Reference

The Seebach-Wettingen railway electrification trial was a pioneering experiment conducted by Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (MFO) in Switzerland. This trial, which took place in the early 20th century, was significant because it marked one of the first successful implementations of electric traction on a standard-gauge railway line.

The trial began in 1905 and involved electrifying a section of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) line between Seebach and Wettingen. MFO used an alternating current (AC) system with a voltage of 15 kV at 15 Hz, which was innovative at the time. This system proved to be efficient and reliable, setting a precedent for future railway electrification projects.

The success of the Seebach-Wettingen trial demonstrated the viability of electric traction for mainline railways, influencing the adoption of similar systems in Switzerland and other countries. It also contributed to the development of the 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC electrification standard, which became widely used in Europe. This trial was a crucial step in the transition from steam to electric power in rail transport, highlighting the benefits of electrification in terms of efficiency, speed, and environmental impact.