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Re: Gold Line sure sucks........except with the record number of new riders?
Author: fkrock
Date: 03-22-2016 - 09:46
600 volts DC is a practical limit for K-type streetcar controllers. A few were built to work on 1200 volts DC but they were large trouble making monsters. Seashore Museum has several. Turning the handle almost took two hands. Going to underfloor controllers like Westinghouse HL or GM M was more expensive than using K-type platform controllers. So with a large number of existing 600 volt cars and substations, changing voltage would have made old equipment obsolete and cost more money
Even when a new light rail system is built today where no old equipment exists, using existing 600 volt technology from Europe or Japan is cheaper than building new designs.
Most old 600 volt equipment will tolerate 750 volts DC. In a few cases steel plate was installed under the floor to protect the wooden car frame and floor from the higher voltage underneath. San Jose CA is one example.
Even when a new light rail system is built today where no old equipment exists, using existing 600 volt technology from Europe or Japan is cheaper than building new designs.
Most old 600 volt equipment will tolerate 750 volts DC. In a few cases steel plate was installed under the floor to protect the wooden car frame and floor from the higher voltage underneath. San Jose CA is one example.
