Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems: Developing a Prototype for Detection and Mitigation
2025

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Low-level electrical fault currents are a phenomenon found in direct current (DC) traction systems used in public transit systems worldwide. These low-level currents are typically caused by small and sporadic failures of insulation within the electrification system, which makes them difficult to locate, measure, and control. If these faults are left undetected, existing evidence shows extensive damage to infrastructure of transit systems and that of adjacent private/public utilities could result.

TCRP Research Report 259: Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems: Developing a Prototype for Detection and Mitigation, from TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program, develops a prototype system that can detect low-level faults in electrified transit systems powered by third rails.

The report is supplemental to TCRP Research Report 211: Guidebook for Detecting and Mitigating Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems.

Publication information

36 pages · 8.5 x 11 · paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-59935-0
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-59936-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/29246

Suggested citation

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems: Developing a Prototype for Detection and Mitigation. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

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Front Matter i-x
Summary 1-2
1 Background 3-3
2 Research Approach 4-5
3 Findings and Applications 6-7
4 Conclusions and Suggested Research 8-11
References and Bibliography 12-12
Appendix A: Analytical Modeling 13-14
Appendix B: Sensor Design 15-18
Appendix C: Field Testing 19-26

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Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems: Developing a Prototype for Detection and Mitigation (2025)

Chapter: 2 Research Approach

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems: Developing a Prototype for Detection and Mitigation (2025)

Chapter: 2 Research Approach