How Often Do You Need Powered Rails. 1) i think it has to be a player, but it's possible any living entity counts. A plain minecart with you in it will travel at maximum speed for 38 blocks on flat ground after passing over three powered rails in a row.
That's based on personal trial and error though, no real measurements or anything. Daily or weekly usage wears important crane components. An empty plain minecart will only travel eight blocks at top speed after passing over three powered rails.
minecraft What's the maximum number of powered rails in a row that's useful? Arqade
There must be a space of at least 1.5 inches between the handrail and the wall. A torch will power any adjacent rails up to nine rails. One common, and according to many, the most efficient, distribution of powered rails is to place powered rail every 38 blocks on level ground. A powered rail every 7 blocks should sustain uphill climb indefinitely when approached at max speed.
