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"Understanding and Managing Stray Voltage Issues"
Stray voltage is not just a dairy farm issue, it now includes swimming pools,
boat docks, hot tubs and campgrounds. This training covers the full aspects of stray voltage,
including common sources, voltage/current levels of concern as defined by different states,
measuring procedures and equipment, animal response to different SV levels, and how to solve the
problem. Examples and visuals are used, and emphasis can be placed on non-farm situations and
solutions if needed. Tips on developing company policies and procedures are included, as well as
stray voltage case studies from several states
Introduction & Opening Comments :
Course expectations & teaching method
Overview of packet/materials
Role of the customer service rep vs. the professional stray voltage investigator
Introduction to Stray Voltage :
Understanding current and voltage
What stray voltage is (special case of neutral-to-earth voltage)
What stray voltage is not (emf, ground currents, ley lines, etc.)
What voltage/current measurements are important (animal contact points)
The conditions for cows vs. pigs vs. chickens
What voltage/current levels are important (what are the cows doing and what is pathway)
Review of Stray Voltage Research :
Response of animals and humans to current
Factors affecting sensitivity
USDA Stray Voltage Handbook (what does it say vs. what people say it says)
Animal behavior and response to other stimulus producing similar results
Human response-demonstration with volunteers
Stray Voltage Sources :
On-farm sources of stray voltage (faulty equipment/wiring, electric fences, etc.) for
(1) dairy, (2) swine, and (3) poultry
Off-farm sources of stray voltage (faulty equipment, neutral voltage, etc.)
Non-farm situations (swimming pools, water front docks, campground showers, appliances in home, sprinklers and irrigation, RV parks)
Combinations of on- and off-farm sources
Understanding the interactions between on-farm and off-farm systems
Detection of Problems :
Methods and procedures; surveys vs. investigations
