Stray and contact voltage an update on IEEE PES P1695 Working Group activities

In March of 2006 an IEEE Power and Energy Society Working Group, sponsored by the Transmission & Distribution Committee and attached to its Distribution Subcommittee, received approval to begin work on a “Trial Use Guide for Assessing Voltages at Publicly and Privately Accessible Locations”. When complete the “Guide” will address the normal and abnormal voltages that exist at accessible locations as a result of the delivery and use of electrical energy (i.e. stray and contact voltage). It is intended to help dispel misinformation and enhance public safety. This paper will discuss Working Group activities to date including the approach taken, working definitions being used, and difficult questions being raised.