Any farm specialists?

[RF Lighting]

Hello all.

I've been asked by a friend of mine who is also an electrician to go and have a look at a job with him.

The job is a new build miking parlour.

I know there are alot of special regulations and wiring techniques which need to be applied in these sorts of places.

I'll be having a good read up of BS7671, but was just after some pointers of what to look out for and any do's and do not's from anyone who has worked in this sort of environment.

Also if there is any technical literature which specifically covers this sort of installation, that would be handy to know so I can have a read of it.

Thanks in advance chaps (and SB)

 

[Adam_151]

Speaking from a general good engineering view point, rather than fixed requirements in a lot of cases.

Animals are AFAIK much more sensitive to volatages than humans, so try and keep them to a minimum, avoid PME supplies if possible, TT electrodes should be as low as impedance as possible and located outside of areas where animals may walk, etc (remember that where you use 50/Ra=max permitted rcd tripping current normally, its 25v in these situations), just try and keep touch volatage down as much as possible, eg try and avoid using reduced csa cpcs, apply suplimentary bonding whever you think it'll be an advantage, etc

 

[1john]

a long long time ago we were going to install power through some horse stables which had been converted from old tram carridges, after alot of deliberation, talking with the NIC and reading the regs, we didn't do the job. I seem to remember some mention of 'quadropods' and more points of contact to earth

 

[RF Lighting]

Having had a read of section 705 it all seems to be common sense really.

RCD everything, IP fittings and accesories, and taking precautions against mechanical damage and corrosion.

There is a good diagram for earthing and bonding in BS7671 too, which is helpful.

If theres anything else to read though I'd be interested. I like to learn about these things.

 

[1john]

I think our issue was with height, the horses could touch the wiring system easily due to the height of the carridges.

 

[ricicle]

Follow section 705 and you will be ok. Don't forget other relevant sections like external influences eg cow $h1te can be corrosive to certain materials so watch for any equipment installed in the pit (where the cowman stands while milking takes place) as there will be plenty of the stuff flying around.
Keep all systems away from any likely collisions with panicking cows. I would also look at supplementary bonding all extraneous conductive parts to keep touch voltages right down (hoppers, railings, pipework etc)

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[Wontdothatagain]

Our company specilise in farms and specifically milking sheds, new build and refurb. If you need any info just give me a shout

 

[jaysean1]

bond any metalwork that does not move