Explanation of terms - Glossary from A to Z
Contact Strips
A contact strip, or collector shoe, is a part of the pantograph usually made of graphite or aluminum. As the name suggests, it constantly grinds against the overhead contact line and thus transmits the current from the contact wire via the pantograph to the traction unit's main switch.
The choice of soft materials for the collector shoe is essential, otherwise the overhead contact line would be too worn and replacement would be very costly.