The trains have metal contact blocks called collector shoes (also known as contact shoes or pickup shoes) which make contact with the conductor rail. The conductor rail is supported on ceramic insulators (known as 'pots'), at top contact or insulated brackets, at bottom contact, typically at intervals of around 10 feet (3.0 m). 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. Third-rail systems are a means of providing electric traction power to trains using an additional rail (called a 'conductor rail') for the purpose. The third-rail system of electrification is not related to the third rail used in dual-gauge railways. Modern tram systems, street-running, avoid the risk of electrocution by the exposed electric rail by implementing a segmented ground-level power supply, where each segment is electrified only while covered by a vehicle which is using its power. Third-rail systems are usually supplied from direct current electricity. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost fully segregated from the outside environment. In the foreground is the third rail for the adjacent track.Ī third rail, also known as a live rail, electric rail or conductor rail, is a method of providing electric power to a railway locomotive or train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. The contact shoe of a New York City Subway car making contact with the third rail. The Class 442 is the current record holder for the fastest speed attained by a third-rail train, at 175 km/h (109 mph), a record it has held since 11 April 1988.

JSTOR ( June 2021) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ī British Rail Class 442 third-rail electric multiple unit in Battersea.

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