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Line 1: − The "'''third rail'''" of politics is an issue so potent and one-sided that no politician dares challenge the traditional view. [[Social Security]] and other benefits for [[senior citizens]], who vote in greater proportion to other age groups, represent the classic third rail of politics.+ + + − + + + + + + + + +
Explain railway use first and in greater detail; add categories
A '''third rail''' is the [[railway track|rail]] of a three-rail [[railway electrification|electrified railway]] line separate to the two rails (the running rails) which carry trains, that carries the current to power the trains.
Electric trains on such a system have a "shoe" that contacts the third rail to collect the current, which is returned in the two running rails.
Some [[railway]]s have a fourth rail for the return of the current.
The term comes from the third rail that provides electricity to some railway cars. Touching that third rail is usually fatal.
Voltage in the third rails is typically 600 volts DC, so touching it while earthed usually proves fatal.
The "'''third rail'''" of politics is an issue so potent and one-sided that no politician dares challenge the traditional view.
[[Social Security]] and other benefits for [[senior citizens]], who vote in greater proportion to other age groups, represent the classic third rail of politics.
The term derives from the railway use.
[[category:rail transport]]
[[category:politics]]