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Grain Bin Regulations

Before you start to plan for a new grain bin, please contact Linn County REC. Linn County REC and Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) will provide assistance in planning 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.

Electric wires should be at least 15 feet from the non-loading side of the grain bin; at least 18 feet from the highest filling or probing port on the bin; and a clearance of at least the bin height plus 18 feet from the loading side of the grain bin. Electric service cannot be provided to a grain bin installation that does not meet these clearances.

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) C2-1997 “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 September 9, 1992, or to grain bins loaded by permanently installed augers, conveyors or elevators built after December 24, 1997.

To promote safety, it is also suggested that you post signs indicating “loading” and “non-loading” sides of the bin. Linn County REC has warning decals that can be used to alert others around grain bins.

If the electric wires around your existing or proposed grain bin do not meet the requirements shown in the diagrams below or if you have any questions, please contact our office.

Permanent Auger Requirements

Portable Auger Requirements

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Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative | PO Box 69 | 5695 REC Drive | Marion, IA 52302-0069 | 319.377.1587 or 800.332.5420