Stray voltage, a common phenomenon, most likely will be found if you look for it. In other words, all farms with electrical service have some level of stray voltage. Wisconsin Public Service can help you determine if the levels on your farm are affecting your livestock.
A stray voltage test using protocol developed by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is the only way to give you the answers that you need. Public Service knows where and what to measure, knows what types of sources to look for, and has the equipment and expertise to conduct the most comprehensive stray voltage test available to you.
Public Service tests for stray voltage for a period of 24 to 48 hours to measure all levels of electric load during a typical day.
Voltmeters are positioned where livestock touch two contact points simultaneously. By doing this, Public Service measures the actual voltage levels that livestock encounter, in addition to voltage at other points on the electrical system.
Public Service takes measurements where livestock may encounter stray voltage as they simultaneously touch two points, such as:
When the floor is a contact point, a wire from the meter is connected to a copper plate pressed down onto a clean spot on the concrete floor. Salt and water may be used to increase conductivity of the floor.
Public Service diagnoses the source of stray voltage by measuring the voltage at the primary and secondary neutral, and also by measuring the voltage drop between these two points. A remote ground rod is used as a reference. The reference rod is driven into the ground at least 100 feet from a primary or secondary panel or an electrical ground. By taking these readings, we can determine the source of any excessive voltage and work with you on corrective actions that may need to be taken.
By testing for 24 to 48 hours straight, Public Service is sure to record the highest levels of stray voltage, such as when the milk pump motor is started during milking. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin requires electric utilities to test for a minimum period of 24 hours.
Public Service's comprehensive stray voltage test is free. Schedule an appointment to have your Public Service agricultural consultant and a Public Service electrical engineer visit your farm and conduct the test. Once testing is complete, Public Service will provide you with a printout of the actual voltmeter readings and discuss the findings with you. If the utility is found to be the source of any excessive stray voltage, Public Service will fix the problem. If the on-farm electrical system is found to be the cause, we will work with you to reduce the level of stray voltage.
To make an appointment, call us at 877-444-0888.