IRS 50 558 railway connectors

IRS 50 558

In brief. The IRS 50558 connector links train Ethernet and control signals between coaches. Our IT version combines an 8-pole Ethernet module (Cat 7, Class F, 10 Gbit/s) with 16 signal contacts of 1.6 mm. 110 V, IP 67 mated, 10,000 mating cycles, −50 °C to +120 °C. We supply the original part or a Form-Fit-Function alternative, with a reply within 48 working hours.

Below: what changes compared with UIC leaflet 558, our data version and what we need to quote.

Key features:

High performance: Cat 7 data transmission (10 Gbps) and control signals.
Durability: Cast aluminium and reinforced thermoplastic housing.
Water resistance: IP 66 (closed base) and IP 55 (mated).
Versatility: Available in IT version (24-pin) or standard audio version (13/18-pin)

Request a quote for an IRS 50 558 connector

What is an IRS 50 558 connector used for?

It links, from one vehicle to the next, the remote control and data line of a passenger train, which can now carry Ethernet. According to the UIC, IRS 50558 (International Railway Solution) covers traction, remote driving, diagnostics and passenger functions. It leaves room for future uses. An IRS is a voluntary document, drawn up by consensus; the UIC is gradually replacing its leaflets with IRSs. This one succeeds UIC leaflet 558.

What changes between UIC 558 and IRS 50558?

The standard changes more than the connector. IRS 50558 carries over all the requirements of leaflet 558 and adds Ethernet; 13- and 18-contact connectors remain covered. Harting accordingly cites both designations, UIC 50558 and IRS 50558, for its 18-contact plug kit.

Comparison point	UIC leaflet 558	IRS 50558
Title	Remote control and data cable – standard technical characteristics for the equipment of RIC coaches	Railway applications – rolling stock – interfaces of the remote control and data line – technical characteristics
Status	Replaced	Current, 2nd edition of 1 November 2022 (68 pages)
Transmission	Parallel and serial, baseband and modulated signals, TCN bus (IEC 61375)	Same requirements, plus the train Ethernet bus
Train configurations	—	Full specification of train configurations and vehicle arrangement (new)
Standard connectors	13 and 18 contacts	13 and 18 contacts, IT version with Ethernet module
Reason for the revision	—	Some twenty years of operating experience and the arrival of train Ethernet

In practice, "UIC 558" on an old parts list and "IRS 50558" in a recent specification often refer to the same family. What sets them apart is the variant: signals only, or signals plus Ethernet. In our range, the 13-contact version falls under UIC leaflet 568, the 18-contact version under UIC leaflet 558, and the IT version under IRS 50558.

How does the connector carry Ethernet between coaches?

It incorporates a shielded module dedicated to twisted pairs, alongside the signal contacts. At Schaltbau, whose UIC-IT connector is declared compliant with IRS 50558, a single connector can establish up to two Cat 7 links. The associated cable has four individually shielded pairs under an overall screen. At the rear of the train, the plug of the last coach is stowed in a dummy socket. Our version follows the same logic: an 8-pole Ethernet module and 16 signal contacts in the same housing.

What are the specifications of the IRS 50 558 connector?

Values for the Explorea solution, IT version.

Specification	Value
Base housing	Painted aluminium
Plug	Composite, removable insert; breakaway system
Arrangement	8-pole Ethernet module (Cat 7, Class F) + 16 signal contacts Ø 1.6 mm
Data rate	10 Gbit/s
Cable	Cited and defined in leaflet IRS 50568
Rated and operating voltage	110 V
Cable entry	M32 thread
Durability	10,000 mating cycles
Vibration	2 g from 10 to 100 Hz (NF F 60-002)
Shock	30 g, 18 ms, half-sine (NF C 20-727)
Operating temperature	−50 °C to +120 °C
Salt spray resistance	500 h
Ingress protection	IP 67 mated
Fire and smoke	EN 45545-2

Manufacturer benchmark: Schaltbau states −40 °C to +90 °C for the materials of its UIC-IT. That is narrower than our range. One more reason to start from the original part number.

Which standards and qualifications apply?

Standard	Scope
IRS 50558, 2nd edition (2022)	Interfaces of the remote control and data line
IEC 61375	Train communication network (TCN)
EN 45545-2	Fire protection: fire and smoke requirements for materials, mandatory for every component fitted to a train
NF F 60-002	Vibration testing (French standard)
NF C 20-727	Shock testing (French standard)

Your IRS 50 558 connector cannot be found: what do we do?

We first look for the original part in the dormant stock held across our network in Europe and Asia. The original connectors we come across most often are made by Schaltbau, ERA Contact and Harting. Failing that, we reverse-engineer a Form-Fit-Function alternative that reproduces the envelope, pin-out, data module shielding and breakaway function. On an Ethernet link, geometry is not enough: shielding continuity determines transmission quality.

To quote, send us:

the original part number and manufacturer, read from the part or the parts list;
a photo of the contact face, the data module and the marking;
the cable part number (category, number of pairs);
a drawing or an extract from the parts list, if you have one;
the quantity and the rolling stock concerned.

All you have is an engraved number? Run a search by part number.

Frequently asked questions about the IRS 50 558 connector

Are IRS 50558 and IRS 50 558 the same standard?

Yes. The UIC writes IRS 50558, as a single block; the space is just a reading habit. The same document also appears as UIC 50558 in some standards catalogues. In a specification, all three spellings refer to the 2nd edition of 1 November 2022.

Does a UIC 558 connector comply with IRS 50558?

Often, yes, since the IRS carries over all the requirements of leaflet 558. Harting cites both designations for its 18-contact kit. What changes is the addition of Ethernet: if your rolling stock requires a data link, you need the IT version with module. Our UIC 558 page describes the 13- and 18-contact versions.

Which cable for the Ethernet version?

A Category 7 cable, cited and defined in leaflet IRS 50568. For its UIC-IT connector, Schaltbau describes a cable with four individually shielded twisted pairs under an overall screen. The outside diameter must also suit the M32 entry of our plug. Send us the part number of the cable in service with your request.

Do you offer the 24-pole version and the audio version?

Yes. The IT version has 24 poles: an 8-pole Ethernet module and 16 signal contacts; this is the IRS 50558 version, presented here. The 13- and 18-contact audio versions fall under UIC leaflets 568 and 558 and appear on our UIC 558 page. Tell us which variant is fitted to your rolling stock.