What is a Third Rail?
A third rail is an electric rail installed in subway and some light rail systems to provide power to electric trains. Many subway systems use third rails because they are cheap to install and they run relatively efficiently, although there are safety problems associated with them. Many consumers who use subway systems are familiar with the dangers of the third rail, since they are usually clearly marked. These well publicized dangers have led to the use of “third rail” as a slang term, in reference to a political issue which is so charged that it is essentially untouchable. Early subway systems used combustion to power their trains. This generated a great deal of pollution, making the air difficult and unpleasant to breathe. Many switched to electricity as soon as it became available, because it was so much cleaner. There are a number of ways to provide electricity to am electric railway, including using overhead wires and installing a third rail. The third rail lies on the ground, nex
A third rail is an electric rail installed in subway and some light rail systems to provide power to electric trains. Many subway systems use third rails because they are cheap to install and they run relatively efficiently, although there are safety problems associated with them. Many consumers who use subway systems are familiar with the dangers of the third rail, since they are usually clearly marked. These well publicized dangers have led to the use of “third rail†as a slang term, in reference to a political issue which is so charged that it is essentially untouchable. Early subway systems used combustion to power their trains. This generated a great deal of pollution, making the air difficult and unpleasant to breathe. Many switched to electricity as soon as it became available, because it was so much cleaner. There are a number of ways to provide electricity to am electric railway, including using overhead wires and installing a third rail. The third rail lies on the ground,
A third rail is an electric rail installed in subway and some light rail systems to provide power to electric trains. Many subway systems use third rails because they are cheap to install and they run relatively efficiently, although there are safety problems associated with them. Many consumers who use subway systems are familiar with the dangers of the third rail, since they are usually clearly marked. These well publicized dangers have led to the use of “third rail?as a slang term, in reference to a political issue which is so charged that it is essentially untouchable. Early subway systems used combustion to power their trains. This generated a great deal of pollution, making the air difficult and unpleasant to breathe. Many switched to electricity as soon as it became available, because it was so much cleaner. There are a number of ways to provide electricity to am electric railway, including using overhead wires and installing a third rail. The third rail lies on the ground, next
