The need to stay grounded takes on a different meaning in the two articles shared here. Stray voltage is a hidden risk to production and safety in production settings. Testing for stray voltage is crucial to protecting the herd and livelihoods:
- Stray voltage can severely affect livestock, resulting in stress, reduced milk production, and higher illness incidents.
- Causes of stray voltage include poor wiring, insufficient grounding, and flaws in the power company’s grid.
- Even low levels of stray voltage (0.03-0.05 volts) can make cows avoid water or feeding stations.
- The USDA estimates that up to 20 percent of dairy farms could be impacted by stray voltage.
- Testing for stray voltage is essential to safeguard livestock and farm profitability.
Sources:
- Stray voltage in dairy farming: Insights every farmer must know, The Bullvine, August 28, 2024. Link.
- When stray voltage strikes and dealing with it, AHD Archives, September 20, 2022. Link.
Areas constructed indoors or outdoors where wire mesh or other conductive elements are embedded in or placed under concrete, bonded to all metal structures and fixed nonelectrical equipment have the potential to become energized unless the equipotential plane is properly grounded.
All the metal used in construction has potential to create electrical fields that can harm animals and people.”