HOUSING
PIH-110
pork industry handbook
PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Electrical Wiring for Swine Buildings
Authors:
Eldridge R. Collins, Jr., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Gerald R. Bodman, University of Nebraska
LaVerne E. Stetson, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, Nebraska
Reviewers:
R.F. Espenschied, University of Illinois
Larry D. Jacobson, University of Minnesota
Vernon M. Meyer, Iowa State University
Proper design and installation of swine facility electrical systems is crucial to using electricity efficiently, providing safety for workers and animals, and minimizing potential fire loss. A majority of all farm fire losses are related to electrical system failure (Figure 1). Many wiring practices that are acceptable for use in our homes are unsafe when used in livestock housing because of exposure to dust, moisture, corrosive gases, and physical damage. Inferior wiring causes hazardous conditions for livestock and humans, expense of early rewiring of many buildings, and possible fires. The losses from burning of even a fully insured building can be disastrous; there may be months of production loss before new buildings can be constructed and animals phased back into production, and years of genetic herd improvement can be forever lost. Even when fires do not occur, poor wiring may contribute to higher maintenance costs because of overheated motors and equipment and can result in costly failures. The mere fact that a system “works” doesn’t speak for its safety. Special wiring methods and components are needed for swine structures.
The guidelines given in this fact sheet will aid you in evaluating potential wiring problems in an existing swine building, or in ensuring that a new building is wired to reduce danger of wiring failure and fire loss. This leaflet does not provide all information necessary to properly design and install an electrical wiring system, nor does it describe all specialty devices, mechanical protection, and special requirements for feed handling and grain storage facilities with severe dust problems. For these you should consult with a qualified electrician having training, experience, and knowledge of the National Electrical Code® (NEC) as well as understanding of importance of following accepted proper wiring practices. Assistance is often available from your power supplier in planning and installing the distribution system to your building. By being familiar with some of the special problems and requirements of swine buildings, you can better advise your electrician how you want your building wired; and, you will be able to assure that the job is done so that it will stand up to the harsh swine building environment. Some companies will not insure buildings wired by older commonly-used methods. Check with your insurance company before beginning construction to determine their requirements.

WIRING STANDARDS
The standard for electrical work in the United States is the National Electrical Code® published by the National Fire Protection Association. The NEC is a guide to selection and safe installation of proper materials. The NEC has become law in many states, but there is often limited inspection or enforcement in rural areas. In other states, agricultural structures are exempted from national, state, or local codes, so NEC practices are often not followed. Nevertheless, the NEC provides a minimum standard (Article 547) for wiring swine buildings or other damp corrosive environments. Good practices often go beyond the bare minimum of the NEC to minimize fire hazards and reduce future maintenance problems. Because of the potential impact a fire loss can have on your total swine enter-
Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. H. A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an affirmative action equal opportunity institution.