Current collector

Those for overhead wires are roof-mounted devices, those for rails are mounted on the bogies.

Typically, electric current connectors have one or more spring-loaded arms that press a collector or contact shoe against the rail or overhead wire.

The current collector arms are electrically conductive but mounted insulated on the vehicle's roof, side or base.

An insulated cable connects the collector with the switch, transformer or motor.

The contact rails are mounted out of the reach of people working in the area to prevent an electric shock hazard.

The side running contact shoe is used against the guide bars on rubber-tired metros.

Contact shoes may also be used on overhead conductor rails, on guide bars or on trolley wires in the case of trams or trolleybuses.