Diamond Pantograph:
Construction of Diamond Pantograph: 1)Diamond Pantograph consist of pressed steel channel sectional fitted with renewable collector strips and supported at the apex of Pentagonal tubular frame work as shown in above figure. 2) Collector strips are forced against the contact wire by upward action pantograph springs. 3) These strips slide along the bare metal of the contact wire as the train moves. 4) The collector strip material and the contact pressure are such as to ensure the minimum wear of the contact wire. 5) Metalized carbon strips are used for high current collecting capacity and to avoid use of lubricant. 6) Diamond Pantograph may be raised or lowered from cabin by following methods. a) Air raised gravity lowered. b) Air raised spring lowered c) Spring raised air lowered
Advantages of Diamond Pantograph: 1. Reversible operation. 2. Spark less Current collection. 3. Higher contact pressure. 4. Higher currents are handled.
Disadvantages of Diamond Pantograph: 1. For given vertical range Diamond Pantograph requires lot of roof area. 2. Diamond Pantograph is heavier and bulky structure than Faiveley type. 3. It requires more maintenance than Faiveley type. 4. It is costlier than Faiveley type.