Wear test
A contact wire’s lifecycle is determined by the wear it is subject to due to contact with the pantograph. Typically, a contact wire needs replacement every 10 to 20 years depending on the circumstances. Heavily worn contact wires are not only unsafe, they show higher resistance resulting in increased line losses. Testing a desired set-up and realistically simulate a wire’s lifecycle is key to make well-founded decisions on investments in contact wires and specific alloys. A contact wire wear test is designed to measure the real wear of the contact wire and its evolution in a matter of days.
This test is designed for contact wires and their pantograph interface, according to customer specific requirements.