At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is a Hot Rail?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
In the railroading community in the United States, the term "hot rail" is used in two different ways. In both cases, the term is used to convey a sense of immediate danger so that people are aware of a situation which may be unsafe. A hot rail may refer to a track about to be in use, or an electrified rail. When people are warned away from a hot rail, they should comply, as they could be at risk of serious injury or death.
In the first sense, a hot rail is a length of track which is about to be in use by a train or maintenance vehicle. Especially in switching yards, people may refer to hot rails frequently as trains are moved around, usually using a track number to alert people as to which rail in the yard is about to go hot. This is designed to allow people to time to move away so that a train can pass. In rare cases where a train is actively using a section of track and someone shouts out a hot rail warning, it gives the train crew time to issue a warning in return to ask the other train to wait so that they can clear the track.
While trains are famous for being very noisy and they tend to cause agitation in the tracks as they approach which can alert people to an oncoming train, sometimes a train can sneak up on people. This is why hot rail warnings are important. Especially since many workers in train yards wear ear protection so that their hearing is not damaged by their loud working environment, it is critical that people near the tracks be alerted both verbally and visually when a train is on the approach so that they have time to avoid it.
The other type of hot rail is an electrified rail which is used to deliver power to trains. Many subway and metro systems power their trains with a hot rail in this fashion. Such rails are very dangerous to touch and are usually shielded to reduce the risk of injury. They are said to be "hot" in the sense of "live with electricity," a slang term which is also used in other settings related to electricity in the United States.
Usually signage indicates the presence of a third rail and warns people away. Such signs are often graphic in addition to textual so that people do not need to be able to read the sign to understand that there is a danger in the area.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![The term "hot rail" may refer to a stretch of railroad track that is dangerous for pedestrians or vehicles because it is in current use.]()
By: ftfoxfotoThe term "hot rail" may refer to a stretch of railroad track that is dangerous for pedestrians or vehicles because it is in current use. -
![Many subway systems use an electrified rail to power the train cars.]()
By: Moreno NovelloMany subway systems use an electrified rail to power the train cars.
Discussion Comments
@Renegade - This may be true, but I think there is certainly a risk that must be considered before choosing to touch upon such "hot rail" topics. One risks being seen either a "brave hero" or simply a blowhard idiot. This is where the key ideal of "choosing your battles wisely" comes into play.
@FitzMaurice - Maybe politicians simply use this term to put an issue aside after it has been won by a certain party. It would make sense as a subterfuge for underhanded political maneuvers. It takes a brave soul to venture onto a political third rail.
Another term for this "hot rail" is "third rail." The third rail is visible in most subways and is electrically charged with enough volts to be deadly. The term "third rail" is also used metaphorically in politics to refer to a topic which should not even be touched for its controversial potential. Recently I touched upon a "third rail" topic with my extended family (despite being warned that it was hot) concerning a closed issue. What ensued was a long argument. "Third rail" warning should really be heeded.
Post your comments