Electrical stray current refers to the flow of electrical current via two objects due to potential difference, imbalance or wiring flaws. Small voltage difference between two grounded objects in separate location may exist because of ordinary flow of current within the power system. However, large voltage difference can be a sign of faulty condition in electrical power system. Visit (electricalride.com) for more related articles.

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Electrical Stray Current (Website: electricalride.com)
Electrical stray current refers to the flow of electrical current via two objects due to
potential difference, imbalance or wiring flaws. Small voltage difference between two grounded
objects in separate location may exist because of ordinary flow of current within the power
system. However, large voltage difference can be a sign of faulty condition in electrical power
system.
Have you excessively been shock close to a swimming pool, when you touched the metal
installation? Where does it come from?
Stray Voltage, is a small voltage possibly 10 volts that appears between two contact points.
When these two points gets into contact by any mean, a current will definitely flow because of
potential difference. This current is Stray Current. The value of stray current depends upon
voltage difference and circuit impedance. Stray current can be dangerous, if it flows in
considerable amount.
Now the second question arises is that, where does stray voltage originates from?
Due to grounding of electrical power system, any neutral to earth voltage (NEV) on the system
can be transmitting to any grounded objects. Load, leakage, and fault currents flowing via the
impedance's of the neutral or grounding conductors to earth causes NEV. There are many other
sources that lead neutral or grounding system to earth causing NEV. Any metallic structure
linked to the neutral or grounding system may also be at the same NEV. This indicates there is
constantly voltage to earth. So, the question is not if there's stray voltage, but what's
the safe level.
How to solve a stray voltage problem?
There are four methods to eliminate or reduce stray voltages.
1. Reduce the potential voltage supply to an appropriate level. This includes getting rid
of bad neutral connecting and defective loads. Reform grounding, load balancing and
clearing leakage current.
2. By means of the usage of active nulling devices for elimination of the stray voltage.
A current is delivered to a some distance off grounding electrode to null out the measured
voltage.
3. In some cases, there may be current flowing from
the consumer grounded neutral machine to the primary power grounded neutral system.
To get rid of and reduce the effect of this, installation of spark gap, saturable reactor or
a solid state switch can be used.
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