Electricity

Electricity is always present around the railway. It’s there even when there isn’t train – and it can easily be more dangerous than a train.

25,000 volts

The overhead cables you see around the railway carry 25000 Volts of electricity at all times. This is 100 times stronger than the electricity in your home. Alternating Current (AC) flows through the cables.

AC can change direction frequently and can behave unpredictably.

Current

The third rail on the railway carries 750 Volts of electricity at all times. It is never turned off. This is easily enough to seriously harm you. It is three times stronger than the electricity in your home. Direct Current (DC) flows through the third rail.

DC only flows in one direction and stays constant. DC and AC on the railway are dangerous and treat victims differently.