Crescent ATN & TCL
OBS Chief
I'm currently an ELectrical Engineering student and I can't find an answer to this one anywhere.
What is the return path for current in Amtrak's ELectric locomotives?
In resdidental/commercial/industrial wiring current always returns to the service entrance of the system. Then depending on the system in place its either grounded or connected back to the transformer or transmission lines.
The only two scenarios I can find for rail is grounding the return current to the rail or returning it to the catenary through a separate neutral conductor on the pantograph. If it returns through the rails it could cause signal and crossing gate issues along with a risk of shock to anyone on or near the rail when a locomotive is operating.
What is the return path for current in Amtrak's ELectric locomotives?
In resdidental/commercial/industrial wiring current always returns to the service entrance of the system. Then depending on the system in place its either grounded or connected back to the transformer or transmission lines.
The only two scenarios I can find for rail is grounding the return current to the rail or returning it to the catenary through a separate neutral conductor on the pantograph. If it returns through the rails it could cause signal and crossing gate issues along with a risk of shock to anyone on or near the rail when a locomotive is operating.