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* ] line, also known as the ] Line, closed in 1981 * ] line. Known as the ], the line was closed east of Hadfield in 1981 and the remaining section was converted to 25 kV AC in December 1984.
* ] (Great Eastern Main Line) - converted to 25 kV AC, initially with some sections at 6.25 kV * ] (Great Eastern Main Line) - converted to 25 kV AC, initially with some sections at 6.25 kV
* ] - over former Tyneside electrics * ] - largely over the "Tyneside electrics" routes which had been electrified using a third rail until the 1960s.
* ] - ] line (closed in the 1930s) * ] - ] line (closed in the 1930s).


==3500 V DC Overhead== ==3500 V DC Overhead==

Revision as of 10:05, 15 September 2006

40% (3,062 miles / 4,928 km) of the British rail network is electrified and 60% of all rail journeys are by electric traction (both by locomotives and Multiple Units).

650 to 850 V DC Third rail

An example of third rail

630 V DC Fourth Rail

The Tube's 4th rail system

The Watford DC Line between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone is peculiar in that it is used by both Silverlink Metro trains, designed for 750V third rail, and Bakerloo Line trains designed for 630V third and fourth rail. Consequently the voltage is set at a suitable compromise value around 690V nominal, and the centre rail is at the same potential as the return running rail, whereas in normal London Underground usage the traction supply floats with the centre rail at nominally -230V and the outer rail at nominally +420V. giving 630V overall.

1200 V DC Side Contact rail

  • Manchester Victoria - Bury and (this system was abandoned when the line was converted to become part of the Manchester Metrolink)

1500 V DC Overhead

Tyne & Wear Metro is the only current 1500 V DC system in the UK
  • Manchester-Sheffield-Wath line. Known as the Woodhead Route, the line was closed east of Hadfield in 1981 and the remaining section was converted to 25 kV AC in December 1984.
  • Shenfield Metro (Great Eastern Main Line) - converted to 25 kV AC, initially with some sections at 6.25 kV
  • Tyne and Wear Metro - largely over the "Tyneside electrics" routes which had been electrified using a third rail until the 1960s.
  • Newport - Shildon line (closed in the 1930s).

3500 V DC Overhead

  • Holcombe Brook Branch
  • Manchester Victoria - Bury (to Third Rail in 1918)

6600 V (6.6 kV) AC Overhead @25 Hz

6250 V (6.25 kV) AC Overhead @50 Hz

During the initial electrification of parts of the network to 25 kV AC overhead the initial solution to the limited clearance problems in suburban areas (due to numerous tunnels and bridges) - notably London and Glasgow - was to use the lower voltage of 6.25 kV AC Overhead. Latter technological improvements allowed these area to be converted to 25 kV AC Overhead.

25000 (25 kV) AC Overhead @50 Hz

The West Coast Main Line is electrified at 25 kV AC Overhead

See also

External links

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