Siting Grain Bins

Proper siting of grains bins can reduce the risk of accidental contact between power lines and such tall farm equipment as augers, elevators, or grain probes. In addition to safety considerations, the National Electrical Safety Code specifies line clearance requirements for grain bins. The accompanying diagrams help illustrate the clearances.

The first gives the minimum distances that a variety of grain bin sizes should be placed away from a typical power line having a vertical clearance of 18.5 fee and a phase-to-ground voltage between 750v and 22,000v.

Height of Grain Storage Structure		D = Minimum Distance From Line to Bin Well
15 feet		55.5 feet
20		68
25		80.5
30		93
35		105.5
40		118
50		143
60		168
70		193
80		218

The second diagram show a simple example of a 35-foot-tall grain bin, which must be at least 105.5 feet from a power line.

Contact Bruce Hoehne at the SCPPD office (locally at 402-439-2228 or toll-free long-distance at 877-439-2228) if you have questions or if you are planning a new bin.