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Conference noted::equitation

Title:Equine Notes Conference
Notice:Topics List=4, Horses 4Sale/Wanted=150, Equip 4Sale/Wanted=151
Moderator:MTADMS::COBURNIO
Created:Tue Feb 11 1986
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2080
Total number of notes:22383

1667.0. "Paranoid about fire" by BRAT::FULTZ (DONNA FULTZ) Wed Oct 14 1992 13:09

    
    
    	When I was about 15 years old My parents had a huge fire
    	we had over 60 horses in the barn at the time it started
    	but, we go them all out in time.  
    
    	The fire was caused by a bad electrical outlet.
    
    	My husband is now putting electric in our barn but,
    	I am scared to death (paranoid) that it is going to 
    	burn down.. 
    
    	What can he do so that I feel that the electric is really
    	safe.. (can it be grounded?).. would that help.. 
    
    	Thanks - 
    
    	Dona
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1667.1Make sure the work is inspectedCFSCTC::HUSTONSteve HustonWed Oct 14 1992 14:015
    He should make sure that the town's electrical inspector comes to check
    it out before turning the power on.  The inspector will make sure that
    all of the applicable codes have been followed correctly and the work
    is safe.
    
1667.2What we did.....BUSY::MANDILEMs. PresidentWed Oct 14 1992 14:1710
    No wires are exposed.  All wiring in our barn is enclosed
    in electrical tubing (metal).  All outlets and light switches
    are safety types.  They have spring loaded covers that close
    them off securely at all times.  All the outlets/switches are
    at least 6 ft up.  All the lightsbulbs are explosion
    proof style.  They are a bulb with a glass dome that screws
    into the receptacle over the bulb, with a wire cage to go over 
    that.  They are not within reach of even the largest, nosiest horse!
    
    L
1667.3my $.02TOMLIN::ROMBERGI feel a vacation coming on...Wed Oct 14 1992 15:2022
You may also want to run the wires through (flexible) metal conduit.  Since 
barns are notorious for having more than the intended livestock in them, 
this would help cut down the possibility/probability of chewed wires.

I agree with the previous response that said to check with the local 
inspectors.  Follow safety codes.

Make sure the wiring is out of reach of horse teeth.  Make sure that 
you enclose all light bulbs, especially those in stalls - some horses like to
bite them (enclosures, too!).  Make there are no exposed bits of wire that 
carry current.  In the aisles, put the lights on the side walls, not above
where the horses will be standing, especially if your ceilings are within 
reach of a horse's head (and not just a horse standing on all 4's) 

Don't put the lights or switches where they can get wet, without properly 
protecting them.

Be careful of hay storage around electrical fixtures.

Make sure the wire you use is rated high enough for the current it will carry - 
better to overrate the wire than cut it too close.  

1667.4STUDIO::PELUSOPAINTS; color your corralWed Oct 14 1992 15:309
    The NEC (NAtional Electric Code) has strict requirements regarding
    the wiring of a barn.  The previous messages seemed to have covered
    all the basics.  Ask the electricial if he's wired barns before and is
    aware of all the code requirements.  Talk w/ the electrical inspector
    to be familiar with the requirements.
    
    Install fire protection (alarm/sprinklers...)
    
    Michele
1667.5Add GFI outletsTOLKIN::BENNETTWas that 'No Gnu Taxes?'Wed Oct 14 1992 20:097
    These are good suggestions - and you might want to install GFI
    outlets also - to cut power if a short occurs.  The glass and metal
    barn lights are wonderful - we just installed 3 of them.  
    
    Good luck,
    
    	JB
1667.6my 2 centsMTWASH::DOUGLASThu Oct 15 1992 15:1817
    My .02 cents.
    
    Never use INDOOR extension cords in a barn which is subject to 
    cold temps. Always use extension cords that are U/L listed as
    OUTDOOR cords. This can cause a fire, maybe someone can give more
    info on this??
    
    Although cobwebs are our friends because they catch flies, etc.,
    they are a fire hazard because a short in any wiring  or a hot light
    bulb can ignite them. This alone doesn't make a big blaze, but the
    little flicker it sends to a bale of hay could become a fire.
    
    I know these suggestions sound silly, but I actually read them 
    somewhere.
	
    t.
    
1667.7fire extinguisherMTWASH::DOUGLASThu Oct 15 1992 15:2513
    also.........
    
    You can take every precaution in the world, BUT, sometimes accidents
    happen anyway. So it is best to arm yourself. Sometimes you can 
    stop a small fire from spreading with the proper tools. 
    
    Keep a large fire extinguisher in the barn in an easily 
    accessable place. Make sure it is always charged (full) and 
    have someone show you how to properly use it. Also, know what
    types of fires it can and cannot be used on.
    
    t