Third Rail Inverter
3rd Rail Transportation Maintenance Inverter From 3KVA to 150KVA
PCTI’s portable third rail inverter is powered directly from the 600VDC third rail to provide clean power for track tools. The unique software capabilities of the digital signal processor (DSP) control allow for universal input. Thus, the inverter can take the typically dirty power within a wide range from 300V to 700VDC and convert it to clean sine wave power capable of powering the most sensitive electronic equipment. The power provided by PCTI’s Third Rail inverter is better than that provided by many power companies.
Standard are a number of protective features that protects maintenance personnel and also protects the inverter from damage caused by a variety of conditions including input polarity reversal. A complete dead front design with no metal parts on the exterior to provide maximum protection to maintenance personnel.
The light weight fiberglass enclosure allows for easy transportation of the inverter. The inverter is the lightest available on the market today: the 3.5KVA inverter weighs only 42 lbs and can power a 4 1/2HP compressor.
The clamps and cables for the third rail portable inverters are optional items sold separately from the inverter. The red clamp is for the positive 600VDC third rail. It connects on the base underneath the rail. The black is attached to the negative return rail.
The inverter can be used to run track tools for moving maintenance or permanent installations such as car signals. The inverter may also be used to power the same when local power goes down.
Standard Inverter Specifications
Inverter ratings range from 3 to 150KVA. All features indicated here are standard unless noted. The dimension and weights below pertain to the 3.5KVA inverter shown above. For specifics on other ratings, Contact PCTI about 3rd rail inverters for more details or right click here to download our 3rd rail inverter brochure 
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| Input | Protection |
| Voltage Range: 300-700VDC | Overvoltage Shutdown with Auto Restart: |
| Current: 15ADC (for input voltage 300VDC) | 750VDC |
| Nominal Voltage: 700VDC | Undervoltage Shutdown with Auto Restart: |
| Transients: 50microseconds at 3000V | 300VDC |
| 50milliseconds at 2000V | Input Reverse Polarity |
| Overtemperature Shutdown (Auto Restart) | |
| Electronic current limiting (Auto Reset) | |
| Output | Output Short Circuit via 40A Circuit Breaker |
| Voltage : 120VAC + 0.5% | Input to Output Transformer Isolation |
| Voltage Regulation: 0.5% (for any line and load combination) | Isolation Voltage: 2500VAC min |
| Frequency: 60Hz + 0.05% | Input MOV |
| Current: 30A RMS continuous | Output MOV |
| Peak Current: 100A (2 sec) | Output Overcurrent (fixed) |
| Starting current: 75ARMS (5 sec) | |
| Response Time: 50mseconds (no load to full load) | Mechanical/Environmental |
| Sine Wave Generation: PWM | Enclosure: Fiberglass (reinforced polycarbonate) |
| THD – Linear Loads: 3% | Nema 3R, totally isolated from any electrical surge. |
| THD – Nonlinear Loads: 4% | Weight: 45 lbs (3.5KVA) |
| Efficiency: greater than 90% at 700VDC input | Inverter Dimensions: 21.25″H x 16″W x 9″D (3.5KVA) |
| Temperature: Operating Ambient: -25°C to 50°C | |
| Front Panel Devices | Storage Ambient: -25°C to 85°C |
| Output Circuit Breaker | Humidity: 0 to 90% no condensation |
| Start Pushbutton | Terminations: Input: Detachable 25 foot lead |
| Stop Pushbutton | Output: Two NEMA 5-15 outlet |
| Power On Indicating Light | Optional Items |
| AC Power Available Indicating Light | A. Detachable 25 foot Input lead |
| B. Rail Clamp (Positive – Red) | |
| C. Return Clamp (Negative – Black) | |
| D. Mobile Package (handle with rubber tires) | |