Electrically Heated Livestock Waterers

If a stock waterer develops an electrical fault, such as a bare hot wire touching a metal chassis, some electrical current may find it's way to animals "grounded" in wet soil around the waterer. The current could deliver an uncomfortable shock that discourages the animals from getting their full quota of water.

Normally, the internal ground wire that forms part of the conductor bundle supplying power to the waterer can take care of leakage current. The effectiveness of the internal ground wire may be reduced because of the long distance from the power source to the waterer, or from corrosion that can result from age.

Follow these operating and maintenance guidelines to protect you and your animals from electric shocks.

Be sure the waterers are solidly mounted on a firm platform.

Install the service box or panel close to the waterer in a protected area so animals cannot damage equipment.

Metal parts of the waterer should be grounded back to their source with #6 AWG stranded copper wire.

Metallic guardrails in contact with waterers must be connected to the grounding conductor by a terminal welded or bolted to the rail.

The #6 AWG wire provides added insurance that electrical current from a fault is intercepted before it finds a path to ground through an animal or human in contact with the stock waterer.

Before Turning on your stock waterer's power for winter, check connections for damaged or frayed conductors.
Cleaning up corroded connections with a wire brush is a good idea.

Myths about Electricity

Farmers and their families have been injured or killed because they believed in myths about electricity. The truth can be shocking.

GET THE FACTS:

Myth: Rubber boots, gloves and tires will protect you.

Fact: Rubber offers little protection against the voltages in overhead power lines.

Rubber boots and gloves are not made to insulate you against the tremendous amount of power flowing through a typical distribution line. They will catch fire if zapped by electricity.

Some rubber tires will actually conduct electricity. For example, carbon-based rubber, steel belts and reinforcements make some tires very good conductors.

Tires on farm vehicles may explode or begin to burn immediately upon contact with a power line.

Myth: Wood doesn't conduct electricity so it's safe to cut tree branches that are touching power lines. Wooden ladders and tool handles also deter the flow of electricity.

Fact: Wood can conduct electricity. It's a good insulator only when every trace of moisture and chemical deposits is removed.

Tree trimming is dangerous. You may accidentally touch a line with your saw or hand. If you are on an aluminum ladder or the tree is wet, you run the risk of a deadly electrical shock. Remember the interior of the tree is always damp with sap.

If Trees close to power lines on your land require trimming contact
Rocky R.E.A. Ltd.

Farm Yard Planning and Renovation:

If you are planning a move to a new farm site or just starting to develop your farmyard, plan with safety in mind.

Here are some things to consider:

Locate barns, sheds and granaries at least 9 meters or 30 feet from overhead power lines.

When building new bins, plan the traffic movement so that it won't be necessary to cross under overhead power lines.

You must locate propane and fuel tanks at least 9 meters or 30 feet from power lines.

Remember that overhead power lines in the farm yard area and near field entrances need to be high enough to adequately clear machinery.

Plant tall growing trees at least 9 meters or 30 feet to the side of overhead power lines.

Rural underground service offers several benefits, including; eliminating the possibility of wires coming down in bad weather, eliminating the dangers of wires coming into contact with equipment and improving farmyard tidiness.

Farm Safety--How Much Do You Know?

Reduce your risk of electrocution on the farm by taking this test:

1. Utility lines are uninsulated wires, which means that the wires are bare. True or False?

2. A transfer switch for a standby generator removes the farm electrical system from the power company's utility lines. True or False?

3. Which of the following pose electrocution hazards from overhead power lines?

a. A tractor pulling a fold-up cultivator
b. A tractor with a raised front end loader
c. Transportation of a portable grain auger
d. All of the above

4. If your tractor comes in contact with a power line, you should wait for help. True or False?

Answers: 1-True, 2-True, 3-d, 4-True

Farm Safety Checklist:

1. Are all trees in the yard free and clear from overhead power lines?
2. Are your farmyard buildings located the following recommended distances away from power lines:
3. Barns-at least 30 feet(9 metres), House-at least 50 feet (15 metres), Bale and haystacks-at least 30 feet (9 metres), Granaries-at least 30 feet (9 metres)
4. Are your propane and fuel tanks located at least 30 feet (9 metres) away from the power lines?
5. Are worn or frayed extension cords thrown away?
6. When you work outdoors do you locate ladders so they will never contact utility wires?
7. Are overhead wires in the farmyard area and those neat field entrances high enough to adequately clear machinery?
8. Do you always lower grain augers and cultivator wings before going under power lines?
9. Have you had overhead lines relocated underground to avoid contact with high vehicles in the farmyard?
10. Are outside outlets weatherproof and installed with ground fault circuit interrupters?
11. Are all electrical appliances and power tools used around the farm CSA approved?
12. Do you unplug tools and equipment that are not being used?
13. Do all outlets have tree pronged receptacles to provide proper grounding of electrical tools and appliances?
14. Are fuses and switches labeled properly to prevent confusion in an emergency?
15. Do family members and all hired farm workers know where and how to disconnect power in case of an electrical emergency?
16. Do family members and all hired farm workers know first aid for electrical shock and burns?

Keep Your Distance From Overhead Power Lines:

Overhead power lines are live and uninsulated. Contact with an overhead power line can cause a serious or even fatal accident. protect yourself, your family, and those who visit and work on your farm.
Start by taking an inventory of all the power lines in your yard and along the road to your fields. Make it a habit to look up before you begin any job. Maintain safe clearances at all times.

Moving Equipment:

1. When working in the vicinity of Rocky R.E.A. Ltd. Distribution Lines operating at 40 kv or below maintain at least 3 meters or 10 feet between power lines and moving equipment. Be careful when using grain augers, cultivators, tractors and sprayers.

2. When moving bales, loads of hay or granaries be sure there is at least 3 meters or 10 feet of clearance. When having new bins or equipment delivered, be sure to plan a safe route that doesn't cross under power lines. If it is necessary to go under a line, call Rocky R.E.A. Ltd. for assistance.

3. Raised truck boxes and tractor loaders can contact power lines, with fatal results. Always lower equipment before moving. Always move slowly and carefully, constantly checking to be sure clearances to overhead power lines are maintained.

4. Never allow anyone to ride on top of moving equipment or hay bales.

Fuel Tanks:

1. Never allow anyone to ride on top of moving equipment or hay bales.
Fuel Tanks.
2. Install fuel tanks in a safe location away from overhead power lines that could pose a problem during refueling.
3. Position fuel tanks at least 9 meters or 30 feet from power lines.
If possible, locate fuel tanks beyond the last pole of your electrical system.
4. Remember that fuel tanks of any kind are not permitted beneath overhead electrical conductors.