Contact Wire
The term contact wire is used synonymously with the term overhead contact line. It ensures that the traction unit is supplied with sufficient power by looping on the contact strips. It can have different diameters and shapes. This depends on the amperage to be transmitted, the span between the poles or whether the contact wire is used as a single wire or not.
As a rule, additional suspension ropes are used (catenary). Contact wires are normally made of copper, but are often reinforced by a steel cable inside. In Germany, the height for the contact wire must be at least 4.95 meters and a maximum of 6.50 meters above the top of the rail. The standard height is 5.35 meters, and a distance of 30 cm from non-energized parts must be ensured. Contact wires can carry currents of up to 1400 amperes.