FAQ
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An electrical tingle/sensation (voltage) that a person or animal feels when they touch some metal object.
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Wires that are required to be grounded to the Earth sometimes develop problems that cause stray voltage.
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Current flowing between earth and metal objects.
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What do you do when you suspect you have stray voltage?
If you suspect you have a stray voltage issue, call your electric utility.
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Where are the likely places stray voltage occurs?
Metal objects outside buildings such as a water faucet or metal objects near a swimming pool. On farms most metal objects animals can touch.
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Does the source of stray voltage have to be in my property for me to feel it?
It can be, but it can also be coming from the grounded electrical wire of the electric utility. It could be from your neighbor as well.
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Stray voltage is a very low level that only causes a tingle or mild shock. If it is a large shock, it is not stray voltage, and could be dangerous.
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How can stray voltage affect farm livestock?
They become agitated and show hesitation to touching various objects.
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Where can I learn more about the effects of stray voltage?
https://www.maec.msu.edu/application/files/4216/4555/7484/Stray_Voltage_Q__A.pdf
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Where can I learn more about what causes stray voltage?
https://www.maec.msu.edu/application/files/3816/4555/7491/Understanding_NEV.pdf https://www.maec.msu.edu/application/files/5516/6083/7107/Tech_Note_337_Neutral_Earth_Voltage.pdf