SEDL / STP / STP1137-EB / STP19761S

Improved Rail-Fastener Insulation for Stray-Current Control

Galler, D
managing engineersupervising electrical engineer, FaAA Electrical CorporationBay Area Rapid Transit, WestboroughOakland, MACA

Todd, PL
managing engineersupervising electrical engineer, FaAA Electrical CorporationBay Area Rapid Transit, WestboroughOakland, MACA

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1992

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Abstract

In North America, dc powered transit systems use running rails for negative return of traction current. Insulated rail fasteners are used to electrically isolate the rails from earth and structures in order to minimize stray current and the resultant corrosion. The insulating surfaces of the rail fastener can become wet and contaminated in service so that leakage current paths develop. This paper describes the development and testing of improved rail fastener insulation.