Grain Bin Clearances

When you start planning for a new grain bin, please contact your electric cooperative. Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric 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 drawing of the specific clearances (PDF) required for both scenarios. If you have any questions concerning the drawings, please contact your electric cooperative.

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) C2-2012 "National Electric 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).

Nishnabotna Valley 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.

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If you have any questions concerning clearance regulations, please call Nishnabotna Valley REC at 712-75-2166.