RyanMarshall
Member
First time posting have question about stray voltage. Is stray voltage a result from stray current?
Stray voltage
- Thread starter RyanMarshall
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
I believe it is imposable to have current without voltage.
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
Yup. We call it stray voltage, but should know better.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Ryan, welcome to the forum! 
You can have stray voltage without current (except the current the voltmeter uses,) but stray voltage is usually caused by errant current.
It's actually the other way around. Current is the result of a potential difference.
You can have stray voltage without current (except the current the voltmeter uses,) but stray voltage is usually caused by errant current.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Stray current to me is everywhere, but in most cases it does not result in stray voltage since the resistive paths are low enough.
With that said, most stray voltage is the result of normal current on intended paths, yea I know this goes against the grain, but think about it, most difference of potential is cause by normal current on feeder neutrals, service neutrals, and primary neutrals (MGN'S), are these all carrying normal current?
the stray voltage or difference of potential is the voltage drop across these paths through these neutrals to which most grounding is bonded to.
Now for the shocker:
GFCI's will not protect a person against shock if the voltage on a system grounding is elevated from earth because of the voltage drop on the supply side neutral!
Ground rods do little to nothing to bring this differance of potential back down.
With that said, most stray voltage is the result of normal current on intended paths, yea I know this goes against the grain, but think about it, most difference of potential is cause by normal current on feeder neutrals, service neutrals, and primary neutrals (MGN'S), are these all carrying normal current?
the stray voltage or difference of potential is the voltage drop across these paths through these neutrals to which most grounding is bonded to.
Now for the shocker:
GFCI's will not protect a person against shock if the voltage on a system grounding is elevated from earth because of the voltage drop on the supply side neutral!
Ground rods do little to nothing to bring this differance of potential back down.
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RyanMarshall
Member
Thanks so much the information i have gained. It is very helpful thanks again
richwaskowitz
Senior Member
- Location
- Shelby Twp. MI, near Detroit
If you want to learn a whole bunch about stray voltages, go to Mike's free stuff and download the 90 minute "DVD" on the subject. It is VERY informative. http://www.mikeholt.com/strayVoltageVideo.php
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