Why is the 3rd rail electrified?

Third-rail systems are a means of providing electric traction power to trains using an additional rail (called a conductor rail) for the purpose. On most systems, the conductor rail is placed on the sleeper ends outside the running rails, but in some systems a central conductor rail is used.



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Third rail systems are always supplied from direct current electricity. Trains have metal contact blocks ('contact shoes') which make contact with the conductor rail. Conductor rails are mostly steel (a specially conductive type).

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Train campaign. The third rail is probably one of the most difficult dangers to see. It looks just like an ordinary rail, but it carries 750 volts – easily enough to kill you. The DC current that flows through is three times as powerful as your home electricity.

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Electrification is seen as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel or steam power, and is an important part of many countries' transportation infrastructure.

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If you touch the rail, you will “stick” to it. The DC current that flows through it will pull you in and not let go until the emergency services are able to switch the power off. Nearly half of the UK rail network is now electrified – and more than 30 per cent uses a third rail to power the train.

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This is why birds do not die from landing on power lines, and subway rats do not get electrocuted even if they run across the third rail; they are not bridging the energized wire or rail to a grounded part of the structure.

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TIL Rats and birds don't get electrocuted by the third rail because they don't form a grounding connection. This is not some property inherent to rats and birds. This is because when they touch the third rail, they aren't touching anything else.

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Third rail systems are also less vulnerable to weather-related disruptions that affect overhead wires. As the third rail is on the ground it is unaffected by strong winds and less exposed to heavy snowfall.

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The Association of American Railroads opposes electrification due to its high capital costs.

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Railroad tracks are private property, not public trails. It's illegal and dangerous to walk on or near tracks unless you're using a designated crossing.

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The 2004 Sri Lanka tsunami train wreck is the deadliest recorded train disaster in history, claiming the lives of at least 1,700 people. The incident was the result of a devastating tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which caused severe destruction to railway infrastructure.

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Riding the Death Railway After the war, much of the line was repaired and to this day is still used for local passenger services between Bangkok and the end of the line at Nam Tok.

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fourth rail (plural fourth rails) (rail transport) An extra rail in addition to the third rail (live rail) which is used for current return purposes, mainly by London Underground, because of problems caused by using the running rails for current return underground.

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