Electrification

Third Rail Systems

Pandrol is a world leader in rail infrastructure for metro applications. With Constellium Group, our combined expertise creates an exciting joint venture: ‘Railtech Alu-Singen (RAS)’. RAS technology sees the aluminium and stainless steel conductor rail made with coextrusion process, creating a long lasting and reliable material that’s a game-changer in the development and manufacture of complete composite conductor rail systems solutions.

This revolutionary method delivers the highest levels of reliability and safety on the market, with no delamination (separation of the combined metals) and – because it works down to 0 mm – no need to monitor the thickness of the stainless steel.

Pandrol’s third rail solutions are specifically designed with consideration of rolling stock, track works, power supply and civil works interfaces in mind, which means they can be adapted to work on all track types. The Pandrol team has extensive across-the-board experience and offers a comprehensive RAS support service, from product engineering and design, through to proof of concept testing, system design, installation supervision and bespoke training.

Downloads

Product Information Sheet

Technical Features

Coextruded rail delivers industry-leading levels of reliability and safety, with an increased lifetime. The highly specialised coextrusion process which ensures there’s a strong, reliable, corrosion-free bond between the aluminium body and the stainless steel strip. The risk of delamination of the stainless steel strip – even if it has been partially worn down – is completely eliminated when the RAS system is used.
Our insulating covers provide the highest possible levels of safety and protection for people working near the track.
We propose integrated track solutions with our Division Fastening Systems. With our track expertise, we are able to anticipate and solve issues proposing the best solution for the product and its interface with its environment.
We have developed a full range of dedicated tools to ensure the third rail installation is as smooth and as cost-effective as possible. Added to this, all of our processes and materials are underpinned by the philosophy that all installation and maintenance activities need to be fast, reliable and safe.
With over 2000 km of our third rail installed across the globe, we’re truly world leaders in the field. Our expert teams have the knowledge, reactivity and flexibility to support you at every stage of your journey – and our unrivalled field experience means we’re always prepared for whatever surprises are thrown up along the way.

Advantages

Working with Pandrol means working with world leaders in third rail technology.
‘Railtech Alu-Singen (RAS)’ system is quick, cost-effective and simple to install and maintain – as well as offering the best lifespan on the market.
The system is configured so that the stainless-steel strip can be fully worn down to 0 mm without any need to check that it’s still working, generating significant cost reductions on maintenance.
The system is capable of offering top, lateral and under-running solutions.
All Pandrol products have been specifically designed with the wider railway environment in mind. Every product and process is tested to meet the highest standards of safety, reliability and lifetime value.
Full training, technical service and support can be provided by our internationally-renowned expert team throughout the installation and commissioning phases.

Electrification

Third Rail Systems

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Solutions

Under running solution

The current collector shoe touches the third rail system from underneath. The third rail system is fully covered by insulating material.
Top running solution

The current collector shoe touches the third rail system from the top. The third rail system is generally covered by insulating material, leaving an access for train's current collector shoes.
Lateral running solution

The current collector shoe touches the third rail system from the side.

Components

Conductor Rail

Coextruded rail combining aluminium & stainless steel
Splice Joints

A pair of aluminium extruded splices (plates) fixed to the web of the conductor rail using a bolting connection
Ramps

Used to evenly engage and disengage the train current collector shoe during transitions
Insulators & Brackets

Manufactured in a glass reinforced polyester, designed to insulate the third rail system and withstand mechanical stresses
Mid Point Anchors

Designed to control the expansions and contractions of the third rail system, caused by temperature variation
Expansion Joints

Designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the third rail system, due to ambient temperature variation and heat rise
Cable Terminals

Fixed to the web of the conductor rail by means a bolting connection
Insulated Joints

Designed to split (insulate) two electrical sections of third rail system
Covers

Fastened to the conductor rail to minimise the risk of electrical shock due to accidental contact with the conductor rail and to provide protection against debris