Wirral Tramway - what voltage?

[GazK]

Can anyone with knowledge of the Wirral Tramway advise what voltage they use? It will be somewhere between 500V and 750V but not sure of the exact number.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Likely to be 600 volts DC, see if I can find a source for this.

 

[GazK]

Likely to be 600 volts DC, see if I can find a source for this.

thanks! its for a mapping project so a source would be great. Nothing found so far by googling.

 

[WatcherZero]

The Wirral Tramway Light Railway Order 1994 (legislation.gov.uk)

550v, same as Blackpool before the upgrade to 600v for modern stock.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

The Wirral Tramway Light Railway Order 1994 (legislation.gov.uk)

550v, same as Blackpool before the upgrade to 600v for modern stock.

Thanks. Was struggling to find an online reference. By the way, when was the change from 550v DC to 600v DC?

 

[WatcherZero]

Blackpool transitioned from 550v to 600v in 2011. The new LRV's commenced revenue operation at the start of the following operating season in April 2012.


550v was too low for the modern motors while 600 wasnt too high as to burnout the motors on the heritage fleet so was the compromise voltage. (Of course the system voltage is a nominal value and may in reality be over or under depending on proximity to substation and how many vehicles are drawing power on that stretch at the same time).

 

[GazK]

The Wirral Tramway Light Railway Order 1994 (legislation.gov.uk)

550v, same as Blackpool before the upgrade to 600v for modern stock.

Thanks!