Every year, an average of 62 people working on farms are electrocuted when farm machines touch overhead power lines. Equipment hitting overhead power lines or running into power poles are one of our most common outage causes each year in the spring and fall seasons.
New Equipment? Measure Clearance
Make sure you have at least 10 feet between power lines and any equipment. Keep in mind that uneven ground and shifting soil conditions could put you in harm’s way.
Use a Spotter
When working in the vicinity of power lines, always have a spotter on the ground who can direct you away from power lines or poles if you are getting too close.
Train Others
Train anyone working on your farm, including family members and seasonal workers, about electrical hazards and where power lines are located near any field.
See Something? Say Something
Unfortunately, we don’t have eyes on all 4100+ miles of power lines at all times. An overhead power line is supposed to be at least 18 feet from the ground. If you can see a line you think maybe hanging lower than 18 feet, call us right away.
Getting a New Grain Bin?
Contact us to ensure it is located a safe distance from overhead power lines.
Midland Power may refuse service to any grain bin built near an existing electric line that does not provide clearances as required by the 2002 National Electric Safety Code and adopted by the Iowa Utilities Board.
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 that 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)
Midland Power 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.
The State of Iowa Requires Specific Clearances
The state requires specific clearances around grain bins, with different standards for those filled by portable and permanent augers, conveyors, and elevators.
Questions? Give us a call at (800) 833-8876.