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Stray Voltage

Neutral-to-earth voltage, sometimes called stray voltage, is a condition that results when an electrical current flows through a neutral conductor. N-E voltage can be caused by a number of factors, both in and around the farm. The amounts of minerals and moisture in the soil, subsoil and rock strata, and the varying water table level can affect any grounding system and change N-E voltages. Sudden problems are usually due to electrical loads, conductors and connections.

Stray voltage occurs when electricity “leaks” from the hot wire directly to the neutral or ground wires before passing through the device to be powered. These leaks produce only small amounts of electricity. Direct contact between the neutral and hot wires would short the system and blow a fuse or circuit breaker.

Stray voltage can result from arcing at equipment connections, frayed insulation and other mechanical problems. In addition, multiple grounds that are not interconnected can create ground currents capable of shocking livestock. Leaks and non-connected ground systems create electric charges in the earth that aren’t normal when an electric system is operating properly. When these ground-based currents are present, animals or persons that contact well grounded equipment, such as metal stanchions or metal fence posts, will receive a shock as the electricity passes through their bodies. These N-E voltages, though rare, exist on all devices and are most common on farm feeding and milking equipment.

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Contact Info

CENTRAL MISSOURI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Mailing Address:
PO Box 939
Sedalia, MO 65302

Office Location:
22702 N Highway 65
Sedalia, MO 65301

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Office Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      Monday through Friday

Phone: 660.826.2900
      Outage calls answered 24 hours.

SecurePay Payment Line: 855.939.3641
      Toll free. Available 24 hours.

Email: msr@cmecinc.com

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©2025 Central Missouri Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • My Account
    • Access My Account
    • Pay Now
    • Payment Information & Billing Options
    • Service Requests
    • Average Usage Request
    • 2025 Rates
    • Demand
    • Unclaimed Funds
  • About Us
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Board of Directors
    • Manager's Monthly Messages
    • Service Area
    • CMEC History
    • About Cooperatives
      • The Cooperative Story
      • Seven Cooperative Principles
      • Three-Tiered System
      • Missouri Electric Cooperatives
    • Bylaws
    • Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
    • Key Statistics
  • Member Benefits
    • Member
      • Annual Meeting
      • Capital Credits
      • Rebates
      • Rural Missouri Magazine
    • Youth
      • A-Team
      • Cycle
      • Scholarships
      • Youth Tour
  • Member Resources
    • Energy Efficiency
      • Energy Savings Tips
      • Energy Star
      • Take Control & Save
    • Choose EV
    • Solar
    • Safety & Preparation
      • Be Storm Smart
      • Downed Power Lines
      • Call Before You Dig
    • Stray Voltage
    • Copper Theft
    • FAQ
    • Broadband
    • Outage Information Center
    • Right of Way
  • Community
    • CMEC in the Community
    • School Resources
    • Energy in Today’s Classroom
    • Green Tree Partnership
    • Linemen at work
  • Careers