Dairy Farm Energy Management Handbook - Wisconsin Department ...
Dairy Farm Energy Management Handbook - Wisconsin Department ...
Dairy Farm Energy Management Handbook - Wisconsin Department ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Equipment Operation and Maintenance<br />
Fencers, Cow Trainers and Gates<br />
Fencers, cow trainers, and crowd gates<br />
may not stand out as large energy<br />
consumers on dairy farms; however, if<br />
installed improperly or used incorrectly,<br />
problems like transient stray voltage can<br />
occur, according to the Midwest Rural<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Council (MREC).<br />
Again, conducting an energy audit plus<br />
assessing your present electrical system<br />
with a qualified electrician and/or your utility<br />
representative may uncover possible<br />
improvements to consider on how to<br />
maintain these devices. This will help<br />
promote efficient, safe operation and avoid<br />
future problems.<br />
Crowd gates may not use much<br />
electricity; however, proper installation<br />
and maintenance help insure against<br />
possible transient stray voltage<br />
problems. -- Photo Karl Ohm<br />
Examining the energizer circuits and connections – from the service panel to<br />
the energizer and then to the fencer – along with the location and installation<br />
of the earth return rod(s) and ground rod(s) represent some very important<br />
factors in a fencing system.<br />
Checking the integrity of connections and wiring throughout the fence line and<br />
making sure that insulators are in good condition and free of obstructions can<br />
also improve efficiency and safety.<br />
Paying attention to such factors becomes even more important because the<br />
system will be operated outside and in a range of weather conditions. This is<br />
why lightning protection remains a key component of a good fencing system.<br />
The proper wiring and installation of cow trainers and crowd gates, which<br />
include electrical trainers, require special attention simply because high<br />
voltage pulses are flowing in and around a barn.<br />
Voltage levels from the energizer, proper choices of wire insulation,<br />
installation of earth return rod(s) and ground rod(s), earth return and ground<br />
lead wires, location of the energizer relative to other metal or grounded<br />
objects, and the use of a surge arrestor are just a few factors that require<br />
some careful thought when using cow trainers and crowd gates.<br />
Since this primer can’t cover all the details, you are encouraged to turn to the<br />
appendix where you will find how to order an excellent publication, Installation
Change language