feel free to contact us.
phone: +49 (0)3302 49982 60
e-mail: brand@rst-labs.de
Learn more about the RST fire laboratory