5 requirements for modern luggage storage systems in rail transport

Technical requirements, standards and integration options for modern luggage storage systems in rail vehicle construction.

5 requirements for modern luggage storage systems in rail transport
SBF Spezialleuchten
07/2025

5 requirements for modern luggage storage systems in rail transport

Luggage racks take up much more than just storage space. They structure the passenger compartment, contribute to safety and enable the integration of technical functions. With increasing digitization and design diversity, the requirements for design and implementation are increasing — technically, functionally and normatively. This article shows what is important when it comes to modern system solutions.

1. Tailored integration

The interiors of rail vehicles vary greatly — depending on the model, operator requirement or area of application. Luggage racks must therefore be modularly planned and individually manufactured. The shape always follows the geometry of the vehicle. Length, inclination and connection points are defined with millimetre precision. This is the only way to implement consistent interior concepts — both creatively and technically.

2. Technical interfaces in a system network

Modern luggage racks are not individual components, but functional carriers for other systems. These include:

  • Passenger information systems such as reservation displays or loudspeakers
  • On-board systems such as cameras, sensors, or temperature modules
  • Lighting solutions, for example as a direct, indirect or RGB variant

Interfaces for power supply, installation and maintenance must be considered right from the design stage. The storage unit thus becomes a connecting unit in the digital interior.

Rotierende Darstellung einer Gepäckablage in neutraler Umgebung
3D animation of a luggage rack to illustrate the structure and design

3. Lighting technology with a wide range of variants

The topic of lighting is of particular importance — both for the orientation and sense of safety of passengers. Among other things, the following are possible:

  • direct or indirect LED lighting
  • warm white, neutral white, cold white or tunable RGB
  • integrated reading lights or illuminated glass panes

The decisive factor is that the technology is functionally integrated — without visible cables or compromises in appearance.

Frontal- und perspektivische Darstellung einer Gepäckablage auf weißem Hintergrund
Front and perspective views of the luggage rack — suitable for installation in a rail vehicle

4. Fire protection and rail compatibility

All components used must comply with current railway standards. These include in particular:

  • EN 45545 (fire protection)
  • EN 50155 (electronic systems)
  • EN 50121 (electromagnetic compatibility)
  • EN 61373 (mechanical stress)

The selection of suitable materials and tested mounting and connection solutions form the basis of every approval in vehicle construction.

5. Maintenance, replacement, lifetime

Availability and efficiency count, especially in business. Maintenance-friendly designs with clearly documented interfaces facilitate service and exchange. Decisive for operators: The ability to retrofit or replace components even after years — economically and without adapting the overall structure.

conclusion

Modern luggage racks are technical system carriers with high standards of design, integration and compliance with standards. Those who take these aspects into account at an early stage create solutions with a long lifespan and a high level of acceptance among passengers and operators.

SBF as a development partner

Are you looking for a luggage rack that fits seamlessly into your vehicle concept?
SBF develops and manufactures modular system solutions — tailored to your requirements, in accordance with applicable standards and ready to integrate technical components.

Get in touch now: https://www.sbf-germany.com/kontakt
More information: https://www.sbf-germany.com/downloads

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