Current rail gaps

[class411]

Looking west at Shepherd's Bush Market, I noticed that, on each track, where the 'outer' current rail reverts to driver's side, there is also a gap of ~ 2m in the centre current rail.

Although it was the same layout on each side, the gaps were offset one from the other.

From the cabling, it appeared that supply continued across the gap.

Can anyone say what the purpose of the centre gap is?

[Dstock7080]

There is a substation at the east-end of Shepherd’s Bush Market station.
The gap allows for sections to be switched on/off in turn rather than all at once.
Sectionalisation across the network allows faults to be detected and isolated much easier.
On that Line, gaps are at Shepherd’s Bush Market, Royal Oak, Bouverie Place (Praed Street junction), Baker Street, Chalton Street (King’s Cross), Farringdon, Moorgate, Whitechapel, Campbell Road, West Ham, Plaistow, East Ham.

At the section gap, facing the driver would be a Rail Gap Indicator, consisting of a triangular set of three red lights on a white background, colloquially known as “cherries”.

[class411]

Thanks, DStock.

I'll look out for the indicator next time I'm there. (I assume that it's visible from the platform.)

[Dstock7080]

Apologies, i've just re-read your original post describing gaps at west-end - my reply was based on those at the east-end.
These small gaps with cabling running around them are for sleet/snow clearance, a build-up of sleet/snow ahead of the shoe would drop down.

[class411]

Ah well, now I know two new interesting facts for the price of one!