On-Site Consultations

What does a stray voltage consultation include?

• Spot voltage checks at animal contact locations to pinpoint where an animal may be exposed to voltage, and to determine locations for extended time recording.
• Voltage measurements over a minimum of at least two milkings or approximately 24 hours on the utility electrical system, the farm electrical system and at animal contact locations.
• Animal contact voltages measured with and without a 500-ohm resistor to ensure accuracy.
• Detailed reports, data and explanations
• A summary of your farm's wiring.

When a customer calls about stray voltage, what happens?

We listen to what type of concerns you have, what you want to happen and what we can do for you. If you are interested, we make an appointment for the beginning of an actual stray voltage investigation.

How long does Alliant Energy test during an investigation?

The recording voltage meter is installed for two milkings. Monitoring continues until it is determined that the entire electrical system has been evaluated and the concerns of the customer addressed.

Does the testing include the utility system or just the farm wiring?

Alliant Energy monitors the entire electrical system for approximately 24 hours. We evaluate both the on-farm and off-farm systems. We can show the measurements from both systems to you.

Do I get a copy of the testing results?

Yes, you will receive a summary letter, copies of the recorded data as graphs, and an explanation of all the data collected.

Is there a cost for an investigation?

No - stray voltage investigations are provided free of charge to livestock customers on a yearly basis.

Can you install a neutral isolator on my farm?

Yes, we can within the guidelines of the two different procedures:

• The first procedure determines that the stray voltage level at the animal contact point is above the level of action and is caused by an off farm electrical source. This a temporary installation which will be removed when the voltage has been lowered below the level of action.
• The second procedure allows the customer to request a neutral isolator be installed without regard to the animal contact voltage. There are costs to the customer for this type of installation.