Transnet in South Africa facing downsizing

[philipmartin]

From Railways Africa: http://www.untu.co.za/news/circulars/un ... a-reality/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[philipmartin]

Here's an article posted by John Ashworth in "Friends of the Rail" which sounds so unlikely. Folks diverting electric current from electrified rail lines. Theft of electricity.
Thank you, John.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ ... s-20170326" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[george matthews]

Here's an article posted by John Ashworth in "Friends of the Rail" which sounds so unlikely. Folks diverting electric current from electrified rail lines. Theft of electricity.
Thank you, John.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ ... s-20170326" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think they have electrified some lines at rather low voltages so that there is less danger. There are a few lines at much higher voltage. They were intended for heavy haulage.

[philipmartin]

I think they have electrified some lines at rather low voltages so that there is less danger.

I wasn't aware of that. I think in terms of the high voltage AC lines where I work. Thank you, George.

[george matthews]

I think they have electrified some lines at rather low voltages so that there is less danger.

I wasn't aware of that. I think in terms of the high voltage AC lines where I work. Thank you, George.

I can't remember the voltages, and I am too lazy to look them up. I think a lot of the electrified lines are 1500v DC, but I am not sure. The high voltage lines are AC the same as they are in Britain. They can really kill quickly.

[johnthefireman]

As far as I can recall the high voltage lines are 25 kV AC and the lower voltage ones are 3 kV DC, but it might be 1.5 kV as George says. The train from Jo'burg to Cape Town changes locomotives twice because of the voltage difference.

[george matthews]

As far as I can recall the high voltage lines are 25 kV AC and the lower voltage ones are 3 kV DC, but it might be 1.5 kV as George says. The train from Jo'burg to Cape Town changes locomotives twice because of the voltage difference.

The high voltage lines were chosen because those lines carry a lot of heavy freight and were electrified later than the others. In fact, as in Europe, 25kv AC is the new standard.