Classification of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU)

Classification of EMU

  • An Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) is nothing but a multiple unit train which consists of self – propelled carriages and uses electricity as the motive power.
  • It requires no separate locomotive , as electric traction motors are included within one or more numbers of the carriages.
  • Most of these EMUs are used for passenger trains. They are mostly popular in suburbs due to their fast acceleration and pollution free operation.
  • The EMUs are mostly classified based on their functions, they are as follows:
  1. Power Car : It carries the necessary equipment to draw power from the electrified structures such as pick up shoes for third rail systems and Pantographs of overhead systems and transformers.
  2. Motor Car : It carry the traction motor to move the train and are often combined with the power car in order to avoid high voltage inter – car connections.
  3. Driving Car : It is similar to Cab Car. It contains a driver’s cab for controlling the train. An EMU will have two driving cars at its outer ends.
  4. Trailer Car : They are any cars that carry little or no traction or power related equipment’s and are similar to passenger car in a locomotive hauled train .

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