Motors have very little room for electrical insulation so they generally have low voltage ratings. Because transformers (prior to the development of power electronics) cannot step down DC voltages, trains were supplied with a relatively low DC voltage that the motors can use directly. The most common DC voltages are listed in the previous section. Third (and fourth) rail systems almost always use voltages below 1 kV for safety reasons while overhead wires usually use higher voltages for efficiency. ("Low" voltage is relative; even 600 V can be instantly lethal when touched.) COUNT 5
QSN1 Why do motors have little space for insulation? ANS1 low voltage ratings QSN2 Why 1kV voltage is almost always used by rail systems? ANS2 safety reasons QSN3 What is most common volatage range used by railway system? ANS3 below 1 kV QSN4 Which system uses higher voltages? ANS4 overhead wires QSN5 Is "low" voltage used by trains safe for people? ANS5 lethal