Model 591, PL42 Locomotive 74 VDC Battery Charger

Model 591, PL42 Locomotive 74 VDC Battery Charger
PL42 Locomotive 74 VDC Battery Charger
A high-efficiency, rail-grade battery charger engineered for the PL42 locomotive platform. Designed for reliability in demanding environments, it delivers up to 20 A at 74 VDC with precise voltage regulation, built-in overload protection, and compliance with EN 50155 standards for shock, vibration, and EMI performance.
To request a quote, please create an account
The PL42 Locomotive 74 VDC Battery Charger is a rugged, high-performance charging system engineered specifically for locomotive applications requiring stable, dependable DC power. Designed to operate from a 480 Vac single-phase supply, the charger delivers a regulated output voltage range of 66–82.8 VDC, with a float setting of 82.8 V ±1%. It provides 20 A of continuous output current, producing 1500 W of clean, stable power with an output ripple of just 2%.
Built for operational reliability, the charger features self-protecting overload and short-circuit behavior, a 40 A DC output breaker, and safeguards including over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature protection (activating between 105–130 °C). The system achieves 85% efficiency, a 0.7 power factor, and maintains a tight 2% line regulation across the full input voltage range. A dedicated 5 V / 5 W bias supply is included for auxiliary electronics.
Engineered for the rail industry, the unit meets key compliance standards: EN 61000-4-5 surge immunity, EN 55022 Class A EMI, and EN 50155 shock and vibration for rolling stock equipment. With its durable construction and precise electrical performance, the PL42 74 VDC Battery Charger is built to ensure long-term reliability and stable battery management for locomotive systems.
Electrical Specifications
| Input Specifications | |
| Input Voltage | PCB Assembly: 220 Vac nominal |
| Battery Charger: 480 Vac | |
| Input Current | Battery Charger: 3.7 A nominal |
| Efficiency | Battery Charger: 85% |
| Input Power Factor | Battery Charger: 0.7 |
| Input Power | Battery Charger 1765 W |
| AC Input | Single Phase AC input |
| Input Frequency | 60 Hz ± 3 Hz |
| Output Specifications | |
| Output Voltage | Float Level: 82.8V ± 1% |
| Output Voltage Range | 66-82.8 Vdc |
| Line Regulation | 2% from min to max input voltage |
| Temperature Coefficient of Output Voltage | 0.01% / °C max |
| Output Current | 20 A |
| Output Power | 1500 W |
| Output Overload | The unit will protect itself in the event of an output overload or continuous short circuit on the output. |
| Output Ripple | 2% |
| Bias Power | 5 V at 5 Watts |
| Protection / Features | |
| Output Over-Voltage | 30-35 V |
| Output Over-Current | 26-35 A |
| Power Module Over-Temperature | 105-130 °C baseplate |
| DC Output Breaker | Battery Charger: 40 A |
Compliance Standards
| Surge Immunity | EN 61000-4-5 |
| Input EMI Conducted / Radiated | EN 55022 Class A |
| Shock & Vibration | EN 50155 Rolling Equipment |









