Three-Phase Electrical Power For The Dairy Farm Dennis Buffington Agricultural, Biological, and Engineering Extension Do you have three-phase electrical power available at your dairy farm? If so, are you taking advantage of all the benefits of three-phase power? If you don’t have three-phase power available, have you checked with your local utility company recently to inquire about the requirements to get three-phase power for your farm? As dairy farms become larger and more mecha nized, there is an increasing need for larger electric motors. Three-phase electrical power needs to be con sidered on all dairy farms, especially if you are plan ning for any renovations or expansions. The benefits of three-phase power include; • Three-phase motors cause little or no voltage tlic,ker from motor starting. • Three-phase motors cost considerably less (20-50 percent less) than comparable single-phase motors. • Three-phase motors have longer useful lives than single-phase motors. When It’s Time To Make Improvements*** STEIN-WAY Barn Equipment • Free Stalls • Sand Traps • Self-locks • Waterers • Gates • Bale Boss Hay Savers Sold by: Joe Spelcher (814) 624-0370 1-888-605-2422 Penn State Auto Release Self Locks ... Choose • Three-phase motors are available in a much larger range of horsepower sizes. The disadvantages of three-phase power are: • Three-phase motors are not necessarily more effi cient than single-phase motors. • Three-phase power may mean that commercial rates (rather than .residential rates) will be charged for your electricity usage and that demand charges will be assessed. Therefore, three-phase power may cost more than single-phase power, depending on your local util ity company and also your electricity generation sup plier. How can you get three-phase power? You must check with your local utility company to inquire where the nearest three-phase service is available and get a cost estimate of providing the service to your farm. Also find out whether you will be charged residential or commercial rates for the electricity used on the farm. In most cases, the answer will be that you will be charged a commercial rate, but don’t let that answer discourage you. In this era of deregulated electricity, you may find that the benefits of three-phase power offset the higher cost per kilowatt-hour for the electric ity. Be prepared to negotiate with your local utility com pany on the issue of three-phase power. I know one farmer who needed three-phase power because he was (Turn to Page 55) mmi CUSTOM GATES & HEADLOCKS •Heavy duty construction - High Strength 14 ga. 1-7/8" OD Pipe •Custom Made to Your Specifications • Stockyard Fencing • Corral Panels • Round Pens • Very competitive prices • Installation available 768 White Oak Rd., Christiana, PA 610-593-8178 (Voice Mail) Also available at aniel’s Farm Store, , PA (717) 656-6982
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