Stray voltage, or neutral-to-earth voltage, produces a tiny electrical shock that is felt by animals when contacting farmstead milking, feeding or watering equipment. It occurs when there is a measurable voltage difference between two points that can be contacted simultaneously by animals. Stray voltage is often suspected as contributing to changes in animal behavior, milk production and herd health.

Stray voltage may be due either to physical factors in the cooperative's power supply system or as the result of on-farm conditions, or attributed to a combination of factors.

Jackson Electric Cooperative offers free on-site investigation of stray voltage concerns. We use a Wave Rider® Data Acquisition System, digital storage oscilloscope, laptop computer and printer in our investigations. Across the state, the Wave Rider® is recognized as the standard device to be used in these investigations. It monitors eight channels (five 5-Volt channels, one 400-Volt channel, one 100-Volt channel, and one 25-Volt channel) to produce accurate, reliable information.

Equipotential Plane

Installation of an equipotential plane in an area accessible to livestock can eliminate many stray voltage concerns. It involves embedding a wire mesh or other conductive elements in concrete, and bonding it to all metal structures and fixed nonelectrical metal equipment that may become energized. These are connected to the electrical grounding system to prevent a difference in voltage from developing within the plane.

Jackson Electric Cooperative will cost-share 50% of the installation cost of equipotential plane. Site qualification and pre-authorization are necessary to obtain cost-sharing. Contact Steve Meyer.