Understanding Voltage on Railway Tracks: Facts and Myths

Often, misconceptions surround the operation of railway systems, particularly when it comes to the presence of voltage on railway tracks. Let's debunk some common myths and explore the reality behind the electrical phenomena on railway tracks.

Myths and Facts

Myth: Railway Tracks Always Have Voltage

It is a common misconception that railway tracks always carry voltage. In reality, the presence of voltage on railway tracks can vary based on the type of system in use. Some tracks may not carry any voltage, while others might carry voltage for specific purposes.

Fact: Rails Can Carry Voltage for Critical Safety Reasons

Actually, they do. But not how you may think. The rails carry some voltage with bonds connecting each piece of rail. When there is a break in the rail, these connections ensure that the dispatcher is immediately notified, and they can notify the train crew. This helps to prevent dangerous situations from occurring.

Myth: All Railway Tracks Have a Third Live Rail

Most do not have a third live rail. However, some modern train systems do utilize a third rail or overhead wires, carrying higher voltage for powering the trains.

Fact: Some Trains Use a Grounded Third Rail

No, but some trains do have a third live rail. In many modern train systems, the third rail is used for powering the trains, ensuring they receive the necessary electrical current to operate. It is not supposed to be used for charging phones or other electrical devices.

Myth: Phone Charging Is Impossible on Railway Tracks

Ignoring the dangers. If the rail tracks are the same as shown in the picture, no phone charging would be possible. Both tracks would be grounded, making the voltage potential between them zero volts or nearly zero. If the tracks have a third rail or overhead wires, the voltage would be 600 volts or more, which is too high to charge a phone safely.

Fact: Deliberate Electric Potential on Railway Tracks

Yes, it is possible. I find it curious that the speaker was repeating a Morse code G dash dash dot clearly and distinctly. That was a clear repeating pattern and not random noise. Clearly, the electric potential between the rails was being deliberately induced. This could be for a track circuit, which is used for checking conditions on the rails. However, I am not an expert on railroads and certainly not familiar with the specific railroad in the country where this was filmed, presumably not the US, Canada, Australia, or the UK, since they were not speaking English.

Track Circuit and Safety

A track circuit is an electrical circuit formed by connecting the two rails to create a loop. This loop can be used for various purposes, such as detecting the presence of a train or signaling the dispatcher. When a train passes over a section of track, it breaks the circuit, and the dispatcher is immediately notified of the change. This feature is crucial for safety, helping to prevent accidents caused by broken rails or obstacles on the track.

Conclusion

Understanding the presence of voltage on railway tracks is essential for both safety and operational efficiency. While some tracks carry voltage for safety and operational reasons, others do not. The use of a third rail or overhead wires for powering trains is a modern development that enhances the performance and safety of train operations. The deliberate use of electric potential in railway systems, such as track circuits and Morse code signals, underscores the sophisticated nature of these systems and their importance in rail transportation.

For those interested in learning more about railway systems and their operations, studying the concepts of track circuits, third rails, and overhead wires will provide valuable insights. These systems are critical components of modern transportation infrastructure, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our increasingly interconnected world.