Stray Current Management
Stray currents are usually associated with the rail industries, and can be more expansively described as electrical current which do not follow the intended path. When electrical current follows the intended path it is unlikely to cause any problems or interference, beyond, perhaps, power supply surges. Effectively stray currents are electrical charges leaking into the ground. Direct Current (DC), which is usually used in rail projects, has the potential to migrate substantial distances (in some recorded instances a number of kilometres) within the strata of the earth, which in itself is not a hazard. The hazard of stray currents emerges whenever this rogue DC charge comes into contact with anything metallic, whereupon it will begin the corrosion process. If stray current damage is not detected promptly the corrosion can advance to a devastating level where metallic elements are entirely destroyed. When we consider the potential for ‘anything metallic’ within the earth corroding and deteriorating what is actually likely to be damaged? Whilst they are less common, any remaining metallic services can corrode, but the main concerns are structural foundations, reinforcing, and in some instances underground data cables (this does not apply to fibre-optic cabling).
The FM Sudafix Group has been involved in an array of projects providing stray current management solutions. If the issue of stray current is addressed proactively there is no reason why they should occur, and if they do they can be managed to avoid any adverse effect on surrounding metallic elements.
If you have any concerns about stray current management please get in touch.
