Re: Finally! Grant Approved for Caltrain
Author: mook
Date: 05-22-2017 - 21:28
Despite the fact that there's no real evidence of "radiation" effects from 60hz AC, we got a disclosure when we bought our house that there are high voltage power lines nearby - about 1/4 mile away (duh! look out the upstairs window!). Yes, they buzz and crackle under certain weather conditions. I'd be a little more worried, these days, about the big substations about a mile and 1/2 away being terrorism targets.
Caltrain will use HV AC traction power like all modern mainline electrifications. I wouldn't expect any more "radiation" from it than from the HV lines near me; maybe less, since the current is likely less than in the utility lines so the em field should be less powerful. The vernal pool preserve seems to do fine under the power lines near me, as does the fitness center with a bazillion tennis courts.
Won't stop the crazies from screaming and suing, of course.
As for light rail: practically all electric rail transit (light and heavy) in the US uses DC traction power, between 600-1500V. 750VDC is a popular number for modern light rail, for some reason. 600VDC was almost a standard for streetcars and interurban in times past.