The IEC 63453:2025 standard establishes the criteria for certifying the effectiveness of simulation methodologies and software that evaluate the dynamic interactions between overhead cables and pantographs, a crucial factor in forecasting the efficiency of current collection. The primary objective is to foster trust and consensus in the outcomes of these simulations.

The scope of this standard encompasses the following elements:

Defining the simulation’s input and output variables;
Assessing the alignment of simulation results with real-world line testing data and the specifics of those tests;
Verifying the accuracy of pantograph models;
Examining the capabilities and limitations of various simulation software tools;
Determining the boundaries of applying the validated techniques to the evaluation of pantographs and overhead cables.

IEC 63453:2025 is pertinent to the evaluation of current collection from overhead cables via pantographs installed on rail vehicles. It is not applicable to trolley bus systems.