Barn Safety for Alpaca Owners: Part 2 of 3 — Electrical Safety

Part 2 of 3

Electricity plays a critical role in barn operations, but when combined with metal fencing, stall bars, pens, and water, it creates a serious risk of electrocution, injury, or fire for both alpacas and people. This article outlines practical risk-mitigation steps alpaca owners can take to significantly reduce electrical hazards in and around the barn.

Install GFCI Protection

Ensure all electrical outlets in and around the barn are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs compare outgoing and returning electrical current and automatically shut down the circuit if an imbalance is detected.

GFCI protection can be added to existing unprotected circuits. Have an experienced electrician perform this work.

Protect Permanent Wiring

Enclose permanent wiring in appropriately sized metal conduit. Exposed wiring attracts damage from livestock and wildlife, increasing the risk of fire and shock.

Manage Temporary Electrical Cords

Keep temporary cords, including extension cords and fan power cords, out of reach of alpacas. Consider installing outlets above stalls for fans and cameras.

When temporary cords must be used, protect them with PVC pipe or dense foam tubing to prevent chewing and damage.

Remove Damaged Equipment

Discard frayed power cords immediately if the inner wiring or metal is exposed.

If an electrical device trips a GFCI twice or shocks an animal or person, remove it from service immediately, cut off the power cord to prevent accidental reuse, and discard it.

If alpacas significantly reduce water consumption or appear reluctant to drink from a heated bucket or tank, replace the unit with a different heater. If normal water intake resumes, assume the original unit had an electrical fault and discard it.

Install Lightning Protection

Install a professionally designed lightning protection system appropriate for livestock facilities. Lightning can injure animals and people through direct strikes, side flashes, or ground current.

Lightning protection systems use devices such as lightning rods to attract strikes and safely channel energy into the ground away from buildings and occupants. Hire an experienced and reputable installer, and ensure designers understand where animals typically shelter during storms to reduce risk.

Use Caution With Electric Fencing

If electric fencing is used, particularly with AC-powered chargers, test the fence regularly using an electric fence tester. Do not test electric fencing manually.

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Part One outlines practical fire safety measures for alpaca barns.

Part Three highlights common sources of cuts and punctures and how to prevent them.