IEEE 1896-2016

This standard defines the general parameters for marking contact wires in OCSs used for electric railway and transit systems. The standard allows for the identification of various contact wires by composition and conductivity as well as by the operating agency using the wire. This standard is intended to provide a method for determining the type of contact wire with regard to the chemical makeup and electrical conductivity. The standard is not meant to replace any other marking and identification system used for contact wire presently being used but instead presents an alternative method of contact wire identification that is concise and easy to interpret.

This standard provides guidance to manufacturers of contact wire for placing identification markings that identify the contact wire alloys with various conductivities. This will aid users of the wire to properly identify the type and conductivity in use on the line and on reels for proper application into the OCS. The identification of an agency's ownership on the contact wire will help in the deterrence of theft and aid in recovery by law-enforcement personnel. This standard considers maintenance applications by operating agencies. This standard does not preclude the marking of other types of electrical conductors.

New IEEE Standard - Active. Parameters to be used in the identification of contact wires used in transit systems and electric railways and railroads are defined. The identification of contact wire by metallurgical content, electrical conductivity, and agency ownership is the intended use of this standard. This standard is not intended to replace or supersede existing identification standards using grooving but rather to simplify identification methods.