Mike Holt Enterprises Electrical News Source

Stray Voltage in Broiler Breeder Hen Housing

I'm always looking out for interesting information, and I wanted to pass along to you this paper on Stray Voltage in Broiler Breeder Hen Housing that was shared with us by the National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University. I hope you find it has value.

This paper was compiled by the National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University In Cooperation With Utility Provider Professionals (Additional Work Continuing). It addresses the problems of stray voltage in hen housing: how to know if you have a problem, the best remedies and the economics associated with this issue.

Stray voltage is a voltage resulting from the normal delivery or use of electricity on a multi-grounded power distribution system. The voltage exists between two conductive surfaces and can be felt by a person or an animal if the two surfaces are contacted at the same time. Stray voltage is typically not considered hazardous but can be problematic in certain locations, including dairy farms, poultry layer barns, swimming pools and boat docks. In such locations, the animal or human that is exposed to the stray voltage can receive a small shock or tingling sensation. In poultry layer facilities, if a hen that is ready to lay her egg receives a shock or tingle when contacting both the floor and the nest, she may be reluctant to enter the nest, and as a result, lay the egg on the floor. Floor eggs cannot be salvaged for many reasons and are considered lost eggs. Elevated levels of stray voltage on laying nests are known to decrease egg production by as much as 10%, a very serious economic problem for the poultry industry.

Click here or on the image to read and download the paper. Please feel free to post your comments.


Comments
  • When VFC were first introduced we quickly began putting them in service. After some months we noticed that the bearings on the motors that were VFC controlled began failing. After years it was discovered that a stray voltage was causing current flow through the bearings and bell housing caused by a 3 ohm connection in the ground conductor.

    Bob  February 27 2020, 11:56 pm EST
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  • I'm a little concerned about the idea of isolating the nest box from the rest of the grounded metal in the building. That goes against everything that I see in the NEC. The grounding principles of the NEC typically lead us to ground every metal component inside a building. Will isolated metal components not build up static charges? I would think that the sole solution recommended would be to add additional grounding and bonding until the problem goes away!

    Andy Covington  February 25 2020, 1:43 pm EST
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  • Another Fascinating article! Thanks for sharing, have a great day

    Michael Allison  February 25 2020, 12:34 pm EST
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  • Another industry where "stray voltage" is under-appreciated is AUDIO systems. The symptoms are usually heard as hum, buzz, or random clicks and pops in a sound system. The same mechanisms can cause random data errors in digital systems. I've been researching this topic for over 25 years and teach seminars on the subject. Readers are invited to check out the slides from a typical one at: https://centralindianaaes.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/indy-aes-2012-seminar-w-notes-v1-0.pdf. Starting on page 31, I show how premises AC wiring is the dominant source of these "stray voltages." Unfortunately, most electricians are at a loss to explain what's happening and believe there's nothing that can be done. I'm available to educate groups and to help in troubleshooting and curing such problems. Those people in recording studios, performance venues, and even audiophiles are not crazy - these problems are real - and curable!

    Bill Whitlock  February 25 2020, 1:04 am EST
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