What is a 4th rail?

fourth rail (plural fourth rails) (rail transport) An extra rail in addition to the third rail

third rail

The third rail of a nation's politics is a metaphor for any issue so controversial that it is "charged" and "untouchable" to the extent that any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically.

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Third rail (politics) - Wikipedia

(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. quotations ▼

How does 4th rail work?

With top-contact third (and fourth) rail a heavy shoe attached to the underside of a wooden beam which in turn is attached to the bogie, collects power by sliding over the top surface of the conductor rail.

Why does the tube have 4 rails?

The four rail system was first used in the early 20th century. The isolated traction current return allowed a train's position to be detected using DC track circuits, and reduced any earth leakage currents that could affect service pipes, telephone cables, or cast iron tunnel liners.

What is meant by a 3rd rail?

Definition of third rail

1 : a metal rail through which electric current is led to the motors of an electric vehicle (such as a subway car) 2 : a controversial issue usually avoided by politicians.

What is the difference between overhead system and third rail system?

offering high efficiency - a 750V dc system offers a power supply transmission efficiency average of 92-94%. As a solid composite rail running along the track, a third rail is more rugged than an overhead contact wire and has a longer life expectancy.

Why does the Underground run on four rails?

What would happen if you touched the third rail?

But if you somehow end up on the tracks, the key is to avoid the third rail, which pumps out 600 volts of electricity. One touch can electrocute you--and potentially kill.

How do you know if you have a third rail?

The third rail is usually located outside the two running rails, but on some systems it is mounted between them. The electricity is transmitted to the train by means of a sliding shoe, which is held in contact with the rail.

What is a third rail romance?

Wikipedia offers this: “The third rail of a nation's politics is a metaphor for any issue so controversial that it is 'charged' and 'untouchable'; any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically. The term is most commonly used in North America.

Can you touch train tracks?

Part of the danger lies in the fact that when people touch the rail, they "stick" to it and the emergency services cannot help until the power is switched off. And the problem is not solved by having overhead power lines instead. In wet weather the electricity can arc through the air and hit people four feet away.

What does dont touch the third rail mean?

A third rail is an issue that politicians and officials don't want to touch because it's too controversial. The idiom refers to the actual third rail used in electric rail systems. The third rail carries a high voltage, so touching it is extremely dangerous. Third rail is originally American.

What's the deepest underground station in London?

The deepest station is Hampstead on the Northern line, which runs down to 58.5 metres. 15. In Central London the deepest station below street level is also the Northern line. It is the DLR concourse at Bank, which is 41.4 metres below.

Are there secret tunnels under London?

It is not a surprise then that there is a truly massive network of forgotten and abandoned tunnels beneath the city. Beneath this mighty city is a subterranean world of ghost Tube stations, disused shelters, and Victorian sewers.

Why are there no tubes in south London?

'The Underground chose to run extensions into the open semi-rural districts to the north instead, where they'd have less competition and sell more tickets,' says Murphy. So the lack of south London tube stations came about because, once upon a time, that side of the river was actually better connected.

Can you lie under a tube train?

So the answer is yes – it is possible to survive lying under the oncoming train, but it is very unlikely that you could survive that without a major injury. It is a good idea to stay away from railroad tracks. Just by hanging around such places you are putting yourself in danger.

Do trains run on AC or DC?

Railway electrification systems using alternating current (AC) at 25 kilovolts (kV) are used worldwide, especially for high-speed rail.

Is the East Coast main line electrified?

The East Coast Main Line (ECML) is a 393-mile long (632 km) electrified railway between London and Edinburgh via Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Darlington, Durham and Newcastle. The line is a key transport artery on the eastern side of Great Britain running broadly parallel to the A1 road.

Why are rocks used on train tracks?

The crushed stones around train tracks are what is known as ballast. Their purpose is to hold the wooden cross ties in place, which in turn hold the rails in place.

Why do train tracks not electrocute birds?

Because both of the bird's feet are on the wire no electricity flows through it. There is no circuit, its two feet are at the same electric potential, and electricity travels along the wire instead of through the bird, so the bird doesn't get shocked.

Is it illegal to walk next to train tracks?

It is illegal to access private railroad property anywhere other than a designated pedestrian or roadway crossing. Trespassers are most often pedestrians who walk across or along railroad tracks as a shortcut to another destination.

What is contact rail?

In third rail electric systems, the third rail (also called a contact rail) is a power conductor that transmits energy to the train, providing traction power for propulsion. Third rail is usually located on the outside (and running parallel to) the two running rails.

Which rail is live UK?

When we talk about the third rail, we mean the live rail which provides electric power to a train through a conductor placed alongside the rails. Nearly half of the UK rail network is now electrified – and more than 30 percent uses a third rail to power the train.

Can trains run on flooded tracks?

Depending upon the severity of the flood, you may need to cease the train's service immediately to protect the train, the rails, and the passengers aboard. Severe flooding on the tracks will require your train to cease service immediately, especially in cases where the water rises above the rails.