Electrical Wiring On Dairy Farms Robert E. Graves Agricultural, Biological, and Engineering LaVerne Stetson, an expert in farm wiring and the National Electric Code (NEC) recently spent several days visiting Pennsylvania dairy farms and reviewing wiring methods and condition. This was part of a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture sponsored project investigating stray voltage prob lems and mediation on dairy farms. Proper wiring methods are important both for safety reasons (fire and electrocution of people or animals) and to minimize on farm sources of stray voltage. Farm wiring is neither residential nor light commercial and is recognized in the NEC as having unique requirements. Particular characteristics in clude moist or dusty environments, wide variations in temperature, presence of corrosive materials in cluding manures, gases, and cleaning agents, and vulnerability to physical damage from animals and equipment. Most buildings and areas on a dairy farm will require wiring methods and devices that are corrosion resistant, watertight and dust tight. Modern plastic materials are ideal for most of these conditions. Invest In Concrete, Quality That Will Last A Lifetime Specializing in Manure Storage - Round or Rectangular Inground or Above Ground 11| ' * t ' | Slatted Pits for Freestall Barns Call for FREE estimates and see how affordable concrete walls can be. COMCRETE IT n U E WALLS, INC. Contact Roy Sensenig 531 Hollander Rd., New Holland, PA 17557 717-3SS-0726 Extension .r#. «< 1 V -*.B General observations on dairy farms reveal the following: •Wiring on many farms has deteriorated, is poorly maintained, and represents a real threat to life safety, and fire. •Many new installations are still being made with ordinary galvanized boxes, loose fitting covers and NM (household grade) wire. Some general recommendations to follow in clude; •High quality plastic (PV) boxes, covers and con duit, UF type cable and water tight box connectors selected and installed to be water and dust tight are a must for milking centers, animal barns and feed storage areas. •Do not run cable inside wall cavities or attic spaces where undetected rodent damage can occur. Protect surface mounted cable from physical damage by animals or equipment. •Light fixtures should have gasketed covers to protect the light bulbs and interior wiring, ballasts, etc. from moisture and dust. Common wiring problems that can lead to stray For all your Concrete Walls and Construction Needs (Turn to Page A3B)
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