The general characteristics of pantographs that enable current collection from an overhead contact system on light rail and heavy rail transit systems are described. Definitions pertinent to pantographs, including general definitions, specific pantograph terminology, pantograph components, pantograph dimensions, and operating characteristics are contained in the standard. The operating requirements that need to be defined by the purchaser of pantographs are stated. In addition, standard dimensions for the collector head and contact strip, various pantograph mechanical and operational requirements, environmental conditions, and maintainability and documentation requirements are specified. Various testing methodologies and requirements are also included.

This standard provides minimum acceptable performance requirements for overhead current collectors used for light rail vehicles, heavy rail vehicles and trolley bus vehicles. Specific areas to be addressed include oscillation of collectors, arcing and electrical transients, all weather operation, the wire/collector interface, and dewirement and entanglement hazards.

The purpose of this standard is to develop performance requirements for overhead current collectors on transit vehicles to control hazards, improve performance and reliability, and reduce life cycle cost.