- Heated troughs and water buckets are commonly used to keep horses hydrated during winter - Safety risks associated with these products are often overlooked - It is important to have an electrician inspect the barn's electrical system before using heated troughs and buckets - Following the manufacturer's installation instructions is crucial - Heaters in plastic troughs need to be caged to prevent melting and potential fires - Grounding the trough can prevent horses from being shocked while drinking - It is recommended to protect electrical cords from horses by using PVC, anti-chew springs, or other materials - Heated water buckets and trough heaters should be plugged into GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets to reduce the risk of shocks - Extension cords should not be used with these products - Heavy-duty cords built for outdoor use and the electrical load should be used if cords are necessary