My brother says that it is possible to be electrocuted from jumping onto railroad tracks, as the power sources comes from a "third rail" sometimes. Is this even true?
by 
buffalosabres23
ANSWERS: 7
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as far as I know, it's BS. Maybe try it and and come back online and let us know what happens.
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Yes, the third rail has a constant stream of live electricity running to it. Touching it can electrocute you, and though some have survived the ordeal it's just not a good idea to go touching it.
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Only if there's a "third rail"! Why, did he try it?
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Yes, it is true for subways and other ELECTRICAL trains. That third rail has very high voltage and can fry you. Regular train tracks do not have a third rail, those trains run on diesel fuel.
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Not just any old railroad, but most often only those found on public transit like subways or light rail.
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As long as you don't touch the 3rd rail, you won't be electrocuted. But you could be hit by a train, which may be similarly comical.
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We run a 4th rail system in London. I can quite informatively tell you that you can walk along the possitive (440v) or negative (220v) rail quite safely (I've done it). The only thing you must never, ever do is touch anything not attached to the rail or lose your balance and earth yourself. 660V DC is enough to fry you internally. It is not a very pleasant way of dying. As a footnote-ALL rails are elctrified. It's not a good idea to fool around with them if you don't know what your doing. Death is pretty permanent usually!
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