Copperhead Conductor System
The "VAHLE rail" was invented in 1912 by the engineer, Paul Vahle. For typical traveling wires at this time, the flexibility and expansion of the wire frequently led to problems in forming a contact and to considerable spark generation, but also to breaks in the wire. Paul Vahle drew a copper profiled section onto a T-shaped steel section and thus achieved greater strength and a reliable contact, so that the transmission resistance between the copper conductor and the carbon brush of the current collector was reduced significantly. In this way, stops in operation and a long service life of the power supply were achieved. Conductor rail systems are a safe source of power for current capacities up to 3000 A for many power loads that are predominantly subjected to rough operation, e.g., traveling cranes, loading bridges, container handling equipment, monorail systems, coking machinery, electric hoists, etc.
VAHLE constantly improves and develops the various conductor rail systems. In the course of over 90 years of product development, the following systems have been created:
- VAHLE Powerails with a T-shaped steel profile and drawn copper-head are the proven and fully developed "classic" rail type.
- Copper-head aluminum rails are especially economical due to their light weight with high conductivity.
- Copper-head synthetic-material rails are preferably used for applications in corrosive atmospheres and in locations with high humidity.
- Solid-copper rails are recommended for high current capacities and for use in humid locations.
Special features
- Variation in temperature and resulting expansion and contraction is compensated by standard expansion joints.
- Conductor rails can be delivered already bent.
- Heating systems are available for all conductor rails.
- Special conductors for up to 3000 A current capacity are availble on request.
| Profile | Type | Material of the carrier profile | Cross section of copper head [mm2] | Max. current intensity [A] Continuous operation / 35° C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
L20 | Steel | 14-1000 | 220-444 |
| A20 | Aluminum | 14 | 445 | |
 |
F35 | Steel | 30 - 200 | 320 - 724 |
| A35 | Aluminum | 30 - 100 | 600 - 795 | |
 |
F45 | Steel | 50 - 600 | 495 - 1432 |
| A45 | Aluminum | 50 - 400 | 790 - 1451 | |
 |
C20 | Solid copper | 200 | 720 |
| C35 | Solid copper | 400 | 1080 | |
| C45 | Solid copper | 500-800 | 1240-1580 | |
| C60 | Solid copper | 1200 | 2360 |
Accessories for VAHLE conductor rails
- Expansion and fixed joints
- Retaining and connecting clamps
- Rail holders and rail supports
- Insulators for high and low voltage
- Current collectors