Electric Delivery Service
Grain Bin Safety
When you start to plan for a new grain bin, let the professionals at Consumers
Energy help you. Consumers Energy's staff will assist you 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.
The drawings show specific clearances required for both scenarios. If you
have any questions concerning the drawings, please contact Paul
Sams at psams@consumersenergy.coop.
According to the Iowa Electric Saftey 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
line which does not provide the clearances required by The American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) C2-1997 "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 Sept. 9,1992., or to grain bins loaded by permanently
installed augers, conveyors or elevators built after Dec. 24, 1997. (As adopted by the Iowa Utilities boards).
Drawings reprinted with permission from IEEE std. 2002, "National Electrical
Saftey Code." ©Copyright by IEEE; all rights reserved. The IEEE disclains
any responsibility or liability resulting from the placement and use in the
described manner.
Illustration refers to the loading side of a grain bin. In addition, power lines must be at least 18 feet above the tops of new grain bins. Contact Consumers Engergy before moving or building a new bin to ensure you meet National Electric Safety Code requirements.
Clearance Envelope for Grain Bins Filled by Permanently Installed
Augers, Conveyors, or Elevators
View diagram below in PDF format. 
Clearance Envelope for Grain Bins Filled by Portable Augers, Conveyors, or Elevators
View diagram below in PDF format.
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