Stromschiene
Stromschiene is a term used for a current-carrying conductor that supplies electrical power to electric rail vehicles. In many systems, the Stromschiene functions as a third rail (Dritte Schiene), running parallel to or between the running rails and delivering direct current to the vehicle through a contact element such as a shoe or a short pantograph. The conductor is typically made of durable metal, often steel or a copper alloy, and is mounted in insulated supports or casings to protect it from weather and accidental contact.
Stromschienen are common in urban rapid transit and some regional rail networks where overhead lines are undesirable
Maintenance involves inspecting wear on the contact interface, ensuring correct shoe guidance, cleaning contamination, and checking
Compared with overhead catenary systems, Stromschienen offer lower infrastructural complexity in certain alignments but pose different