This article was posted 08/13/2007 and is most likely outdated.

The Confusion Surrounding “Stray Voltage”
 

 

Topic - Grounding and Bonding
Subject - The Confusion Surrounding “Stray Voltage”

August 13, 2007
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The Confusion Surrounding “Stray Voltage”


 

ImageWhile “stray voltage” has been a concern for farm livestock for many years, it is only within the past few years that the term has been associated with human fatalities. The industry has seen an expansion of the term’s usage to describe events that some engineers feel is incorrect. This situation has resulted in costs to utilities exceeding many millions of dollars that has a questionable impact on customers increased safety.

 

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the confusion that now exists in the area of “stray voltage”. The paper will discuss the traditional definition of the term “stray voltage”, as well as the recent usage of the phrase to describe more dangerous conditions such as step-and-touch voltages, temporary overvoltages, contact voltages, etc. Finally, the paper will address the status of the industries response to this issue. It will discuss the measures taken by some utilities as well as the IEEE to establish some sort of industry guidelines to address these issues.

 

Click here to review this paper written by Jim Burke, InfraSource Inc., Fellow, IEEE

 

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Comments
  • Having been in the Dairy industry, I feel "Stray Voltage" is a concern for farms with cattle. But, that being said, knowing what we know about equipotential planes, grounding and bonding, proper installation of electrical equipment by properly trained and licensed individuals should eliminate that potential concern. Which leads into a pet peave of mine. In many states, as it is here in Vermont, electrical work on an farm, considered "Agrculture" is not inspectable. In many cases, someone can install a new motor with 120volt single phase and not upgrade the conductors or check for proper grounding. Who pays the price if it fails? Insurance company when the barn burns down, or worse, a child playing in the barn when mom and dad are doing chores?

    Dennis

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