Testing for Stray Voltage - Bass Associates Inc.

Testing for Stray Voltage

Testing for stray voltage is easy and is an un-ambiguous way of determining if the problem exists. You can determine if you have stray voltage with an inexpensive AC Voltmeter. If you do not measure a voltage using the following procedure, then you do not have a stray voltage problem. If you find that you do have a stray voltage problem, then you need to call in an engineer that can determine the cause and implement corrective action.

Use the following test procedure to verify that you have a stray voltage problem. You will need an AC Voltmeter, a 500 ohm resistor of any wattage, a long piece of insulated wire to extend the meter leads and a metal rod.. The best time to test is between 17:00 and 19:00 hours in the evening. The tests should be made with as much equipment as possible turned on to cause the maximum load on the farms electrical system.

Connect the 500 ohm resistor between the two meter test leads. This is imperative to simulate the cows body resistance and to prevent extraneous readings from radio frequency signals.
Connect one end of the wire to the ground pin in a receptacle, a grounded water pipe or some other surface that you know is connected directly to the electrical ground for the barn.
Connect the other end of the wire to one of the meter leads.
Connect the other meter lead to the metal rod.
Turn the voltmeter on.
Switch the meter to measure AC Volts.
Select the scale to be 1 Volt full scale.
Walk through the barn holding the meter and probing the ground with the metal rod. Be sure to check wet spots, manure piles and the stall floor where cows appear to be having problems.

If you measured any voltage above 0.1 volt then you may have a potential stray voltage problem. Readings above 0.5 volt indicate that you definitely have a problem. Very low or readings less than 0.1 volt indicate that there is not a stray voltage problem. If you find that you have a Stray Voltage problem you will need a professional to perform further tests and to make a detailed evaluation of your electrical system. Call us at 800/953-9352 or 952/544-6079 if you have any questions or if you would like us to assist you.

Visit the following pages for a more detailed study of stray voltage.

What is Stray Voltage?

How Can Stray Voltage be Caused by Farm Wiring?

How Can Stray Voltage be Caused by The Utility?

How Do I Protect Myself from Bogus Stray Voltage Testing?

For Help or more information, call John Bass at

800/953-9352 or 52/544-6079.

Email: help@BassEngineering.com

Click Here to Search Our Web Site:

Bass Associates Inc.
13533 Larkin Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone/Fax: 800/953-9352 or 952/544-6079