Where should trolley wire be positioned in relation to the rail?

Trolley wire positioning is critical for operational safety and efficiency in rail systems. The correct positioning of trolley wire is at least 6 inches outside the track gauge. This distance ensures that the wire is sufficiently away from the rails to prevent contact with moving trains, which could lead to potential accidents or malfunctions. Maintaining this distance also allows for adequate clearance for maintenance personnel and equipment working near the tracks.

Positioning the wire on both sides of the rail could create unnecessary complexity and increase the risk of wire contact with the trains. Keeping it at the center of the gauge could lead to interference with the trains’ operations, as the trains would be more likely to hit the wire if it is improperly positioned. Setting the trolley wire at ground level is impractical and would not allow for effective overhead power transmission. Each of these alternatives fails to provide the necessary clearance and safety that the correct answer ensures.