Rural Electricity Resource Council

Anyone planning the electrical system for a new farm structure, or upgrading an existing building should find the Agricultural Wiring Handbook to be a valuable reference and time-saver. Before purchasing any wiring components or installing circuits, consider the following:

The National Electrical Code requires the use of special electrical panels, receptacle boxes, switch enclosures and lighting fixtures in some farm buildings, which can resist dust and corrosive elements.
On a 15 amp circuit, no more than 10 receptacle outlets can be installed.
The type of electrical cable required in farm buildings (particularly livestock barns) is different than common cable used to wire homes.
If the wire size selected for long circuit runs is too small, voltage can drop 5% causing a 25% increase in motor heating, and shortened life.
The type of electrical service chosen for animal buildings (4-wire service) can greatly reduce the risk of stray voltage.

The Handbook describes the wiring materials and methods needed in many types of farm buildings, including farm shops, machinery storage buildings, cattle barns, poultry houses and swine facilities. Other chapters cover motor circuit requirements, standby generators, grounding procedures, and different service entrance and meter pole configurations. Useful illustrations in nearly every chapter help clarify key concepts.

The new 15th edition of the Handbook includes the latest requirements of the National Electrical Code. If a building is not wired according to Code requirements, it can be costly for the owner as corrections and rewiring will be needed.

The 118-page Agricultural Wiring Handbook is available for $21.75 (with discounts for colleges and quantity orders). Click on the shopping cart tab above, or call us Mon.-Fri. by 4:30 PM. Eastern time at (937) 383-0001 to order.