Grain Bin Planning

When you start to plan for a new grain bin, please contact Consumers Energy. The cooperative will provide assistance in planning for a safe environment for everyone working and living around grain bins.  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.

See the below drawing of the specific clearances required for both scenarios. If you have any questions concerning the drawings, please contact Consumers Energy

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)C2-2007 “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) 

Clearance Envelope for Grain Bins Filled by

Portable Augers, Conveyors, or Elevators

Source:  National Electrical Safety Code, C2-2007, page 120

Clearances Envelope for Grain Bins Filled by

Permanently Installed Augers, Conveyors, or Elevators

Source:  National Electrical Safety Code, C2-2007, page 120

Drawings reprinted with permission from IEEE Std. 2007, “National Electrical Safety Code.” ©Copyright by IEEE; all rights reserved.  The IEEE disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting from the placement and use in the described manner.