In you are planning to build a new grain bin on your farm (or move an existing bin), please contact your local Touchstone Energy Cooperative to help you in making sure it is located a safe distance from overhead power lines. They will provide the assistance you need for a safe environment for those living and working on your property.
Your electric cooperative may refuse service to any grain bin built near an existing electric line that does not provide clearances required by the 2002 National Electric Safety Code and adopted by the Iowa Utilities Board.
The state of Iowa requires specific clearances for electric lines around grain bins, with different standards for those filled by portable and permanent augers, conveyors and elevators.
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)C2-2002 “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 elevators built after December 24, 1997. (As adopted by the Iowa Utilities Board)
The cooperative 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 clearance regulations, please call your local electric cooperative.
For clearances, see the
Iowa Utility Board's grain bin diagram.
Contact your REC for more specific information.