Contact Rail

Contact rail is a type of electrical conductor used in electric power and distribution systems. It is a long, continuous metal rail that is typically made of copper or aluminum. Contact rails are used to provide a low-resistance path for the flow of electric current in various applications, such as electric railways, tramways, and trolleybus systems.

In electric railways, contact rails are installed along the tracks and are used to supply power to the trains. The trains have a device called a pantograph or a shoe that makes contact with the rail, allowing the electrical current to flow from the rail to the train's electrical system.

Contact rails are also used in tramway and trolleybus systems, where they provide power to the vehicles through a similar contact mechanism. These systems typically have overhead wires or overhead contact lines that are connected to the contact rail, allowing the vehicles to draw power from the rail as they move along the track.

Overall, contact rails play a crucial role in providing a reliable and efficient power supply for electric transportation systems. They ensure a continuous flow of electricity to the vehicles, enabling them to operate smoothly and efficiently.