Which term describes the electrified rail that supplies power to rolling stock via a sliding contact shoe?

Which term describes the electrified rail that supplies power to rolling stock via a sliding contact shoe?

• A. Third Rail
• B. Rail Return
• C. Static Wire
• D. Plate Order

Answer: (A)

The energized rail that supplies power to trains through a sliding contact shoe is the third rail. This rail runs alongside or between the running rails and carries the traction current, while the train’s wheels and running rails complete the circuit by acting as the return path. The sliding contact shoe on the train touches the third rail to draw power for propulsion, typically in DC traction systems. This setup is distinct from overhead power systems, which use a pantograph to collect power from an overhead wire. Rail Return describes the return path, usually the running rails, rather than the supply rail itself. Static Wire is used to discharge static electricity or protect against lightning on overhead or other structures, not to power the train. Plate Order is not related to traction power terminology.

The energized rail that supplies power to trains through a sliding contact shoe is the third rail. This rail runs alongside or between the running rails and carries the traction current, while the train’s wheels and running rails complete the circuit by acting as the return path. The sliding contact shoe on the train touches the third rail to draw power for propulsion, typically in DC traction systems. This setup is distinct from overhead power systems, which use a pantograph to collect power from an overhead wire.

Rail Return describes the return path, usually the running rails, rather than the supply rail itself. Static Wire is used to discharge static electricity or protect against lightning on overhead or other structures, not to power the train. Plate Order is not related to traction power terminology.