Top 6 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Railway Computer

When it comes to building a reliable railway system whether it's for onboard control, real-time surveillance, or trackside signaling the computer you choose matters more than you might think. 

Railway environments are tough. They deal with constant vibration, extreme temperatures, power fluctuations, and more. So, how do you know which computer is built to handle all that? 

Before making a decision, here are 6 key questions to ask. These will help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure the system you choose can go the distance — literally. 

Let’s dive in. 
 

❓1. Is It Certified for Railway Use? 

Not every rugged computer is built for the demanding conditions of railway environments. From constant vibration and voltage fluctuations to extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference, railway systems require more than just industrial durability, they require purpose-built certification. 

Here are the key standards to know:

• EN 50155 : A broad railway standard that covers a wide range of criteria including temperature, humidity, vibration, power supply stability, and more. It is typically required for onboard systems like those inside locomotives or carriages.
• EN 50121-3-2 : Focuses on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ensuring that the computer won’t interfere with other systems, nor be affected by EMI in railway environments.
• EN 45545: Relates to fire safety in railway applications, especially important for systems installed inside trains, where materials and components must meet flame retardant and low-smoke emission requirements. 

✅ Tip: 
Don’t just look for the “EN 50155” label, check whether it’s full certification or partial compliance (e.g., only EMC or temperature). Also, consider EN 45545 fire safety compliance, which is increasingly required in Europe and Asia for onboard computers. While full EN 50155 is ideal, many projects only need EN 50121-3-2 or EN 45545 for reliable and certified performance. 

❓2. Can It Handle Harsh Railway Environments? 

Railway systems don’t operate in cozy office settings. They face extreme temperatures, constant vibration, electrical noise, and even moisture or dust especially in outdoor or onboard environments. 

To survive in these conditions, a railway computer must be: 

✅ Tip: 

Choose systems with a wide operating temperature (at least -25°C to 70°C), MIL-STD-810 shock/vibration certification, and IP-rated enclosures for dusty or outdoor use. Also verify passive thermal design fanless systems reduce failure rates significantly in mobile applications.

❓3. Does It Offer the Right I/O and Connectivity? 

Railway applications often involve a variety of connected systems from surveillance cameras and sensors to displays, train control interfaces, and communication gateways. That’s why I/O flexibility is a key factor when choosing your railway computer. 

Here’s what to look for: 

✅ Tip: 
If you're building a surveillance system or control gateway, count your connected devices early. For example, railway NVRs may require 8–16 PoE ports, and legacy signaling systems still depend on isolated serial ports. Modular I/O (like EBIO) gives flexibility without redesign. 

❓4. Is It Built to Withstand Power Instability? 

Power supply in railway systems is rarely perfect. Trains and trackside environments often experience voltage fluctuations, power surges, or sudden outages. A railway computer needs to be prepared for all of it. 

Key features to look for: 

✅ Tip: 
Look for systems with wide DC input, ignition control, and surge protection (tested to EN 50155 power conditions). If your deployment involves frequent startups or unstable power, ignition management can prevent OS corruption and extend SSD lifespan. 

❓5. Can It Be Easily Installed in Railway Environments? 

Space is often tight in railway systems whether inside the driver's cabin, equipment cabinet, or under the seat. A bulky or incompatible computer can become a serious installation headache. 

Here’s what makes installation easier and safer: 

✅ Tip: 

Railway cabinets vary, so select a system that supports both DIN-rail and wall mounting, and comes with lockable M12 connectors. Avoid designs that require rear cabling if cabinet depth is limited  front-access I/O can simplify integration and servicing. 

❓6. How Long-Term and Reliable Is the Solution? 

Railway systems are long-term investments. Once installed, the computers need to run reliably for years — without frequent replacements, compatibility issues, or support gaps. 

Here’s what to consider for long-term reliability: 

✅ Tip: 

Prioritize products with 5–7+ years availability, vendor repair service, and a published MTBF rating over 50,000 hours. Ask vendors for real-world case studies proof of use in similar environments is often more valuable than spec sheets. 

🧩 Wrapping It Up: Make the Right Choice for Your Railway Projects 

Choosing a railway computer isn’t just about checking specs, it’s about understanding what your environment demands and selecting a system that’s truly engineered for it. 

Whether you're deploying onboard NVRs, trackside control units, or signaling gateways, the right IPC must withstand: 

🌡️ Harsh temperatures and vibration 

⚡ Unstable power sources 

🔌 Multiple high-bandwidth connections (PoE, CANBus, Serial) 

🔥 Rail-specific standards like EN 50155 and EN 45545 

Not every application needs full EN 50155 certification, in fact, many successful deployments operate reliably with EN 50121-3-2 (EMC) or EN 45545 (fire safety), depending on the country and project scope. What matters most is aligning certifications, I/O, and mechanical design with your real-world requirements. 

 

🚆 Why the ACO-6000 Series Stands Out 

📩 Need help choosing the right solution? 
Feel free to contact our sales team we're here to help you find the system that fits your environment and requirements best.