If you are a dairy farmer, you've probably heard about stray voltage. Stray voltage is a condition in which a difference in voltage exists between two physical points — such as a watering cup and the concrete floor. A cow can become a path for electric current to flow between those two points.
Stray voltage can be caused by a variety of electrical problems such as poor grounding, improperly installed fencers and defective electrical equipment. Cows are considerably more sensitive to electric current than humans. With the presence of stray voltage, behavioral patterns of cows may change, which can result in reduced milk production and health issues.
In our experience, most stray voltage problems arise from incorrectly installed fencers, cow trainers and crowd gates. The Midwest Rural Energy Council (MREC) offers helpful web publications with instructions about how to properly install and maintain these types of equipment.
If you have reason to suspect a stray voltage problem, Polk-Burnett is here to assist you. Your co-op has a special team of highly trained employees equipped with testing equipment that can be brought to your location to investigate and help identify electrical source(s). Contact Polk-Burnett for more information, 800-421-0283, ext 322.
The Midwest Rural Energy Council (MREC) web site offers a broad range of informational resources intended to increase your understanding of stray voltage. In addition, the Michigan Agricultural Electric Council provides a set of questions and answers about stray voltage.