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Railway Traction Power Supply Systems

Electrified rail depends on traction supply systems that behave very differently from ordinary distribution. This programme introduces the substations, overhead lines and return circuits that power trains, along with the protection and earthing that keep them safe. Delegates gain a working understanding suited to operations, maintenance and planning roles.

What you will be able to do

  • Describe the layout of traction supply from substation to overhead line.
  • Compare direct and alternating current traction arrangements.
  • Explain overhead line and third rail construction and clearances.
  • Outline traction return current paths and stray current control.
  • Identify protection and switching used on traction feeders.
  • Recognise the safety rules that govern work near live traction supply.

Course outline

  1. 01Traction supply overview and voltage systems
  2. 02Traction substation equipment
  3. 03Overhead line and conductor rail construction
  4. 04Return current and stray current management
  5. 05Traction feeder protection
  6. 06Switching and sectioning arrangements
  7. 07Earthing and bonding for traction
  8. 08Safe working near live traction equipment
  9. 09Maintenance and inspection practice

Who should attend

Rail electrical engineers, traction maintenance technicians, project engineers and safety staff involved with electrified railway or transit systems.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Harare3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Kampala3US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026Pretoria3R13,000
14 to 16 Sep 2026Cape Town3R13,000
28 to 30 Sep 2026Online3US$900
5 to 7 Oct 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
12 to 14 Oct 2026Cairo3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Accra3US$1,500
26 to 28 Oct 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Kigali3US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026Durban3R13,000
23 to 25 Nov 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
7 to 9 Dec 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
14 to 16 Dec 2026Dubai3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Lagos3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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