The Challenge
Paul, a dairy farmer, reached out to us after experiencing repeated electrical issues during milking. The sub-main to his milking parlour would trip multiple times throughout the process. This was more than just a minor inconvenience, it disrupted the milking routine, slowed down operations, and risked causing unnecessary stress and discomfort to the cows. Since animal welfare and efficiency are both critical in dairy farming, identifying and fixing the root cause quickly was essential.
The Solution
To get a clear picture of the problem, we arranged to be on-site during the next scheduled milking at 2:30pm. Arriving early, we prepared by removing the distribution board covers and setting up earth leakage and current testers, ensuring that we could capture accurate data throughout the process.
During milking, we closely monitored the electrical system. Readings were recorded at regular intervals, and particular attention was paid to the circuit breaker supplying the sub-main to the parlour. By observing the system in real time under normal operating conditions, we were able to track how the electrical load behaved during the peaks and demands of milking.
The Result
Our monitoring revealed that, at times, the electrical current exceeded the rated capacity of the circuit breaker for short bursts. This explained the nuisance tripping Paul had been experiencing. To ensure any solution would be both safe and effective, we also carried out an earth reading at the parlour distribution board and noted the type and size of the existing cabling.
Using this information, we referred to the BS 7671 tables, which confirmed that a larger circuit breaker could be installed without risk. This upgrade will eliminate the tripping problem, improve reliability during milking, and most importantly, maintain a calm and consistent environment for the cows.
By quickly diagnosing the issue and providing a safe, standards-compliant solution, we helped Paul restore confidence in his system and safeguard the comfort of his herd.
