Cable Forum - View Single Post - Great Western line to be electrified

**Chris** · 24-07-2009, 20:56

Correct, it's due to insufficient power. Overhead lines deliver 25KV, whereas in the UK third-rail systems are limited to 750V. Much more than that and there's a risk of arcing between the third rail and the nearest running rail. But 750V is nowhere near enough for an express train running at full speed.

24-07-2009, 20:56	#7
Chris Trollsplatter Cable Forum Team Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North of Watford Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests Posts: 38,604	Re: Great Western line to be electrified - at last! Correct, it's due to insufficient power. Overhead lines deliver 25KV, whereas in the UK third-rail systems are limited to 750V. Much more than that and there's a risk of arcing between the third rail and the nearest running rail. But 750V is nowhere near enough for an express train running at full speed.