Safe Clearance
Accidents can happen in a split-second. During the last several years, more than two dozen deaths and serious injuries have occurred on Iowa farms, when grain augers have come in contact with overhead power lines. If you are planning to build a new grain bin (or move an existing one) at your farm, contact Guthrie County REC immediately. The staff will provide assistance in planning a safe environment for you and your family.
Iowa law requires specific clearances for electric lines around grain bins, with different standards for those filled by portable augers, conveyors and elevators and permanent equipment. In fact, according to the Iowa Electric Safety Code found in Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 199 -- 25.2(3) b. An electric utility may refuse to provide electric service to any grain bin built near an existing electric line which does not provide the clearances required by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)C2-2017 “National Electrical Safety Code,” Rule 234F. This paragraph “b” shall apply only to grain bins loaded by portable augers, conveyors or elevators and built after September 9, 1992, or to grain bins loaded by permanently installed augers, conveyors, or elevator systems installed after December 24, 1997.
This language has been adopted by the Iowa Utilities Board. Guthrie County REC is required by the Iowa Utilities Board to provide this annual notice to farmers, farm lenders, grain bin merchants and city and county zoning officials. If you have any questions concerning these clearance regulations – or what needs to be done before you begin placing a new grain bin or moving an existing one – please call Guthrie County REC for help. A larger and printable PDF file can be viewed by clicking the image below.
