Train & Infrastructure

Anamet Europe offers different solutions for flexible metal conduits, conduit fittings and cable glands for railway cable protection applications where EN 45545 requirements apply:

• Liquid-tight flexible metal conduits (LFMC): Anaconda Sealtite types HFX-V0, ZHUA and Shieldtite Z1 and Anaconda Multitite: type FCE-PU-V0
• Anaconda Compact cable-hose conduit fittings and Anaconda cable glands: includes a non-flame propagating V0-rated EPDM rubber double layer clamping seal.

In railways, safety means keeping passengers, staff, rolling stock and infrastructure protected during normal operation and in abnormal events such as overheating or fire. Cable routing is a key part of that, because cables often run through confined spaces and critical functional zones. EN 45545 focuses on limiting how materials and installed systems behave in a fire scenario, including how flames spread, how much heat and smoke are produced, and how toxic the smoke is. In practice, this drives requirements for low-smoke, halogen-free material choices, validated fire performance levels for components and fire-resistant system integrity where needed.

Our portfolio supports EN 45545 requirements in two complementary ways:

• Our liquid-tight flexible metal conduits (LFMC) comply with the requirements of EN 45545-2 HL1, HL2, HL3.
• Our Anaconda cable-hose conduit fittings and cable glands portfolio complies with the requirements of EN 45545-3 E30.

The difference between EN 45545-2 and EN 45545-3:

• EN 45545-2: Assesses materials and components in rail vehicles regarding flame propagation, heat release, smoke development and toxicity.
• HL1, HL2, HL3: Hazard Levels within EN 45545-2 depend on application area and risk category. A higher hazard level means stricter requirements.
• EN 45545-3: Specifies fire resistance requirements of barriers and systems for passenger safety in case of fire.
• E10, E15, E30: Integrity levels that indicate how long a system can prevent passage of flames and gases (E10 = 10 minutes, E15 = 15 minutes, E30 = 30 minutes).

Summarized, EN 45545-2 specifies the fire behaviour of materials, whereas EN 45545-3 specifies the fire resistance of systems.

For the jackets of our liquid-tight flexible metal conduits (LFMC), we use a special TPU material with halogen-free and low smoke characteristics. Our Compact Cable Hose Fittings and cable glands are available in Nickel Plated Brass and Stainless Steel AISI 316, both including a double layer clamping seal is made from a non-flame propagating V0-rated EPDM rubber.

Q4.6: What is the main advantage of using Flexible Metal Conduit Systems (FMC) compared with widely used Polyamide Conduit Systems?
A4.6: Anamet flexible metal conduits (FMC) are designed to support reliable railway cable protection in demanding installation areas where vibration, mechanical abuse and long service life are key. The inner core of our FMC is made from Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel AISI 304 or Stainless Steel AISI 316, which provides high mechanical strength and robustness for harsh duty conditions.

Key advantages you gain with LFMC systems:

• Certified fire performance options: Liquid-tight flexible metal conduits (LFMC) available to meet EN 45545-2 HL1, HL2, HL3, and system components available to meet EN 45545-3 E30 where required
• Mechanical resilience: Strong inner core design supports protection against vibration and impact-related wear
• Long service life support: Designed to reduce damage risk and maintenance interventions over time
• Broad application coverage: Suitable for cable protection routing inside, outside, above and below the train, depending on the selected type and installation context

Compared to this, polyamide conduit systems can be a practical choice in protected areas, but they are generally more susceptible to mechanical damage in harsh, exposed or impact-prone zones, which can increase inspection and replacement needs in the long term.

Selecting the right conduit and fitting combination starts with your installation environment and duty cycle. Use this checklist to make a robust choice:

• Installation zone: Interior panels and protected routes vs underfloor, bogie area, roof equipment or other exposed zones
• Mechanical loads: Continuous vibration, repeated flexing points, abrasion risk, stone impact exposure and clamp/support spacing
• Temperature profile: Ambient extremes and local heat sources near traction, braking or power electronics
• Ingress and contamination: Exposure to washdown, dust, splashing fluids, cleaning agents and track debris
• Fire requirement mapping: Identify where EN 45545-2 HL levels apply for materials, and where EN 45545-3 E-level integrity is required for a system barrier approach
• Conduit sizing: Cable bundle OD, fill considerations, bend radius targets and pull-through needs
• Termination details: Interface thread type, enclosure design, strain relief needs and whether an Anaconda Compact Cable Hose Fitting or an Anaconda Compact Cable Gland is the best termination method
• Material choice for fittings/glands: Nickel Plated Brass for robust general use, Stainless Steel AISI 316 where corrosion resistance is a priority