Conductor rails

Conductor rails are usually used for greater distances and capacities. It involves a plastic or aluminium rail accommodating a number of (4 to 7) copper strips mounted along the whole length. Depending on the length of the conductor rail, these strips are connected to the power supply in one or several locations. By means of a so-called power collector carrier with carbon brushes, a mobile construction (i.e. overhead travel crane) can be supplied with power across the entire travel area. Moreover, multiple users with a power collector of their own can be connected to the same conductor rail.

These conductor rails are standard available with an amperage of approx. 200A, at 100% duty cycle. For high capacities, a mono-conductor is often employed turning each terminal into a separate rail.

Such conductor rails are frequently employed in combination with overhead travel cranes. Our customers, who mainly prefer DEMAG cranes, often have different preferences with regard to certain conductor rail makes. Because of that, ELMEC's program includes, amongst others, the makes DEMAG, Wampfler and Vahle. We also stock the parts most used.

Apart from supplying power, conductor rails can also be employed on transferring control signals. In such cases, carbon brushes with a high silver content and double power collectors are used to guarantee good contact, with minimal resistance, between the strips and brushes.