We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
Stray Voltage Inspections
Together, We Can Identify and Eliminate Stray Voltage.
Our team does more than 3,000 free stray voltage inspections a year. If you have a stray voltage problem, we’ll find it and work with you to fix it.
Schedule Your Free InspectionWhat is Stray Voltage?
Stray voltage describes neutral to earth voltage (NEV). If it reaches sufficient levels, animals coming into contact with grounded devices may receive a mild electrical shock. This can cause a behavioral response — like flinching or even avoiding drinking. All this makes for less than ideal conditions for livestock. If you suspect stray voltage, call us at 800-252-8658 or email us.
Preventing Stray Voltage
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Properly maintain your wiring system. Over time, your electrical equipment and wiring can become hazardous due to physical damage, corrosion, and overloading. This can especially occur in a farm environment.
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Have your equipment and wiring regularly inspected by a qualified electrician. They can identify potential electrical problems that may be hazardous to your livestock and create future stray voltage issues.
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To learn more about stray voltage, visit Michigan Agricultural Energy Council
Check for Stray Voltage Hazards
Wondering if your farm has stray voltage issues? Download our checklist for help recognizing potential stray voltage causing hazards.
Download ChecklistStay Safe on the Farm
Cutting corners when it comes to safety on your farm can end up causing larger problems in the long run. Especially when you are working around natural gas and electricity. Try using the simple tips and tricks below to maximize efficiency and keep your farm safe year-round.
- Contact MISSDIG 811 by calling 8-1-1 or by going to https://www.missdig811.org/ at least three full working days before you dig. They will arrange to have underground power lines and other utilities marked so you can dig a safe distance away.
- Make sure your excavation site is clearly described on your staking request. White lining or staking the dig site can help.
- Wait for utilities to be marked. Make sure to check Positive Response before digging.
- Respect the marks, hand-expose to verify location, and dig with care.
- Any time you make contact with an underground utility, call us right away.
Farm Safety: If any of your farming activities include deep plowing, fence post installation, trenching, leveling, installing drain tile, subsoiling or other excavation work, it’s vital to call 8-1-1 three working days before starting any digging. A representative will mark underground lines at no cost.
- Survey your job site every day to locate overhead power lines, poles and guy wires, and point them out to co-workers. Be alert for lines hidden by trees and buildings.
- Review your emergency plan before work begins, so everyone knows what to do in case of power line contact.
- Michigan safety standards require anyone working near power lines to stay at least 10 feet away, including any tools or equipment you are using. Metal ladders, cranes and some other specialized equipment require 20 feet of clearance.
- Higher voltages may require greater distances, contact MIOSHA for specific requirements. Also, contact us at 800-477-5050 to verify voltages, if needed.
- Respect the marks, hand-expose to verify location, and dig with care.
- Clearly mark boundaries with tape, signs, or barricades to keep workers and equipment the required distance away.
- Make preventive maintenance on your electrical system a priority.
- Protect your equipment from dust, dirt and moisture by keeping covers on and closed.
- Visually inspect your equipment on a regular basis. Look for signs of wear, corrosion, overheating, and physical damage.
- Install equipment that is listed for environmental use.
- Use the proper wire size and type.
- Eliminate extension cords and other unprotected cords and cables, if possible.
- Balance your loads (avoid overloading).
- Follow local electrical codes.
- Have a qualified person test and inspect your electrical equipment on a regular basis.
Schedule Your Free Inspection
If you believe your farm has a stray voltage problem, please reach out to schedule your free inspection by calling, emailing, or filing out the form below.
